Before being recruited to the UC Academy, Vong was a cargo hauler who learned to fly on space trucks. After some talented escapes, Vong was recruited by the UC.
He made a name for himself hunting Crimson Fleet pirates before being recruited to be a test pilot for Project Archangel, stationed on starstation SY-920. While on SY-920, Vong and three other pilots worked on prototypes for the United Colonies including the ComSpike. His time on the team came to an end when he was unable to perform a test flight due to being drunk on smuggled booze. One of his fellow pilots covered for him and was killed when the engine caught fire as part of the test.
Vong feels responsible for the death of that pilot and believes that he should have been thrown 'in the brig' for his actions, rather than being permitted to continue flying the prototypes. Due to his poor mental state after the incident, Commander Natara of SY-920 requested he be transferred to SysDef.[1]
Dialogue[]
Show: First Encounter
"I don't know about you."
What do you mean by that?"People who work undercover, they're sneaky by nature. Hard to read. When I fly, I want someone beside me who I can predict. Boxes by the Marquess of Queensberry rules. But you, you're a southpaw. A wild card."
I'll earn your trust in time."You might. But we aren't at that point yet. And right now, I have my reservations that we'll ever get there."
That's understandable. I'm new here.
"Eh, that isn't it. We've got plenty of green pilots, picked ripe from the Academy. But yours happened to come from a different farm. Vanguard."
"Eh, that isn't it. We've got plenty of fresh faces, picked ripe from the Academy. But yours happened to come from a different farm. The prison one, if we're being honest."
You don't know me.
"No, I don't. But you're Vanguard, right? Not exactly one of us. Volunteer forces don't get the strictest background check. Who knows what kind of mischief you get up to in your spare time."
"No, I don't. But I do know the previous occupants of that interrogation chair you were sitting in. Not good people, to say the least. I think one of them even strangled a man -- with his teeth."
"But if Commander Ikande says you're SysDef, then you are one of us. For now."
Are you a pilot?"You guessed it. In fact, I'd say you've got what linguistic experts call FOGO. A firm grasp of the obvious. But I'm not just any pilot. I'm the best. And I've got the kills to prove it."
Glad to have you on my side."You got some set of manners, kid. The Fleet are gonna eat you up."
I don't just grasp the obvious. I have it in a choke hold."Don't squeeze too hard, newbie, someone might mistake it for sarcasm."
I bet I could fly circles around you."I like your confidence. And there's always room in the squad for another apex predator. Just be sure you know whose side you're on."
[Space Scoundrel] You can't be the best if I'm the best."On that we agree. I guess we'll have to test that theory out someday, hot shot."
How did you get involved with SysDef?"Long story. I got my start in the Academy, and made a name for myself hunting the Crimson Fleet. I eventually got recruited to do test flights on a starstation orbiting Luyten's Rock. That's where me and three other "archangel" pilots did work on some extremely dangerous prototypes. But I called in a few favors, and got back home with SysDef. Someone with my talents needs to be here, where the action is."
Where did you learn to fly?"I cut my teeth on space trucks, believe it or not. Before I got my stripes I was just another cargo hauler, trying to earn an honest wage. But after a couple slick escapes, I got recruited to the Academy, and went from dodging pirates to hunting them. Thing is, some of my best tricks were with a big rig. Ever try a pitchback with a HopeTech truck, with two Fleet Wraiths on your tail? Compared to that, doing it with a military fighter is a piece of cake."
"Try not to forget who you are, okay? It'd break the Commander's heart to have to hunt you down."
Are you coming for the assault on the battery?"That's right, Renegade. Looks like I'll be your wingman for the attack on Battery Alpha. I've heard you got some moves. I'm looking forward to seeing your bird in action."
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After defeating the Fleet:
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"You know, I had my doubts about you. Vanguard, volunteer force -- figured you for a tourist."
"You know, I had my doubts about you. Once a criminal, always a criminal, you know how it is."
"But then I asked myself, as spectacular as I am -- can I do, what you do? And the answer was an emphatic "no." See, I'm a great shooter, but a straight shooter. And that wasn't going to win this war. What we needed was someone standing on their side, with a boomerang gun. We needed someone whose bullets curved."
Bullets don't curve, dumbass."Tell that to the pirates you shot in the face. Because if I didn't know better, they thought you were pointing the gun at moi."
It was an ordeal. I still feel guilty about the whole thing."It was us or them, kiddo. Hopefully you don't feel guilty about letting ME live. If so, I'd suggest skipping the second thoughts and heading straight for third. If nothing else, it's closer to home."
They never saw it coming."No ride like a blindside, that's what I say."
"Anyway, you got a date with the Commander. I figure he'll sprain something trying to pin the medals on your chest. But in all honesty, you deserve it."
"Anyway, heard you talked to Ikande already. Bet he sprained something trying to pin the candy on your chest. But honestly, you deserve it."
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If approached again:
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"We sent those Fleet pirates packing, didn't we?"
What's next for you now that the Fleet is done?"The Commander will probably want me chasing down stragglers. We'll see. For now, I'd say we've all earned a little R&R. You especially."
"Stay frosty."
Quotes[]
"Mole."
"Renegade."
"See ya."
"Later gator."
"So long."
"Ikande's on level two. Try not to touch anything until he actually clears you." -During "Deep Cover"
"You're the top gun on this ship. After what you've done, I have no qualms relinquishing the title." -After beating the Crimson Fleet
"You saved the day, Renegade. Gonna be one hell of a party in your honor." -After beating the Crimson Fleet
