MK-09

MK-09, better known as Emkay by those who dealt with him, was a heavily modified maintenance droid. He was owned by the Azzameen family during the Galactic Civil War and before. He often accompanied Ace Azzameen during the latter's life, acting as a receiver for different assignments given by Tomaas Azzameen, Ace's father.

The droid also flew as copilot for Ace during different shipping runs. Emkay was specially modified to fly the family's YT-1300 freighters, the Selu and Sabra, as well as the more advanced YT-2000 freighter Otana. He could also single-handedly fly the large starships.

MK-09 was considered a very aggressive but friendly droid, with a sense for adventure and excitement. He often considered basic cargo inspections as boring. Emkay suggested to both Ace, his sister Aeron Azzameen, and brother Emon Azzameen that they join the Rebellion, which they eventually did.

Early life
It is unknown how Emkay came into the company of the Azzameen family; however, it is known that sometime after the Battle of Yavin, he served mainly under Ace Azzameen.

MK-09 was an instrumental part of Ace Azzameen's training and later in his service to the Azzameen's company, Twin Suns Transport Services.

Into the action
The droid flew as copilot for Ace's first official delivery, where the two, along with Ace's sister Aeron, encountered the Viraxo, a rival transport company, attacking Harlequin Station. The two ships chased off the attackers, which led to friction between the two companies. Later, MK flew as the main pilot for Ace's gunnery combat training with Ace's brother Emon Azzameen. He was present when Ace and his sister discovered that the was planting spice in cargo canisters belonging to the Azzameens and their company.

Later, Aeron and Emon created a plan to frame the rival Viraxo and destroy the company's credibility with the Empire by planting the spice-filled container in a Viraxo supply yard. MK-09 flew as co-pilot to Ace in the Sabra, while Emon flew in his personal Firespray-class starship, the Andrasta. Aeron had flown ahead of the group in her YT-1300, the Selu, whose registration had been alter and the ship renamed as the "Venix" to hide its true nature as an Azzameen ship. MK oversaw both the plan as a whole as well as Ace's efforts in aiding hold off enemy fighters.

Unfortunately, the plan backfired. The container of spice had been dropped off successfully - however, Aeron's ship was disabled by the protecting Viraxo forces, who positively identified the Selu as a hostile. During a slighly angry exchange between brother and sister, MK-09 attempted to act as an intercessor, to no avail. Aeron was forced to abandon her ship and be lifted by brother Emon, and MK and Ace were left behind to destroy the evidence of the freighter. The two managed to destroy the vessel before the Imperial fleet, scheduled to warp into the system soon after the "success" of the mission, arrived.

On the run
Later, Tomaas Azzameen decided to aid the Rebel Alliance in transporting goods and bacta to a medical facility. Tomaas and Galin Azzameen, another of Ace's siblings, traveled in a GR-75 medium transport named the Vasudra along with Emon, Ace and MK-09, flying cover, and ambushed a pirate convoy supplied with the bacta intended for the facility; however, a surprise counter-ambush caused Ace and copilot Emkay, along with Emon, to chase off or destroy the invaders. The pirate frigate holding the bacta, End Run, surrendered after the display caused by three and transfered their cargo. The success led the Azzameens to the medical facility, which soon after came under Imperial attack. Ace and Emkay successfully defended against the invading forces, allowing the station to evacuate. Unfortunately, the Vasudra was destroyed in the raid, presumably with Tomaas and Galin onboard.

This attempt to aid the Alliance to Restore the Republic, along with the attack on the Viraxo, backfired even more than the Azzameens had initially suspected. A joint strike by both Imperial and Viraxo forces caused the Azzameen family to scramble from their home base rapidly, as the Imperial forces, led by Garreth Holtz in the Imperial Star Destroyer Corrupter, overran the family home. Emkay assisted in the evacuation of the system, flying co-pilot once again to Ace, as the pair left the hangar and, along with Aeron, left the system and met with the rest of the fleeing staff at Twin Suns Transport Services, the main base of Azzameen company operation. The Imperials arrived soon after, and the pair of Ace and MK held of the invaders long enough for the rest of the evacuation process to finish, after which they escaped into hyperspace.

Joining the Alliance to Restore the Republic
Ace made contact with Rebel trainers and enlisted in the Alliance naval forces. Ace was allowed to bring MK-09, the Sabra, and the family YT-2000 transport, the Otana, onto his new home. Stationed aboard the Defiance, Emkay was resigned to keeping track of Ace's kills and adventures from Ace's bunkroom. He would often station himself just outside Ace's door, to alert Ace to different e-mails recieved, as well as family business to attend to.

Characteristics
MK-09 was a brown two-tracked droid. His single photoreceptor was mounted atop a trapezoidal head. This head could swivel along its connection point at its body. The neck could also extend to closely view objects or increase his height. Between the torso and lower track platform, the droid could swivel 360 degrees. Two basic manipulators located at the tips of the flanking arms were modified to provide MK-09 with the ability to pilot a number of craft.

A holoprojector was located on the droid's midsection to display Ace's objectives in various family-related assignments.

Personality


Emkay was a brash, headstrong droid. While co-piloting with Ace, the droid often looked to engage in a dogfight. He also expressed enjoyment when in battle. Those who were familiar with MK often suggested toning down his aggression circuits; however, such modifications never took place as the roughish droid exhibited the same tones of aggression.

Even with the aggression shown towards enemies, MK-09 showed kindness and understanding to those near him. On more than one occasion, Emkay acted as a mediator between his owner's children. However, these attempts were often rebutted back at the droid and met with failure. The droid also attempted to liven grave situations with a witty statement or question; more than once this was also met with friendly hostility.

While under the care of Ace Azzameen, MK-09 would inform Ace of different missions and assignments available to him. He also managed Ace's e-mail service&mdash;which he frequently snooped in, though with good intentions&mdash;as well as notified Ace of different trinkets and medals Ace received in his adventures.

MK regarded normal affairs, such as deliveries and cargo inspections, as mundane and boring. However, he still performed his duties with accuracy and a sense of duty. During these runs, he would often utilize small-talk to "encourage" the Azzameens to join the Alliance. Eventually his suggestions were observed.

Behind the scenes
MK-09 was voice-acted by Daniel Hagen in X-wing Alliance.

X-wing Alliance is the only medium that MK-09 is mentioned in or referenced to. The same is true for his droid series. Whether or not he is a custom built maintenance droid, or if he was upgraded by his owners, is unknown.

MK-09 has an in-flight engine polygon model, exiting to space in several missions. However, he is still seen seated in the cockpit next to the pilot's seat if the player steers the view.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance