Background
Since before he can remember Clad loved to fly.
Growing up aboard a large space station he and his adoptive family lived a small dorm that was lucky enough to have a view of the outside. Young Clad would gaze at the stars for hours just hoping to see the odd asteroid or starship.
Life aboard his vessel was mundane and borning. Young Clad, the only Chiss onboard, was forced to help keep level 8 of the station free of debris and dirt. Several other youths also shared this duty and the dream to take to the infinite space.
One day Clad saw his chance. A courier arrived with a shipment for the station and Clad was able to sneak aboard. Once found as a stow way he was detained and place into conscripted military service. What he believed would be his end turned into his golden opportunity to learn how to fly fight, and travel the galaxy.
For 5 years(?) Clad served until one day he came across the very courier responsible for his detainment. After a brief "negotiation" Clad had his position as pilot aboard the very ship he tried his initial escape on.
For more than 5 years Clad and the crew he served with had good times, laughs, and credits. Until the Empire.
On a routine mission, their craft was boarded and the group was detained or worse. Clad has no idea what happened to the rest of his crew or the ship he once called home.
Clad was only able to escape by making a deal with a high ranking Imperial officer to whom he promised a horrible favour...
Clad now looks for any work he can get to find information on his missing crewmates, and prepare for his inevitable act for the Imperial Officer.
Motivation
Become the best pilot ever.
Find his missing crewmates.
Get freedom from the empire.