[FANFIC]: RASSM Fanfic Challenge #1138
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
(i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
(ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
Wars...
(iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
What follows is nothing more than a quick-and-dirty intimation of the
possibilities:
***
Starkiller and Skywalker
***
Annakin the Starkiller was lord over Tatooine.
The Starkiller came to Tatooine from the stars. He was of the blood of
the Jedi, and he took power by storm. His fortress was in Espa, his
captains were in Anchorhead and Tosche and Eisley, and he built forts
in the Jundland and in the Dune Sea, and in the Deep Sand beyond
Carkoon. And through fear of the Starkiller and his soldiers, there
was no war in Tatooine.
But his rule was harsh, because he accepted no dissent, and he
demanded a price for peace, which was a new thing, and many refused to
pay it. So his soldiers destroyed their vaporators, and their
sandcrawlers, and drove the Tuskens, who owe no man anything, into
Berg Jundland.
But many in Eisley and Espa, both humans and aliens, would not pay the
peace-price that the Starkiller demanded. And he put captains over
them, and made them his slaves. And they called him Starkiller, or the
Dark Lord, because he imprisoned them in barracks, and they could not
see the sky.
The Starkiller's father was Cos of Coruscant, whose father was
Annakin, whose father was Ulf, whose father was Rannulf, whose father
was Tarkin, whose father was Thracken, whose father was Solo, the
first Jedi.
***
But one day, a man walked of the White Desert, where Sump Lars is now,
and he had hair the colour of the sand, and eyes the colour of the
sky, and no-one knew where he had come from, or where he was going.
And he had one hand cut off.
The Jawas of the Cheek Clan met this man walking out of the White
Desert, while they were scavenging there, and some said: "The man is a
thief. Let the man walk on!"
But others said: "If the man is a thief, he has stolen from the
Starkiller, our enemy."
And they remebered the Law of the Jawa, and they brought him to their
camp, in Beggar's Canyon, and there, they gave him water for his
thirst, and they bound his wound with a cloth that had been soaked in
bacta.
And because of what had happened at the edge of the White Sand, the
Law of the Jawa was written, that it should be saved, and not
forgotten.
***
The man made himself a robot-hand, and made a lightsaber, because he
was a Jedi. He knew many useful things about the making and repairing
of machines, and they called him Skywalker, because he had walked out
of the White Desert, where only the hot wind and the gaze of the sun
and starlight go. And Ikki son of Ikki son of Ikki son of Ikki son of
F'tang son of Zoo'Boing, was Chief of the Cheek Clan then, and he
asked the Skywalker whether he would stay with them.
Skywalker was silent for a moment.
Then he said: "There are three soft tastes that I remember. The soft
taste of water, which is clear and cool, and the soft taste of fruit,
which is sugar and velvet, and the soft taste of a girl's lips, which
is better than both. And I would taste these things again."
And Ikki son of Ikki was silent, because he knew that these things
were hard for a man to be without, once he had tasted them.
But when Skywalker was about to leave, a tribe of Tuskens attacked the
camp. Skywalker drew his lightsaber, and called out a challenge to the
Tusken chieftain, whose name was Rurr'urRR'ru'uur'RRru, and they
fought. And Rurr'urRR'ru'uur'RRru was a warrior, and he had killed a
Krayt in the Berg Jundland. But the Starkiller, with his lightsaber,
cut the blade of his gaderraffi in two, and opened his robe from belt
to shoulder-strap, and he fell, and stained the sand.
And Orruu'Ur'rru'Rrr, the Tusken, said: "All men hated
Rurr'urRR'ru'uur'RRru, as all men hate Starkiller, but they feared
him, and did not fight him. Skywalker did not fear
Rurr'urRR'ru'uur'RRru, but he fought him. So he will fight Starkiller,
and I will fight with him."
And the tribe that had been led by Rurr'urRR'ru'uurRRru made Skywalker
their chieftain, and they drove Starkiller's soldiers from the
Jundland, and the soldiers retreated inside their forts. But Skywalker
besieged and destroyed their forts. And in the Dune Sea also, they hid
inside their forts for fear of him. And many Tuskens joined him.
***
And the men of Eisley hated Starkiller, so when they heard of
Skywalker, they sent ambassadors to him.
And they asked him why he fought the Starkiller, and he said: "There
are three soft touches that I remmeber. The soft touch of the cool air
around me in the throne-room of a palace, and the soft touch of
Ithorian silk about me, and the soft touch of a girl's skin beneath
me. And I would touch these things again."
And they said to him: "If you become lord over Eisley, then we will
build you a palace with a throne-room in it, and we will give you our
silks and our daughters to furnish it, to sway in the cool breezes."
And the Skywalker smiled, and said: "I will not become lord over
Eisley. But I will protect Eisley, and if Starkiller's soldiers lift
their blades against you, then I will lead my army from the desert
into Eisley, and drive them out."
And the Starkiller's captains and soldiers, those of them who were in
Eisley, heard this, and left Eisley in fear, and they went to the
Starkiller, and told him what had happened.
And the captains and soldiers went into the fortress in Espa, and saw
the Starkiller. The Starkiller wore dark armour, as black as midnight,
and a breath-mask like the skull of a Noghri, even there, because he
had a scar on his face. And the throne-room was hung with silks, and
there were bowls with cool water in them, and fruit that tasted of
sugar and velvet.
But the Starkiller stood on a dais, proud and all alone, except for a
girl at his feet with a gold chain around her neck, to show that he
was lord of Tatooine. And the girl's name was Aricia. Or, as others
say, there were two girls, and one was Aricia, and one was Leia.
And the captains and the soldiers told the Starkiller what had
happened.
And the Starkiller said nothing, but sent them to see that their
weapons were keen, and summoned his captains and his soldiers from
Anchorhead and Tosche, and from the forts of the Jundland and the Dune
Sea, and they marched to Eisley, to battle.
And the army of the Starkiller wore armour the of colour bleached
bone, and the Starkiller wore armour as black as midnight. And the
army of the Skywalker wore robes the colour of sand and rock, and the
Skywalker the same. And the Starkiller stood on the cliff above
Eisley, that is called Haut Ben, and he watched as the Starkiller's
army came, under the shadow of a black cloud of dust.
And he said: "There are three pains that I remember. The pain of
bloody wounds, and the pain of bruised flesh, and the pain of loving a
girl. And I will feel those pains again."
Then he went to war.
***
And on the flats outside Eisley, in the place called Bas Gordon,
Skywalker fought the Starkiller. And with the Starkiller, there were
five legions, that is, the men of Espa and Anchorhead and Tatooine,
and the soldiers from the Jundland and the Dune Sea. And with the
Starkiller were three legions, Tuskens and Jawas and the men of
Eisley.
And the Skywalker said: "Yield the centre of the line, that the
Starkiller might advance too far, and be cut off, with the men of
Espa, and we might kill them."
But this order was misunderstood, or as others say, he gave no such
command, and the battle was long and hard, all day in the heat, in Bas
Gordon where the only shadows are those of circling carrion falcons,
and Skywalker's legions began to retreat. The Starkiller with his
soldiers, with the men of Espa, cut as far as where Skywalker was,
with Ekki son of Ekki and Orruu'Ur'rru'Rrr. And the Starkiller and the
Skywalker faced each other.
And the Starkiller said: "Men of Eisley! This man who you call
Skywalker is my son, the son of Starkiller. I cut off his hand to mark
him as a theif, because he siezed my palace, and slew my soldiers, and
seduced his own sister. And I left him in the White Desert, where
water and blood are steam in the burning air."
And the men of Eisley asked: "Is this true?"
And Skywalker told them: "It is."
A murmur ran through the ranks of Skywalker's army at this. But one of
them, whose name was Anslo, who had been Starkiller's slave in Eisley,
said: "Are we fighting for this Skywalker? We are fighting for
ourselves!"
And he shot the Starkiller, and the Dark Lord fell, with red blood on
the black lacquer of his cuirass, and the soldiers who were nearest
dragged him away. When his army saw this, they gave a great groan like
one man wounded, and fled Bas Gordon.
And Skywalker's army saw that the field was theirs, and many of them
left Bas Gordon, because the army of the Starkiller was broken, and
they plundered the forts that Starkiller had built, and laid them
siege, and destroyed them all. And they are desolate to this day. And
then then they turned - or rather, returned - to plundering each
other.
***
But Skywalker, with Ekki the Short and Orruu'Ur'rru'Rrr the Tall,
reached Espa, and they went into the fortress, into the throne-room,
and took off their breath-masks. And they saw the bowls with fruit and
water, and they saw the hangings of Ithorian silk, and they saw the
girl on the dais, with red hair and green eyes glinting, and a gold
chain around her neck. And they realised that she had seduced her
brother.
And Skywalker said: "This is Aricia. She is mine. But the rest is
yours. Orruu'Ur'Rrr, you will eat the fruit which tastes of sugar and
velvet. Ekki, you will take the Ithorian silk, and sell it for a
mindless price. And both of you will drink the cool, clear water of
Espa, and no more wear your breath-masks."
And the Skywalker, that is, the son of Starkiller, and the daughter of
Starkiller, that is, Aricia, built a spaceship, and they left
Tatooine, going back to the stars.
But others say that the Starkiller had fled to the stars, and with him
the men of Espa, and his daughter. And because of the wound, which the
Starkiller had been given at Bas Gordon, those who were with him wore
red armour from then on, and his daughter's hair became red-gold. And
they say that Skywalker was lord of Tatooine, and his fortress was in
Espa, and he was in the throne-room, in the cool air of the evening,
wearing silks and eating fruit and drinking the clean water of Espa.
But he could not be satisfied, and left Tatooine in a spaceship, with
a few warriors.
And some say that the Starkiller's solders were the fathers of the
Chiss and the Corellians and the Men of the Remnant, and the
Skywalker's warriors were the fathers of the Hapans and the Men of
Coruscant.
But no-one knows for sure what happened after that.
Rimrunner
>
>(i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
>implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
-g,
and do i have to use that biblical 'and...and...but...and...'?
--
WORDS FOR SALE: http://www.drizzle.com/~rimrun/words.html
"An artist's expression is his soul made apparent." -- Bruce Lee
Tucci
>Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Sean Walsh
news:b0714bad.02021...@posting.google.com...
> Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
>
> Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>
> (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
DAMN! So no Quantum Piett for my submission..... :p
> (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> Wars...
>
> (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
>
Interesting. If I can find the time, I'll write something up...
Sean
:)
--
New Gods Library: http://fastbak.tripod.com
Quantum Piett! http://www.geocities.com/quantumpiett/
My latest eBay auctions: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/slwalsh/
Rimrunner
'kay.
-g,
now all i need's more hours in the day
ObeeKris
> On 12 Feb 2002 10:20:27 -0800, Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> <policr...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >(i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> >implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>
> -g,
> and do i have to use that biblical 'and...and...but...and...'?
That's 2 questions.
Galaxy Far Far Away.
Ummmm, Rim, how long have you been in the newsgroup? :)
ObeeKris
Yeah, does if have to sound like it should be in the Bible??
Rimrunner
>rim...@NOSPAMdrizzle.com (Rimrunner) wrote:
>>
>> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>
>Ummmm, Rim, how long have you been in the newsgroup? :)
Long enough to experience memory loss.
-g,
now get outta here afore i whack you with my cane, sonny
Tucci
>On 12 Feb 2002 14:25:14 -0800, ObeeKris <obee...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>rim...@NOSPAMdrizzle.com (Rimrunner) wrote:
>>> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>>Galaxy Far Far Away.
>>Ummmm, Rim, how long have you been in the newsgroup? :)
>Long enough to experience memory loss.
I don't remember having any memory loss...
Jostein Hakestad
>
>
> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>
Grown From Fertilized Apples.
--
Jostein H
Wes Hutchings
is strictly illusion
> Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
>
> Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>
> (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> Wars...
>
> (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
Not sure if mine qualifies or not, but I already have it written, so here
goes.
Criticism accepted and expected.
The title is A Storied Past
wes
It has been a very long and difficult journey for me.
When I first felt the disturbance in the Force my instructors wouldn't
listen to me. They assured me that yes, these were indeed troubled times
with all the wars going on, but that I need not concern myself with that. We
were safe here on Coruscant. The Temple had never been violated and never
would be as long as the Jedi existed.
I felt shame and relief for what I did that day. I packed my belongings and
requested a leave to a far away system, Yavin. The fourth planet has a great
deal of history to the Jedi. I felt it would make a good compromise between
a hideout and a destination unlikely to arouse suspicion.
Little did I know how close I came to death. While my ship was in transit I
heard the first cries for help. Ignoring them was one of the hardest things
I've ever done.
I heard the cries of the children in the Temple and the futile attempts of
the adults and instructors to stop the killing. I recognized many of the
voices as they cried out. How could I not after spending 15 years of my life
there?
In morbid fascination I listened for the voices I knew so well. To see if
they would cry out and be extinguished. I was not disappointed. Nearly every
voice I'd ever heard cried out. I discounted those I did not hear as being
Jedi away on missions. I hoped that they like myself had escaped what I
learned later was to be called the Purge.
A thing brought about by two people I had met. One a few years older than
myself who I had considered a friend Anakin Skywalker. He was always kind to
me whenever I saw him at the Temple.
The other person always left me cold, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. His
build up of troops for a galactic military always rubbed me the wrong way,
but not many people within the Temple listen to young Jedi.
When I arrived on Yavin IV my first thought was for hiding. Did they know I
was out here? Would I be worth their notice? I decided my best course of
action was to cut myself off from the rest of the galaxy, faking my death in
case anyone arrived here seeking my ship.
I grabbed anything of use I could find from the ship while still making it
serviceable for flight. I recorded an emergency distress call, then
programmed a course, which would take it near an inhabited system, crash and
blow the wreckage up. Hopefully leaving no usable trace.
If I were successful, no one would think to note the discrepancies in my
flight time or pay much attention to direction.
Apparently I was fortunate. I spent the next few years adjusting to my new
home, honing my skills and feeling the Force as those of the light continued
to cry out in anguish. While those of the Dark grew in power.
There was something about this place which allowed me access to
understanding the dark in a way I'd never known possible.
I was still frightened by the prospect of slipping to the darkside, but
there was a consciousness here that was of the Dark. I felt its presence
over the years. It hungered to be free. But it had been alone with it's own
thoughts for so long that it could no longer hide itself in the way of it's
other dark brethren.
I learned to take advantage of its hunger and use it's powers to help me
learn more of the galaxy.
With it's help I watched the fall of Anakin Skywalker at the victorious
hands of Master Kenobi. I saw this as a victory. Then I learned I was
mistaken. It was only a new beginning. That my friend Anakin was truly dead
and his replacement Darth Vader was a force for evil the likes of which I
had never seen before nor learned of in my studies at the temple.
He became the disciple of Emperor Palpatine. The man I had questioned the
motives of for so many years as a simple child.
Being able to use the darkforce entity here on Yavin IV I was able to hide
my identity from them, they never knew anyone watched them so closely or
understood their motives so well.
I used my knowledge to drive my studies. I pushed myself to limits I'd
never dreamed of before. I gave myself willingly body and soul over to the
lightsides power. As the years past I grew comfortable in the jungles. The
predators of this world were to be taken seriously by anyone, even a Jedi,
but living with them everyday, the problems were dealt with more as a matter
or reflex than of conscious thought.
Over the years I grew stronger in body and mind. I sought out new
challenges. I found many of the old temples constructed here by past Jedi
and Sith whom had made this moon my choice of hideaway.
I spent my time cleaning them, preparing them for a day when they could be
used again.
I watched the Rebellion grow to power. When I could I gave help in the way
of a mental nudge. Most victories were small and only helped the cause a
little bit. But two of them I am most proud of.
I helped nudge the spies to the place that allowed the Death Star plans to
reach the Alliance. It was a simple matter really. They were already spying,
it was simply a matter of getting them to go to the right place and listen
in on the right frequencies.
When the plans came into the Ambassadors possession I felt a strangeness to
her. One I'd not felt in decades. There was something about her, which
reminded me of a long lost friend, but I could not get beyond that feeling.
When I sensed Vader following her I knew something must be done before he
captured them. I searched her memories and found Master Kenobi, General
Kenobi to her.
I had not thought to look for other Jedi. I was convinced the Purge had
succeeded.
Putting my every effort into it I managed to redirect her thoughts to Master
Kenobi. She ordered the jump almost immediately.
I continued to follow her progress from afar. She was soon captured but
with the necessary nudges she found a way to send the plans to Master
Kenobi. The next few days were very tense for me. I had been spending so
much time trying to further the Alliances cause that their landing fleets on
Yavin IV caught me by surprise.
People, here. For the first time in nearly a generation.
What to do? Should I join their cause for real or remain in the shadows? In
which way could I do the most good? I'd know a solitary existence for so
long that nothing else seemed to make sense.
I would bide my time. See what occurred.
That is when I felt him, Luke Skywalker. All these years hidden away on
Tattooine. A force of unbelievable potential. His comparison to his father
was remarkable. The power, the exuberance was all there as I recalled it
watching Anakin as we both grew up.
My goal now is clear.......
How could I best serve the Alliance? I have spent over 20 years alone here.
Living, training, watching from afar a galaxy of which I was no longer a
part. I see Luke a young, strong mind. I watch his sadness as he sees those
as the only family he knows, die.
I watch the conflict between he and Master Kenobi. He is no longer a young
man. I am nearly as old now, as he was the last time we saw one another at
the academy. He walking side by side with his young padawan. I wish I could
have those days back.
With the Alliance fleet landing as I watch. I give little nudges to their
scouting crew. I can't get them all, but I only need one or two, to direct
them to the temple. It's a large complex, well covered by the jungle, but
I've kept the interior cleared over the years, along with the others.
At first they are suspicious. Wondering why these things are so prepared,
so clean for them. They perform scan after scan to try and find a trap that
doesn't exist. Finally satisfied they land and organize. It doesn't take
them long to set up their base. They move so swiftly, always ready to break
and run. I've watched them from afar for years, but this is my first
encounter with them so close.
They're established by the time Master Kenobi and the young Skywalker begin
their journey across Tatooine.
Then a long silent enemy shows himself again. As if awakening from a deep
sleep the Emperor flexes his mind. Reaching out into the void, he learns of
his apprentice零 failure at acquiring the lost data. In a fit of rage he
does what all men of power do when things go wrong. He lashes out at those
targets, nearest and easiest to hit.
He appears before the Galactic Senate. He informs them that their services
will no longer be required. At first there is outrage, but as Stormtroopers
fill the chamber, weapons drawn. Silence finally prevails and now powerless
men run for homes.
It becomes increasingly clear to me that the galaxy is a much more
dangerous place than I left it. I don't wish to remain stranded here, but I
also do not wish to go out into it, only to die. I can't let fear rule me.
I've spent my life alone here for so long I can not let fear control it now;
after all I've gone through to survive thus far.
I pull my mind back unto myself, to focus on the now. I must let Master
Kenobi do his job, while I concentrate on mine. I begin searching the base.
Looking for ships, on the fringe of the base. Something that can leave
largely unnoticed for a long enough period of time for me to make my escape.
I find a small shuttle at the edge of the clearing. It is obscured by
larger craft in and around the temple entrance. I see a few guards, but none
are looking this direction. All of them watch the sky.
The shuttle is open. How fortunate. I go on board with what few possessions
I can not leave behind. My lightsabre, cared for and cleaned these many
years, but without power for over a decade. I hope it will still function.
My books, mostly historical. Keeping them in one piece in this jungle was
trying, but worth the effort. A journal, I only had the one and it was
filled in the first three years of my............vacation. The last two
items I made myself over the years. I began them early on realizing the
lightsabre would not serve me forever, but I still must practice.
They are a matched set of blades. Made from metal. They hardly compare with
a lightsabre, but they were made to suit my need for training, not to fight
against lightsabres.
The handles are 33 centimeters. The blades are 96 centimeters in length. An
equilateral triangle at the base 3 centimeters to a side and tapering to a
point along it's length.
I made them painstakingly by hand. The handles were easy to shape from parts
I had salvaged from the ship. I simply spent months grinding them with
stones. They were a soft metal, like my lightsabre.
The blades were another matter entirely. For these I had to create a forge.
I spent months designing it. Trying out and discarding designs. Once
complete I discovered I simply could not generate enough heat to melt the
metal. At best I could soften it enough to shape a little with the hammer I
had made from a piece of metal ore I found on the planet.
So I spent 3 years building these two blades. I would spend 10 hours a day
on the task. The rest of my time I trained my mind. Felt the galaxy around
me and worked to survive in this jungle all around me.
The time spent honing the blades cost me many cuts. The edges I ended up
with were worth each one. The pride in accomplishment was so much more than
I had felt while constructing my first lightsabre.
I wished to test them. I was still young at this time, nearly 19. I found
myself doing foolish things at first. I would go out at night and tempt the
beasts of the jungle.
This was my darkest time.
One night, while I the young fool was 'playing' with his blades, I chanced
upon a number of what were called simply nightbeasts. I had encountered them
before singly, coming near my camp.
Foolishly when one comes towards me I prepare for a fight, the one to my
right nearly catches me by surprise. I still have the scar across my
shoulder where the flesh was scraped to bare bone.
Once I realize matters are serious I begin in earnest to dispatch the
creatures. The first two go fairly quickly. I feel my right side weakening
and attempt to withdraw.
That is when the others arrive, four more in all. I sense around me,
searching for more. All of them are within my vision in front of me; I back
myself to a tree. The blade in right hand is slow to respond. I bring it to
the guard position, preparing to attack primarily with my left, 'weak' hand.
The first rushes me coming in low on my right side, I bring the blade into
a locked forward position as I bring the left down on the creatures head
when it comes within range. It thrashes about as it drops to the ground. I
almost lose the right blade. My body is in agony trying to fight.
Next two come at me on my weak side, the last coming around to my left.
They come in slower this time, keeping their distance, judging my range.
As one, they attack me, the one on my left side rushing in high, the two on
my right, one coming high, one low.
Spinning I turn facing the tree, left blade going for the low attacker,
piercing the throat, right blade slashing at the face of a slightly slower
attack from my other side. He hesitates long enough for me to take his
balance and compromise it by force pushing him down as I jump away from the
tree. The one with the throat wound is thrashing on the ground, the one
knocked to the ground is rising and the one who was coming in high on my
left is changing his direction towards me again. Standing my ground I
advance towards him first, slashing left to right, in an overhand cut,
towards the inside. He screams as his guts spill to the jungle floor. I turn
to the last attacker. He's in mid air, coming down at me. I try to step
aside, barely able to get out of the way as he comes crashing down on me.
Tearing pain going through the right shoulder as his claws dig in as he
lands on me. Inside the length of my reach I don't have enough leverage to
cut or thrust with any power. I punch with the left blade handle as I kick
with my left foot.
As he comes off of me, blood dripping down my right side I try to rise, my
right arm useless. I roll away from it and get to my knees then my feet,
anger coursing through me I slam the creature against a tree. I hear his
bones crunch. Standing, bleeding, ready to scream in pain and yell in anger.
I realize I've gone too far. I'm approaching the dark path. The one I
worried over all the years of my life. The one my instructors warned me of
since I was old enough to understand words.
I dropped the blades and ran. Eventually I found my way to the home I had
built. Panting in the doorway, trying to regain my bearings. Then I
remembered the wound on my shoulder. Afraid to look down, but knowing I
must. The front was three neat little holes. I could probably get to heal
without too much effort. Then looking over to the backside of my shoulder. I
saw bone, sinew, gleaming white in the light of the gas giants glow. The
skin hanging in several shredded flaps.
It took me 6 hours to do the basic cleaning and dressing of my wounds. I
didn't use stitches, partly because I couldn't bear to use a needle in my
skin, but mostly because I knew the wounds would heal better if I simply
kept them clean and the edges held together.
I spent that first morning double checking my lightsabre. It would still
serve me well for a few more years, but I wanted to be sure after my
'mistake' last night. Letting the Force guide me I searched for leaves and
herbs, which would be helpful to me in my time of healing.
It was three months before I could depend on my right arm again.
During that time I swore I would never have a 'weak' arm again. I took the
time to bring my left within the same range of skill as my right had been.
When I'd made the two blades I was still thinking in terms of attack and
defense being slaved to one arm or the other depending on need. I could no
longer afford that luxury.
I went out and recovered the two blades. After a few months in the jungle
they had suffered some oxidation and pitting of the metal. I spent a few
hours of each day returning them to their former condition. All the while
telling myself. These things helped lead you towards the darkside. That is
within you now. You must either accept it or overcome it. Run in fear or
fight for what you know to be right.
I chose to fight. I increased my training. Each day I would begin and end
with meditation. After morning meditation I would spar with ghosts. I would
fight amongst the trees. I would pick one hand to fight with one day and the
other the next, until it didn't matter which I used. Then I worked in
earnest to use them both.
At the end of each days training I gathered food and other supplies before
eating, the evenings meditation and then sleep.
Over time I learned to face the night again, with two blades.
Coming back to myself now I placed the blades on the deck next to my other
belongings. I checked the night to see if I had attracted anyones attention.
I had not.
I brought the engines online to begin their warm-up cycle. I chose a slow
cycle to attract less attention. While it progressed I found a power outlet
and adapter for my sabre. I plugged it in and waited for it and the engines
to signal they were ready. When they were I sensed into the night for
sentries. There were two on the other side of the clearing. One seemed to be
listening for a new sound. Drive hum. He called in to ask if anyone was
firing up a ship, was told they were not. He must be hearing the generators
they told him. I pressed that thought over and over again in his mind until
he answered back that they must be right.
I taxied the ship farther away, slowly, keeping to the trees and cover of
the ships. Slowly I rose above the treeline, barely skimming the top as I
slowly opened the drives. Listening for pursuit or even interest, there was
none.
Once I'd cleared the horizon I entered space.
I was off of Yavin IV for the first time in over 20 years. Free from a
jungle that had been my one constant companion. Leaving behind the dark
entity that had helped me all those years. I no longer needed his help to
find the people I needed to. They were well known to me by now. They would
never be able to hide from me no matter how hard they tried.
Now I must decide on my next destination. I had decided to help the
Alliance. I wanted to help young Skywalker, but I would leave that task to
Master Kenobi.
There was trouble reverberating through the galaxy. A storm was coming the
likes of which I had not seen since the Purge. I must prepare myself. I must
be ready when it comes.
Now I needed to find a destination. Knowing the galaxy was fully under
control of the Empire I thought it best to skirt the more populated systems
and stick to the sticks as it were. My first stop was Ithor. A system
similar in many ways to Yavin. Possessing vast jungles kept in a wild state
by the planets people, the Ithorians. Commonly referred to as the
Hammerheads, they kept their planet in a natural state. I recalled them from
my studies, years ago at the Academy.
It was a short jump from Yavin and the system had no love for the Empire or
it's view of how the galaxy should be.
I landed near a large settlement, on the outskirts. My approach was noted
and I was met by a party of Ithorians. They were not happy to see me. It
seems I had done some damage to the foliage in landing my craft. I attempted
to speak with them, but I do not understand Ithorian. I paid attention the
best I could and apologized profusely for spoiling their garden, such as it
was.
After trying various hand gestures I was able to communicate to them some
of my basic needs. Food, water, clothing.
These they hurried to give me once they saw I had a means of paying. It
wasn't much really. Simply little fragments of gold and some semi-precious
uncut gemstones I'd found in my years on Yavin IV. Worth little to me at
present, but thankfully they possessed value here.
Once I had purchased supplies I was encouraged to leave. I had hoped to try
further communication. I had not realized how truly lonely I had become over
the years, but they insisted and no one could understand me well enough for
me to tell them that all I sought was news of the Empire. To help me fill in
the gaps in my knowledge of my years of wandering through peoples minds from
afar.
Once in space again I needed a new destination. I could think of none so
began searching the star charts for nearby systems.
Ord Mantell? No, I'd rather not go there.
Myrkyr? No, there was something simply wrong about that planet, as if it did
not belong.
Anobis? I knew nothing of the system, too risky.
Then I saw it, Alderaan, a system friendly to the Alliance and not too far
away. I set my course and began the jump.
It was interesting to look upon a planet without dense jungles. So pleasant
to contemplate. As I prepared to enter the atmosphere, something attracted
my attention. I could feel tens of thousands of new lifeforms suddenly
appear. A ship entering from hyperspace? What ship could be that big?
Perhaps it was a fleet? Any fleet that large had to be Imperial. I left
orbit immediately, from the far side of the planet. Keeping my ship out of
view of whatever Imperial problem had come my way. Were they searching for
me? Did I somehow fail in covering my tracks and the Emperor or Vader knew
of me and my whereabouts? I could not sense the Emperors presence, but I
did sense Vaders. With him was the very familiar woman he had captured over
Tattooine. Apparently he had brought her to this fleet.
Again, I find myself running from problems. I hope the people of Alderaan
are safe. After all at worst the Empire could simply occupy their planet.
Occupations can end. They will be safe.
These were the thoughts I comforted myself with as I left Alderaan.
Looking for a new place to run to.
That is when I felt it. The Princess, Leia, crying out. Such a strong and
vibrant mind. Such potential.......then I felt it. The life force of the
entire planet of Alderaan. Snuffed out like a candle, mere fractions of a
second later the shockwave hit my ship and sent it reeling through space out
of control. Fighting frantically to regain control the spin became worse. I
realized that I needed to calm myself, slow bursts of the control thrusters.
I gradually managed slowing the spin and regaining control of my ship. Once
stabilized I assessed the damage to my ship. It was still whole and
functioning, but it needed help and soon.
I looked for a nearby system, seeking blind in the night. It was then that
I again felt the Imperial fleet and noted my original error. It was one
vast ship. A marble of dull grey metal floating in space. It appeared to be
huge. I tried to estimate it's size without instruments and guessed it was
between 100 and 150 kilometers in diameter.
Little by little it hit me. This had flown through hyperspace. This had
destroyed a planet. This had literally hundreds of thousands of men on
board. Not the initial tens of thousands I had felt.
This was the Death Star. How could I have missed it after only days ago
helping the Rebels steal the plans? Simple, I had not considered the
consequences of the plans. Where were they now? Leia had them over Tattooine
Headless of the consequences I searched the ship. I passed over Leia.
Grieving for her people. Vader, my long lost friend, no more. I went from
scientists to technicians to commanders.
That is when I found him. Grand Moff Tarkin. I've rarely encountered so
sadistic and calculating a mind in my life. He had potential. It is indeed
fortunate no Jedi ever bothered to show it to him. Here was the man who had
destroyed a world with his creation.
I do not have the time or the resources to deal with him now. First to find
a place to repair my ship, then find a way to help the Alliance.
I find a nearby system, which would be ideal for my ships, repairs except
for one thing. The Empire runs it. The planet Kuat, home of the Kuat Drive
Yards. I don't really have a choice. I set a course and make the short jump
to Kuat. Once in orbit I am immediately challenged by Imperial Security. I
tell them I have a damaged vessel and request landing instructions to a
repair facility for my ship. There is a great deal of debate as to whether I
may be allowed to land at all, then they insist on searching or seizing my
ship. I accept the search, telling them I will be glad to allow it.
Finally they give me docking coordinates and allow me to land. I am met by
a squad of stormtroopers and a commanding officer of a rank I do not
recognize. He informs me I must step aside and allow my ship to be searched.
I agree telling him " Of course you may search my ship. There is only the
repairs of concern.". He then obediently turns to the lead Stormtrooper and
tells him
" We need only concern ourselves with his repairs. You men are dismissed."
as he waves them away. I tell him " If the repairs are not possible, you
will of course help me another way.". He again obediently responds in the
affirmative.
To think I was afraid of being around Imperials. I should have gone after
Tarkin while I had the chance. Fortunately they were able to make repairs
without much trouble. The officer was falling over himself to please me. I
nearly was given a Nebulon B Frigate. Fortunately he understood I could not
pilot it myself and settled for supplying me with faster drives and a
systems upgrade of my navi-computer. With all current Imperial worlds
listed. My job had just become easier.
I left the system and decided to test my luck in getting onboard the Death
Star. I was a little late for that. During my jump I felt someone die.
Master Kenobi. Was all lost now? Who would train young Skywalker? As I left
hyperspace I saw a ship leaving one of the docking bays. In pursuit were 4
TIE fighters. My first thought was to assist the ship, but then I sensed
Tarkin on the Death Star. He was watching in interest. There was no concern
about the TIEs succeeding or failing. Only a sense of anticipation for the
ship to escape. I could feel Leia onboard the escaping ship. With her was
young Luke. The two so similar. What was it about them, which made them so
familiar?
It was then they escaped and made the jump to hyperspace. I was preparing
to resume my course of action and dispatch Tarkin. At the instant the ship
had left for it's jump, Tarkin made clear his intent. They were tracking the
ship.
They would be lead to the base. The place I'd left only a few short days
ago suddenly became the most important place to get to. I set my course and
hoped I could reach Yavin IV before the Empire could.
I set my course for Yavin IV. I needed to warn the Alliance that the Empire
was being lead right to them. I considered how to warn them as I traveled
through hyperspace. The hours seemed to last forever. When I arrived in
system, I noticed a great deal of comm traffic. They were preparing a
counterattack against the Death Star. Apparently my warning was unnecessary.
I floated in orbit behind the gas giant, away from Yavin IV.
Perhaps there was still a chance for me to attack Tarkin when the Death
Star arrived in system? Certainly there would be risk involved. They would
be arriving in system under battle conditions and wary of almost any strange
ship. I quickly discarded the idea as not only risky, but worthlessly
stupid. There had to be a way to help them in this victory but I couldn't
see it yet.
I considered going to Yavin IV and offering my services in training young
Skywalker. I really must discover his name one-day. As my thoughts wandered
to thinking of how to begin his training I heard a voice, whispering one
word. The word was "no". The source was unclear, fuzzy. I tried locating it
and could only get a general direction. Could it be another Jedi? I wondered
who it could be.
I watched as the Death Star entered the system. I wondered at the mind,
which could conceive of such a weapon. I reminded myself of Tarkin and his
willingness to use it. I wondered about the Emperor on Coruscant and
whether or not this signaled an awakening from his long sleep. Mostly I
wondered what I could do to help the Alliance in this dire moment of its
struggle.
I noted ships leaving Yavin IV. Fighters, X-Wings and Y-Wings. Skywalker
was amongst them. As they approached the Death Star another ship left Yavin
IV.
The one which had helped in their escape from the Death Star earlier. The
feelings of the pilot and co-pilot were mixed.
One felt they were running away, while the other felt the same, but tried
to hide it. I played on his doubt. Made him worry about the people he was
leaving behind. His fear of fighting against such odds was keeping him from
being the hero he so wanted to be. I delayed him enough for him to forestall
his jump to hyperspace. He sat and watched the battle, paying closer
attention, telling his co-pilot that Luke would be all right. I finally had
a name for young Skywalker. His confidence slowly evaporating as ship after
ship was destroyed by TIE fighters.
Finally, able to hold back no longer he began his approach of the Death
Star. Having no idea of his goal other than to in someway support his
friend. He watched ship after ship explode in flames. As he came closer he
switched guns on, tracking the TIEs in pursuit of the last fighter.
In the trench on the last run. Monitoring communications he noted it was his
friend Luke. He fired, hitting one of the three fighters. I played off the
fear of the other TIE pilot, who tried to avoid what he felt was a bolt
meant for him. Colliding with Vaders ship. A Father chasing his Son. I
wondered if he knew. Luke, now clear for his shot, took it and ran for
home.
With the destruction of the Death Star and Tarkin, I felt a sense of
accomplishment for the Rebellion, but a loss for myself at missing my
chance. I thought again of training Luke to be the Jedi his father had once
been. That was when I again heard the voice telling me "no".
I noted Vaders departure from the system. I considered following and
dispatching him.
I was again told "no".
I decided I needed to discover the source of the voice. I was answered with
"yes". I tried to find a direction in which it seemed to emanate.
It seemed to be coming from a section of space containing the planet
Eriadu, in the Seswenna sector. My new star charts listed it, as an
industrial hub controlled by Grand Moff Tarkin (not anymore). I wondered at
the coincidence, was it some form of trap? Had the Moff been working with
Force-Users against the Emperors wishes? I thought that unlikely. Who would
there be to train them anyway?
When I arrived in system, I searched again for the source of the voice. It
continued calling to me "yes...closer" Trying to get another fix I chose the
planet Bpfassh. Upon arrival I discovered a rather strange planetary system.
A very complex motion of a dual planet system and its moons, but it was
clearly not my destination as there was not even a flicker of interest in
the Force here.
Taking another search found a nearby system called Dagobah. The charts
listed it as entirely primitive, an unpopulated world with only primitive
native life present. The answer came quickly " Yes, found me you have. Come
to me you must. Listen to me you shall.". Master Yoda?
I set the course for the final leg of my journey. Arriving in the system I
found a mist covered jungle planet. Like Yavin in a few superficial ways but
much more active with malevolent lifeforms. I searched for Yoda and he
guided me to him. Coming through the foliage was difficult but manageable. I
found myself in a narrow clearing within view of a small mud hut. I powered
down the ship and disembarked.
Waiting in the doorway was Master Yoda. The years seemed to have changed
him in little ways. But then how much could they really change a creature
over 800 years old?
"Inside you will come. Listen to me you must." I followed him into his
small home. I was barely able to fit inside his doorway and found it
necessary to crawl on hands and knees. " Sit...sit." I obeyed him and waited
for him to begin.
" Klen Har Kwain, for many years had I watched you. Dead I thought you
were, with the others. Bright pupil were you. Saw the trouble you did.
Listened to you, your Master did not." I sat in silence, eyes downcast,
listening to my far distant past as it came alive for me again through Yodas
words. "Yes Master Yoda, I could not stand there only to die. I had to
escape." I looked up into his eyes, beseeching him to say something,
anything that would make my decades of guilt all right. He looked back at
me, a frown on his face. " Fault you I can not for your choice to live. Your
fear is of concern.... This is why you must not train Skywalker. "
I sat in silence a moment, pondering his words " If not me, then who?
Master Kenobi is dead and can not continue his training. I have studied for
many years to be a Jedi. I can not allow it to all go to waste. I must do
something." Yoda looked at me, shaking his head in concern. Leaning on his
cane he turned and walked away, into another room of his home. When he
returned he carried in his other hand a diminutive lightsabre. He sat down
in a small chair and began dusting it with a rag; he blew some dust off of
it, which started him coughing.
" Many years have I kept this. Function it does not. No longer am I a Jedi
who fights. I am a Jedi who waits. I wait for the student who will seek me.
That student, you are not. "
"But Master Yoda, why am I not? What is wrong with me? I have spent most
of my life learning to be a Jedi. I have trained many years at the Temple,
then many more on my own. While it was true I was once impetuous, I have
grown older and wiser in my years alone.". Sighing Yoda begins to put away
the sabre." I can recharge that for you if you wish?" turning he points his
cane at me and says" That is why you must not train Skywalker. Always ready
to fight. Enough of that has he already. No more does he need."
Properly chastised by Master Yoda I sit in silence as he returns his sabre
to his room. As he slowly returns to his chair I ask him " What then should
I do? I want to help the Alliance in this struggle against the Empire. What
should I do? " As Yoda sat in thought he turned to me and said " Know of you
the Emperor does not. Know of you Vader does not. Hidden you must stay from
them or ruin will you bring down on many. Stay with me for awhile as you
train. A Jedi Knight must you first become."
" But I thought I was a Jedi? I was well along in my studies as a Padawan.
I've spent over 20 years since then improving my skills. What more must I
learn?"
"Incomplete still are your skills. Hone them I will, temper you I must."
I accepted Master Yoda as my teacher. I felt foolish to be playing the
student again at my age, but it is difficult to argue with 800 years of
training and skill. He was pleased at my skills and surprised at my
abilities, but he also felt I had many lessons to unlearn before I could be
anything but a Padawan in his eyes. I spent nearly a year training with
master Yoda. During which time he and I would watch the progress in the
galaxy made by the Alliance and also the more vigilant pursuit by the
Empire.
Yoda watched Luke from afar, as did I. Yoda deciding the time was not yet
right. Master Kenobi came to visit us from time to time, always speaking
with Yoda and asking if it was time yet to send Luke to him. Yoda insisted
he was not yet ready to learn.
Finally Master Yoda informed me his instruction of me was at an end. His
task for me was one of opportunities. I was to be a constant but unknown
thorn in the Empires side. He wished me to travel throughout the galaxy
striking blows in the name of the Alliance but never revealing myself as a
Jedi. I could not let it be known that a Jedi was running around or the
Emperor would clamp down even tighter on the systems trying to root the
enemy out. I must attack remote targets and flee before support or witnesses
could determine the cause. I was to be a one-man guerilla force for the
Alliance.
I once again looked forward to having a purpose in my life, a sense of
accomplishment. Now to pick my first target.
Having decided upon my mission. It was clear my best course of action would
not be in working with the Alliance, but in working in places in which the
Alliance did not have a presence. Hopefully taking pressure off of them and
keeping the Empire on their toes.
A large group is far easier to notice than one man.
Of course I couldn't simply attack on my own. As much as I wanted to be
like the Jedis I had heard stories of growing up within the Temples, I could
not afford to be that bold. I needed to recruit others to the Alliances
cause.
I chose to first go for out of the way systems, so if there were reprisals
they would be less severe since the Empire could not afford to spread it's
assets that thinly.
I chose the planet Garqi, in the Outer Rim, near Dantooine. It was an
agricultural world. Under control of the Empire, Imperial Governor Tadrin,
who spent much of his time elsewhere and thus, entrusted the security of the
planet to the military prefect Mosh Barris.
It is an uninteresting looking red and purple planet. According to the
Imperial charts, it exported to nearby planets in the system and possessed a
University. The university would be my first choice as a place to begin my
investigation into insurrection.
I landed out in the jungles. The planet, being sparsely populated was not
overly concerned by a single ship. The Imperial presence was weak at best.
The roving TIE patrols were easy enough to avoid, as they also were quite
sparse.
Once on the ground I outfitted myself externally to appear, as any common
man one would expect to see in a university, such as this system possessed.
As my mission was to accomplish my work for the Alliance while not revealing
myself as a Jedi it was important I not leave behind any telling clues.
Which meant I could not use my lightsabre, not where anyone could see it
used anyway. I was of course loathe to part with it entirely so I formed a
small holster to hold it in the small of my back, making it harder to gain
access to, but nonetheless still available to me should I absolutely need
it. My paired blades were another matter entirely. I could not simply walk
around with two rather large blades attached to my back, not in a place like
this at any rate. I had designed what I hoped was a workable solution. I had
created a hollow center section, which would act as a staff when each blade
was placed in either end. It still looked like a weapon, but people will
tolerate a staff when they would not tolerate a blaster or other much more
obvious weapon. To increase their acceptance I wore a hooded cloak and
walked partially stooped and walked with a noticeable limp. Just another old
man, wandering around the school.
My disguise in place, my ship hidden away, I began my trek into the
university. It was a largely uneventful journey. The planet was tame when
compared to where I had spent most of my life.
Once on the campus most people left me alone. I was just an old man walking
about and looking at things to all the youngsters there. I looked into the
course curriculum, not very interesting. Mostly dealing with agricultural
concerns. There were a few courses in higher mathematics and manufacturing
of vessel sub systems. Not really the type of thing I had expected from a
university important enough to be noted in the Imperial database. As I
wandered about the campus I was noted and mostly ignored by students as they
passed.
Once a woman came up to me and asked me if I were perhaps lost. I informed
her I was merely looking into education possibilities for my grandson. " I
don't believe you're old enough to have a grandson." She was polite in the
manner she said it, so I was unsure of how to act. I had not spoken to a
woman in years, not since I was a child. Unsure how to answer her and not
wanting to be rude I simply replied " Well that may be, but I'm still
looking into courses here. In particular I have some interest in high tech
courses dealing with shipbuilding. I don't see much available so far. Are
you a student here?" She smiled as she informed me " No, I'm an instructor.
I teach hyperdrive applications." She did not look old enough to have that
as a specialty, much less be teaching a course in the subject. " Do you work
with Imperial designs, only? " she was silent for a moment as she formulated
a response, I could see the matter gave her some concern, but she hid it
well. " A ship is a ship. Imperial designs tend to be more standardized
since they build so many more of them, but after so many years of hyperspace
travel the designs behind the drives has not changed overly much. Why are
you so interested in the subject?"
Smiling within the shadow of my cloak, I responded " I merely ask on
behalf of my grandson. It amazes me the things work at all. So fragile, I
half expect to see the ships blow up. " Delicately, I didn't wish to alarm
her, merely interest her. " So tell me, are they really that fragile or am I
merely a doddering old fool?" looking at the ground she said, " I don't
believe you're doddering at all, are you? "
"Whatever do you mean young lady?"
" I mean you're not fooling me with the old man routine. It might work on
the others, but I grew up around boys pulling pranks. Not sure what your
'prank' is though, but I do have my suspicions."
" Perhaps we shouldn't discuss this in the streets."
" I think you're right, 'old man'. "
We left the street, went into a small park on the other side of the
campus. She asked me if I were affiliated with certain non-Imperial groups.
Judging she was worth the risk I told her I was. We spoke conversationally
for a time. Just an old man and a woman, talking in the park. She was
interested in helping me with my plans. I informed her of the risks, but she
seemed to think they were no worse than living on an Imperial controlled
world and was eager to help.
Her best asset was her knowledge of ship design. She was able to help with
areas of sabotage which otherwise would not have occurred to me.
She also knew which students I should avoid and which might be interested in
joining the Alliance.
I learned her name was Keilla Corrum. She had been an instructor at the
school for a few years and most certainly knew her subject. She was nearly
my age and as time went on we found ourselves growing closer together, but
that is another matter.
Our first target would be the Imperial shipyard in Yaga Minor. It was
(relatively speaking) nearby to Garqi. Some time had passed since the
Alliance victory against the Empires Death Star. The Empire was regrouping
after that telling blow. We noted a lot of ship traffic leaving the area,
but no Imperial ships entering the vicinity. The place had become a market
for the Imperials need of ships.
There were still some ships in system, but not nearly as high a level as
were there prior to the destruction of the Death Star. We slipped in on the
far side of the planet from the ship building yards and flew in low until we
were just beyond the horizon. If we had planned correctly and been careful
on our approach, they would not be ready for us.
There were 9 of us, most were students of Keillas and had specialized in
hyperdrive design. They knew what could be done to render one inoperable.
Some of their ways were undetectable and would simply leave the ship without
a functional hyperdrive. Others would disable the drive in a rather
spectacular manner, by failing while in route. Literally tearing the ship
apart from stresses it would normally be protected from while returning from
hyperspace.
We brought only the tools necessary to carry out the necessary 'repairs'
to their drives. I had forgone my blades in favor of my lightsabre. Still
held in its sheath in the middle of my back. I hoped I wouldn't need it,
but could not leave without it. We traveled together in a single group. This
made it more likely we might be spotted, but if we were, we would most
likely be overlooked. We were all dressed as technicians, carrying our tools
and moving from ship to ship. Picking ones that were not already being
outfitted but had drives in place.
That night we finished 14 ships, we also lost 3 men.
It was all going so well that some of the students became a little lax in
their behavior. They had traveled off ahead to the next ship in the line,
when they came face to face with a crew of technicians. One in command was
calling over guards as I was leaving the previous ship. When the
Stormtroopers arrived on the scene I tried calming them as I slowly and
carefully approached the group. The three students had begun to worry, panic
clear on their faces. I tried to soothe them as well, get them to relax.
I was too late. He had panicked and struck out with a hydrospanner he was
carrying in his hand. The guard shot him at point blank range. Things had
gotten out of hand; all had been going so well. Everything slowed down for
me then. All the people were moving in slow motion as I speeded myself up to
clean this mess up as quickly as possible. As I moved in my lightsabre came
out and ignited. I sidestepped the first Stormtrooper as he turned to fire,
slicing off the arm, which held his blaster at mid forearm. The other four
Troopers, moving in to stop me, I continued moving to my right around them
as I accelerated my speed. I could see them, barely able to follow me as
they tried to lead me on a passing shot. They continued to miss me. They hit
4 more of the students, two died from those wounds. The others would live,
but only if I got them out of here. I was confident I could do so, but I
must succeed.
As I was dealing with the troopers, the officers began drawing weapons
they'd almost forgotten they carried. More trouble to deal with, more people
to kill. Moving in amongst them so as to hinder their fire I cut them to
pieces. Some, those suffering I dispatched as the battle ended.
The students were in a panic now. I calmed them, those that were left. We
did not have time to hike all the way back to the ship. We took our wounded
with us, stole an Imperial transport and flying low, and returned to our
ship.
Splitting into two teams we left in the same manner we had arrived, only
much more quickly. Keeping the planet between the base and us we set a
series of hyperspace jumps to three different locations before finally
returning home to Garqi. We hid both vessels where I had hidden my ship
before. It would not do to let the Imperials track us by them.
I would take care of the matter, but first we must see to the dead and
wounded. It was a cold process for the dead, we couldn't afford to let their
deaths be tracked back here, so friends in the schools administration
changed their records indicating transfers to other schools or returning to
a family farm. Whatever it took to hide the matter for now.
I calmed myself as we took care of the wounded. Trying to think of ways to
stop needing to kill people and have good people dying around me. No matter
where I turned I was forced into these types of choices or dying. I could
not simply blame the Empire though. Perhaps what I had done was brutal, but
it was nothing compared to what the Empire had done to Alderaan or countless
other worlds over the last 20 years.
Which was poor comfort to a Jedi trained to view life as sacred. I could
rationalize my choices all I liked, but in the end this would continue until
the Empire fell.
I must plan more carefully. Choose my compatriots more wisely
I had made a serious mistake in the use of my lightsabre on our mission. It
would be a telltale that would haunt us if I could not cover it up.
It would attract too much attention to us.
The Empire believed all the Jedi were dead.
I had to find a weapon which could leave a similar wound to a lightsabre
and leave it in place, and soon. Hopefully drawing suspicion away from the
idea that a Jedi was about in the Emperors galaxy.
I equipped one of my blades with a high-energy field. This enabled it to
still cut, but also leave a cauterized wound channel. I hated to lose one,
but could not manufacture a suitable alternative in time to remove
suspicion.
I chose to leave immediately, going on my own to the same base. There guard
would be up and they would likely be alert for anything, but I was
travelling alone and knew that I would have an excellent chance with only
myself to worry about.
Keilla was waiting for me as I left the students. The look in her eyes was
furious " What have you done? What are you? ". With a face cold and void of
expression I explained I was going to fix the error now. She was not having
any of it. " You know exactly what I mean. What ARE you? The students told
me how you killed those Imperials. I've not heard of anything like it. Not
since the time of the Republic, but then I was just a girl then."
" You are better off not knowing." anger in her eyes " Who are you to tell
me what is best for me? ".
She had a point, a good one. " I'll tell you, but please, not here. The
fewer people who know, the better. " Not at all happy with the matter but
willing to bide her time she assured me she was willing to listen.
" I am a Jedi Knight. I was only a teenager when the Purge began. I sensed
it coming and fled to save myself. I have lived until just over a year ago,
by myself on Yavins fourth moon. I grew up there and trained myself. I am
the only Jedi in the galaxy fighting for the Alliance. All the rest were
killed and if the Emperor discovers I exist he will not rest until I am dead
as well.
" She spent a long time in silent thought. When she finally looked at me
again she asked what I planned on doing. I informed her of my plan in
covering up the error at the ship facility. I needed to cover my tracks and
leave them a false set of clues.
" I hope you understand. If not then I can do my best to lead the Empire on
a merry chase in another direction. We were far enough away and took plenty
of precautions coming back that they shouldn't be able to track us back
here, but if such is your wish, I can go and take their interests with me. "
With that I stood to leave, only to find her grabbing my arm " Please don't
leave. " her eyes on the verge of tears. " I must, I can't let the Emperors
attention become focused on this part of the galaxy. It would only be a
matter of time before he locked down every planet in the sector in his
attempt to find me. " Grasping my arm harder as she said " No, you don't
understand. I don't want you to leave. I couldn't bear it if I lost you now.
I've grown...accustomed to your presence. "
That was when I finally understood her meaning. I had no experience in such
matters. I grew up so fast and on my own that there was never opportunity
for love and no one to feel it for me or me for them. " I'm sorry, I must do
this now. I will return as soon as I can, but this must be done and it must
be done soon, before suspicions focus the Emperors attentions in this
direction. " I turned to leave, looking back once again, trying to smile for
her. Knowing how weak it was even as I did it.
The flight back to the shipyard was of no importance. It all was just one
series of mechanical movements to get me to my destination. When I arrived
in system, there was much more comm traffic as well as ships flying patrols.
I tried to focus all my efforts on getting people to look the other way. To
not place any special interest on just another shuttle flying around,
nothing special, pay it no mind.
I was able to get in near to the shipyard. I chose another entrance,
farther away. I wanted them to feel that the attacker from earlier had never
left. Merely hidden out while biding his time. I'd left no witnesses last
time so no one could describe events of the previous assault. I wanted to
make this look like another such assault. I did not want them to think on
the reason for the attack, merely that there had been another attack. This
became more complicated the more I thought on the matter. What could I do to
make them look at anything but the hyperdrives?
The obvious answer was a more direct form of sabotage. So I had come
prepared with charges for destroying some ships on the pads. I chose empty
ship shells as being the best choice. Not very well guarded. The primary
component necessary for each ship. A simple target. One that the Empire
would expect to be hit as easier.
Sneaking in proved a little more difficult than last time as the number of
guards was far thicker than before. Moving from shadows and from ship to
ship, I managed to get farther into the facility, amongst the ship hulls.
I began placing charges carefully. I did not want to be discovered to soon.
After I finished placing the charges I needed to time an attack on guards
with the explosions. It was difficult waiting for the elements to arrive in
place. I couldn't believe that yet again I would find myself killing, so
soon after wishing I had not. Further evidence that Yoda was right about me.
Finally my moment arrived; a squad of Stormtroopers was leading a unit of
technicians off shift. I waited until they had walked along side my hiding
place then I jumped out to meet them. I tried to keep my attack such that I
could leave witnesses sure of what they'd seen, but I couldn't chance them
killing me in the attempt. I quickly dispatched over two thirds of them with
the blade, it was clear they'd never seen anything like it, I disarmed all
but one of the few remaining ones, before 'allowing' him to shoot the blade
from my hand. I feigned an injury before taking a blaster and shooting him
dead.
It was at that moment the explosions began to go off. In the confusion I
turned and ran. Hoping that enough of them would survive to spread the lie
they'd witness. That they'd just seen some Rebel with a different sort of
weapon, nothing special. Yes he killed a lot of our men, but only because he
surprised us. This is what I wanted them to say. This is what I needed them
to say. This is what I nudged a few of them into thinking.
Then I ran as fast as I could to escape before they could capture me. I
arranged my departure to be a little sloppier than my arrival. Let them
think their security was strong enough. I took some light damage from some
TIE fighters, but the shields held and I made my first jump to hyperspace,
then followed it with a series of others, each in a different direction,
confusing my trail and hopefully losing any pursuers. I waited for half a
day after my fifth jump. Just to be certain I wasn't followed. No pursuit
came, so I set course for Garqi.
When I arrived back Keilla was there to greet me. She came running up to my
ship as it landed and came in through the hatch as it opened. Rushing
towards me and wrapping her arms around me. " Don't ever do that again. "
she whispered.
Keilla was the beginning of the end for me. Being with her was making me
weak, when I needed to be at my best. I found it harder leaving her to go on
missions, growing closer as time past. It became harder to focus myself on
the goals I had set myself.
That is why I missed the arrival in system of Governor Tadrin.
I was away on a mission when he decided to come home and check up on his
planet. He had heard rumors concerning the university. It seems some of the
students had talked.
When I arrived back from my mission, they had already taken in people for
'questioning'. Among them Keilla and her students. My first knowledge of
this came in the form of a broadcast from the governors mansion.
He announced a list of Rebel sympathizers recently captured. I knew
everyone on the list. It was then that he announced me by way of description
and a drawn picture.
I left to pack my bags. That was when the Stormtroopers blew open my door.
I'd become sloppy and people were paying for my mistake. It was only fair I
pay as well. I'd come so far only to fail.
But not yet, igniting my sabre I leave the bedroom to meet them. I refuse
to let it end like this. For my friends, for Keilla to be the price of my
lax behavior. I destroyed the Stormtroopers as quickly as possible. More
awaited me outside, but I returned to my room to finish packing. I would
never see this place again, so I must think carefully.
Once backed I strapped my bag on and went to meet the rest of the troops.
They'd grown restless and come in to find their comrades dead. I killed them
as well. Life moved so quickly for me now. Running from one event to
another. I found myself in the Imperial shuttle they had come to take me
away in. I was looking out the window, watching my home burn. In the back of
my mind I recall thinking that should destroy the evidence.
Next I find myself talking my way through the governors security,
requesting landing instructions.
Once I had landed and I had opened the door with troops waiting to take the
'prisoner' into custody. My world came crashing back into focus. It was all
so clear to me now. My thoughts were like crystal. I moved forward on the
attack, side stepping blaster bolts and deflecting others in my rush to get
down the ramp, to break into the holding cells, to free my friends, to free
my love.
I would allow nothing to stand in my way. Imperials fell around me. I
gained entry to the holding cells and killed any that stood before me.
Once I freed the first, they freed others. All the while I asked where
Keilla was. None of them knew, they had been kept separate. I called out her
name, but in the din of the station alarms I could not hear her.
It was then I sensed her at the far end. Far removed from the others. I
rushed to her cell and freed her. We fell into one anothers arms. We cried,
we swore we would never leave one another again.
I cried out for everyone to hurry to the ship. We needed to make our
escape. As we loaded on board they again opened fire on us. I deflected the
blasts as before. Protecting us as I could. No one died though a few
sustained injuries. Once on board I activated the shields.
Taking off we found ourselves under fire from heavier gun emplacements
around the base. We didn't have the weaponry to silence them and every
moment we waited was another for them to bring ships to bear on us.
I was too late. TIE fighters approached from our right. There were three of
them. Weapons firing as I added strength to the shields on that side. I had
one of the students plot a random jump and a series of follow up jumps as
quickly as possible.
While they worked on that I worked on trying to lose the fighters. Running
full rear deflectors I attempted to keep them dodging as much as possible
while trying to track me. I was nowhere near as maneuverable as the TIEs and
we both knew it, it was only a matter of time.
Our only hope was in making the jump before they could get through our
shields.
Then the other fighters arrived. We took a direct hit to the front of the
shuttle. Shields were still full on the rear to protect us from the TIEs in
back. Switching the shields, they overloaded.
We were defenseless, engines powering up for the jump to hyperspace. Clawing
for space as we were hit yet again. The ship shuddering as we began to crash
back towards the ground. Everyone was strapping in as I tried to control our
descent. It was hopeless. Nothing could save us now.
We plowed into the ground at a shallow enough angle that for awhile we
merely skipped across the surface. Losing speed in fits and starts as parts
of the shuttle sacrificed themselves so we could perhaps survive.
When we came to a stop finally, there was blood in my eyes. I tried to wipe
it away, only to find more taking it's place. I went back into the ship to
check on the others, but mostly to find Keilla.
Sadly I found her. She didn't fare so well in the crash. A section of the
ship collapsed on top of her. I found myself hoping she died instantly.
After all the suffering I had caused in my life, this was merely one further
indignity.
Many of the students were in just as bad a shape as she was. Some lived.
They attempted to rescue what they could. I pushed them out of the ship and
prepared to fire it. It was all I could think to do for her. I couldn't take
her and I couldn't simply leave her for them.
Once the charges were set I led the others in to the surrounding foliage,
seeking a hiding spot from the patrols flying over the wreckage.
I suggested we split up. Once I convinced them of likely directions of
escape. I prepared myself. I had fought this battle long enough. Keillas
death was one too many for me to bear. I could not go on watching those
around me die and console myself with the facts that I was at least fighting
the good fight against the Empire.
This would be my final stand. My last gesture.
They came at me from three sides. Imperial Stormtroopers. I waded into them
to try and take as many of them with me as possible, while holding them from
finding the others.
It was an all or nothing battle. I had nothing left, so I held nothing
back. I killed them in such great numbers that soon I was hindered by their
bodies. I had fewer options in my movement and found myself unable to dodge
far enough, fast enough.
I was losing by inches as grazing blaster bolts caused me more and more
pain. Finally I could stand no more and collapsed under withering fire.
As I lay there thinking of Keilla I triggered the charges on the shuttle.
My last thoughts were of you my love...
Wes Hutchings
> rim...@NOSPAMdrizzle.com (Rimrunner):
>> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>
> Galaxy Far, Far Away.
>
>
Gonads Fried Frequently Asshole
Get Fucked For Asking
Got Fingers For Assembling
Gestures Frequently Facilitate Assholiness
wes
ObeeKris
>
> Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>
> (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
Is there a certain time period in the GFFA that it must take place in,
or can it be something like 300 years before ANH?
> (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> Wars...
Exactly which sources are using as LFL canon/'official' account?
> (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
Are there any characters that are totally off limits?
Do we have to do the whole "sounding like the Bible" style of writing?
ObeeKris
I haven't even gotten around to writing a Sith War Rescue post yet!!
(It's on it's way though! Hang on Gumby, coming to get you soon!)
Daniel O. Miller
threatened to post it here once before, but never did. Now seems like the
time. Find a tissue and enjoy:
The Lost Gundark
By Daniel Miller
Based on situations created by George Lucas.
Commander Torell watched the sunrise from orbit over the young planet. He
loved to watch sunrises from space. They gave him a sense of a new
beginning, as if the preceding day had been a dream, and the future was
wiped clean.
Torell scanned the control panel of his A-Wing and shook his head at what
he saw. They'd need a new beginning they had any chance of surviving. He
turned to watch the morning sun play over the rest of his squadron.
Gundark 3 had taken serious damage, and the rest of the squadron had
linked their ships into a network around the broken hulk of the fighter.
By pooling their resources, Torell had hoped to keep Cyreel, Gundark 3's
pilot, alive long enough for help to arrive. Gundark 7 had gone back to
the fleet, but the round trip to the fleet and back to their hideaway was
longer than the A-wings' supplies could hold. Faced with the choice
between Cyreel's life and the lives of the rest of the squadron, Torell
was becoming tempted to take the logical path.
The sun once again set behind the small planet, and the situation was no
less bleak. With six sunrises in a standard day in low orbit, how could
one sunrise possibly mean anything?
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Cyreel looked at the network of wires and tubes leading from her battered
hulk of a fighter to the ten other ships of the squadron, and felt secure.
She was glad to have the support, but she was worried for her squadron
mates. She had protested their aid, and had begged them to leave her
behind and save themselves. She thought of Torell, who had drowned out
her protests to guide the fighters into position for docking. Turning her
head to look at his fighter, she winced at the pain that flamed through
her body. The explosion had disfigured the cockpit of her fighter into
shapes not meant for humans. Most of her ribs felt broken, and though the
wreckage prevented her from seeing or touching her legs, there was an
ocean of pain coming from her left leg. In her right leg she felt nothing
at all, and she wondered if she would ever feel anything from it again.
She was sure she had internal injuries, but it didn't bear checking. She
knew she was dying.
Still, the presence of her squadron mates in a circle around her, and the
cockpit heater that was miraculously still working, and the painkiller
coming in metered spurts from her flightsuit-just a few more seconds till
the next one-there it was-ahhh-
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Torell watched as Cyreel's head slumped once again and sighed. It was
time to do something. He keyed the mike for the squadron channel.
"Listen up, Gundarks. This is an order. Program your flight computer to
tell you when your supplies are just enough to get you back to the fleet.
When you have to leave, go home. We all love Cyreel, but it's a question
of survival. Stay as long as you can, but make sure you get home."
He received replies from the squadron. There were surprisingly few
complaints-the squadron knew it was for the best.
A few hours later, Torell watched as the first A-Wing detached and reeled
in its cables. It fired thrusters to disentangle itself from the group,
and waited until it was a hundred meters out to engage its main drive. It
was quickly out of eyesight, and Torell watched it on his targeting
display as it gained speed and entered hyperspace. Other A-Wings began to
peel off as their timers went off, and the size of the tangle diminished.
The alarm went off in Torell's cockpit, and he turned it off. He was
staying.
Gundark 5 was the last to go. "Hey boss, are you coming?"
"My alarm hasn't gone off yet," Torell lied. He had long since turned off
the old program, and had set up a timer to tell him how long he and Cyreel
had left to live before their air ran out. It was six hours, give or
take. To return to the fleet and non-Imperial space took eight.
"Don't try anything heroic, Gundark One," warned Five. "We all want you
back alive."
"I know," said Torell. "I'm right behind you. Keep an eye out when you
get back to the fleet-I don't want to have to come home and not get a big
welcome."
"Roger that. See you back home, then. Five out."
Torell watched as Five peeled off and engaged his main drive. He made a
slow roll past Torell and Cyreel, and started gaining speed.
Five entered hyperspace and they were alone.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Cyreel had been vaguely aware of the number of her supporters decreasing,
and an unease pervaded her drug-induced haze. The security was no longer
present, and she felt a desperation.
She startled into full consciousness when she heard an A-Wing main drive
roar in front of her. She watched as Gundark 5 fled into hyperspace.
Cyreel looked at what was left of her targeting display and was surprised
to see that there was still another ship next to her. It was Torell.
She made a heroic effort to key her intercom. "Torell, go home. I'm not
going to make it, so you might as well just save yourself." She was
ashamed that her words were slurred from the drugs.
"Negative, Gundark 3," came the reply. "It's too late for me, too. I
thought you needed some company."
"Why?" she managed to croak out.
"No one should have to die alone, Varee," said Torell.
The use of her nickname startled her. She hadn't even known that her
commander knew her by that name-he'd always called her Gundark 3, or
Three, or Cyreel, or even Lieutenant-but never Varee. She wondered if the
reason he stayed went deeper than just misguided compassion.
She decided to respond in kind. "What about you, Borgan? What happens to
you after I die? You'll die alone."
He didn't respond for a few moments. Finally, he said, "I'll be fine.
You just get some rest."
She looked at the timer for her medication and saw it was about to inject
her again. Not many more of those, the thought. She felt the spurt of
the drug into her neck. Slipping into unconsciousness, she thumbed the
radio one last time.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Torell thumbed through the shrinking number of places-all
imperial-controlled-he could make it with the two hours left of his life
support. He briefly toyed with the notion of leaving Cyreel after all,
but quickly discarded it. He was committed now. None of the places
within range were anywhere a Rebel pilot would last more than a few
minutes against the local defenses, anyhow. Might as well just wait it
out.
He looked at the data he had patched through from Cyreel's life support
and status monitors. They weren't good-she had very little time left
alive.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Cyreel woke up one last time. She knew her battered body had given all it
could, and that her time was fast approaching.
"Borgan, why? Why commit suicide by staying with me until I die? It's
two dead when it could have been just one."
There was silence on the other end, as Torell contemplated his answer.
Finally he said, "It wasn't proper I was your commanding officer, after
all, I couldn't very well do anything about it. I just don't think it
would have been possible for me to go on without you."
"Oh, Borgan, if I'd only known" A sob wracked her body. "I wanted to tell
you, I wanted to be close to you"
Torell saw her life monitors fluctuate madly. She had only a few moments.
He wanted her to know. He wanted to tell her.
"I love you," he said. He watched her monitors stabilize for a moment,
and felt a flashing, foolish hope, that she would live, that they could
make it, that they could be together forever-
"I love you too," she said, and died.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
Torell knew she was gone, but he still sat in orbit around the planet and
watched all her monitors as each gradually filtered to nothing. He had to
be certain. When the last monitor was finally quiet, he disengaged his
cables and reeled them in. He only had a half hour of air left, but the
fusion plant that powered his fighter would last indefinitely. He powered
up the main drive, pointed the fighter toward Rebel space, and engaged the
hyperdrive. It's as good a place to die as any, he thought, as the
swirling nothingness of hyperspace enveloped him.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
A small freighter stopped briefly in the star system with the young
planet. It was an old, battered model, and it carried rebel markings.
The hulk of the A-Wing containing the body of Lieutenant Vareianna Cyreel
nearly filled the small freighter's bay. The captain of the ship was
intrigued by the drama related by the flight recorder, and he spent
several days looking along the other fighter's recorded path. He found
nothing, and soon gave up.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
The story of the last hours of Borgan and Varee filtered back slowly to
Gundark Squadron. All were saddened by the story. The squadron could no
longer work together, and the unit was soon disbanded. The squadron was
touched by the story, however, and they passed it along to their children,
and their grandchildren.
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
For many years after the incident, reports filtered in from all over the
Rebellion, and later from the Republic, when a pilot was lost and alone
and far from help in a damaged fighter, an unidentified A-Wing would drop
out of hyperspace and attach power cables and computer lines to the ailing
craft and keep it alive. It would jump out just before help arrived. The
fighter's markings had been removed or covered, and the pilot never
responded to communication. These incidents decreased in frequency over
the years, until it was dismissed as a myth by all but the eldest or most
superstitious pilots. They knew that it was really the Lost Gundark,
doing for everyone what he couldn't do for the one he never knew.
Daniel O. "And that's why I'm not an author" Miller
"Does this look familiar? Do you know what it is? Neither do I! I made
it last night in my sleep. Apparently I used gindrogac - highly unstable!
I put a button on it, yes? I wish to press it, but I'm not sure what will
happen if I do..." - Gune
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> >implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
This one's been answered now...
> -g,
> and do i have to use that biblical 'and...and...but...and...'?
What d'you think?-)
- The Imperial Ewok
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> >
> > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> >
> > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> DAMN! So no Quantum Piett for my submission..... :p
<excessively serious answer>
Actually, QP would do... from what I remember reading of it, it
respects the canon, but just makes some rather odd claims about Piett,
and involves long-distance travel and Scaramanga's butler...
</excessively serious answer>
> > (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> > Wars...
> >
> > (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
> >
>
> Interesting. If I can find the time, I'll write something up...
Would be good!
> Sean
> :)
- The Imperial Ewok
Stephen
have chosen the way of......PAIN:
>Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
>
>Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
>elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>
>(i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
>implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
>(ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
>Wars...
>
>(iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
Do I have to post it to this newsgroup? Can I crosspost it to other
newsgroups and not tell anyone here?
--
As I returned across the fields I'd known
I recognized the walls that I once laid
I had to stop in my tracks for fear
Of walking on the mines I'd laid
Steven E
to die.
> Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> Wars...
> (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
Okay, here goes nothing:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
They call me Wedge. Most everyone says I'm lucky. Lucky to have survived
two Death Stars and an all out Imperial Ground assult. Personally, I say I'm
lucky to have survived this long when the last Jedi Knight wants you dead.
Yeah, that's right, you know who I'm talking about. Don't let that "farm boy"
shtick fool you. He takes after his dad, if you know what I mean, and you do
not want to make his short list. Those who do, well, let me just tell you my
story.
It was during the first Death Star battle, we knew that our chances of
actually making a successful shot into that vent was pretty much nil, but
"farm boy" was confident. A little too confident. Almost as if he knew ahead
of time that he was actually going to pull it off. I had heard rumors
floating around the hangar about him and had taken them as that only, just
rumors. Weird things about an actual Jedi Knight that had survived the purge
and had been training him. And how some of the older officers had reacted
very strangely at the mention of his last name. I had just chalked it up to
the natural tendancy of rebel pilots to be wary of any new blood in the ranks.
We were in the midst of the battle around the Death Star when it happened.
Porkins' voice broke the almost continuous chatter over the comm with a grim
determination almost never heard from the jovial giant, "This has got to end."
Those words sent a spark of excitement shooting through me. Something very
big was about to happen. Apparently I was not the only one to sense this,
because the next voice I heard over the comm was low and menacing, "Oh no you
don't." The spark of excitement quickly turned to an icy shiver.
I couldn't believe what I had just heard, and wasn't sure of what I was
watching. An X-wing had veered off and was diving straight at Porkins. I
clicked over to a private channel with Biggs, "Did you hear that?"
"I wish I hadn't."
"He's your friend, do you have any idea what's going on?"
Biggs didn't answer me. At least I don't think he did. I was too stunned
by what I saw. The X-wing was firing on Porkins, "I'm hit." I don't think
Porkins ever really knew what happened. I believe that he thought one of the
TIEs had nailed him. Biggs clicked over to a direct channel to Porkins and
shouted for him to eject. He knew that Porkins' ship wouldn't survive another
hit from the pursuing X-wing. Porkins replied that he thought he could hold
it together, but Biggs had already switched over to a direct channel with the
other X-wing's pilot. I don't know if he meant for me to be listening in on
the conversation or he just forgot to kill our channel, but either way I kept
quiet and listened.
"What are you doing?! Break off!"
"Biggs? You should not have seen this."
One last shot and Porkins' ship erupted. The other X-wing veered off and
began a slow almost liesurely circle back. "Biggs? Where are you buddy? I
got something I need to give you." But Biggs was keeping quiet. He knew that
he would be hard to find in the constant shifting of fighters and he knew what
would happen if he was located.
The direct channel went dead and was followed by a general braodcast, "I got
a TIE fighter on my tail." I knew he was just hoping to draw Biggs out, so I
answered that I was on it. Apparently, that was not the news he wanted to
hear, "Blast it! Biggs where are you?"
After that, the "farm boy" seemed to calm down and regain control. Though
now I realize that it was because he must have known that Biggs was not going
to make out alive. I believe the only reason he let me go was because he
didn't know that I had also witnessed everything. I had every intention of
telling the whole story once I made it back, but I completely lost my nerve
and convinced myself that no one would believe me anyway. But somehow he
found out, or at least suspects, that I know. That is why I have coded this
message to go out if anything should happen to me.
Someone should know the truth...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rimrunner
Got a little fixation there, dontcha?
-g
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> >Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> >
> >Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> >elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> >
> >(i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> >implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> >
> >(ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> >Wars...
> >
> >(iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
>
> Do I have to post it to this newsgroup? Can I crosspost it to other
> newsgroups and not tell anyone here?
Sure!
- The Imperial Ewok
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> >
> > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> >
> > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> Is there a certain time period in the GFFA that it must take place in,
> or can it be something like 300 years before ANH?
Anything. Any 'time', any 'place'
> > (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> > Wars...
>
> Exactly which sources are using as LFL canon/'official' account?
That's a whole 'nother thread...
> > (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
>
> Are there any characters that are totally off limits?
No.
> Do we have to do the whole "sounding like the Bible" style of writing?
Why does everyone ask this?
> ObeeKris
> I haven't even gotten around to writing a Sith War Rescue post yet!!
> (It's on it's way though! Hang on Gumby, coming to get you soon!)
I've not even written one IX post yet...
In answer to all your questions: read some Quantum Piett. That would be eligible.
- The Imperial Ewok
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
[snip]
[Applause]
- The Imperial Ewok
Sean Walsh
> Sean Walsh can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
>
> > > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> > >
> > > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> > >
> > > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> >
> > DAMN! So no Quantum Piett for my submission..... :p
>
> <excessively serious answer>
> Actually, QP would do... from what I remember reading of it, it
> respects the canon, but just makes some rather odd claims about Piett,
> and involves long-distance travel and Scaramanga's butler...
> </excessively serious answer>
Well, it doesn't really take place in a GFFA (*that* GFFA to be exact),
which is why I disqualified it.
Although I have had an idea for a story where it does take place in a GFFA
for a while now. Maybe, just maybe, I'll use that one...just tone it *WAY*
done in silliness, and it could work.
NeshaKovalick
>
> Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
>
> Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>
> (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>
> (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> Wars...
>
> (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
>
> What follows is nothing more than a quick-and-dirty intimation of the
> possibilities:
>
> ***
>
> Starkiller and Skywalker
>
> ***
>
> Annakin the Starkiller was lord over Tatooine.
>
<snip awfully funny stuff>
>
> But no-one knows for sure what happened after that.
That's going to be hard to beat. Pol' wins.
Nesha
Wes Hutchings
> On Tue, 12 Feb 2002 16:30:57 -0800, Wes Hutchings <Yyr...@cwnet.com> wrote:
>> Tucci wrote this, any knowledge you garner from it is strictly illusion
>>
>>> rim...@NOSPAMdrizzle.com (Rimrunner):
>>>> Just one question: wtf does GFFA mean?
>>>
>>> Galaxy Far, Far Away.
>>
>> Gonads Fried Frequently Asshole
>>
>> Get Fucked For Asking
>>
>> Got Fingers For Assembling
>>
>> Gestures Frequently Facilitate Assholiness
>
> Got a little fixation there, dontcha?
>
> -g
No, not there, she's in Colorado.
wes
ObeeKris
> ObeeKris can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
>
> > > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> > >
> > > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> > >
> > > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> >
> > Is there a certain time period in the GFFA that it must take place in,
> > or can it be something like 300 years before ANH?
>
> Anything. Any 'time', any 'place'
Gotcha.
> > > (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> > > Wars...
> >
> > Exactly which sources are using as LFL canon/'official' account?
>
> That's a whole 'nother thread...
Okay, addendum to the question: Exactly which sources are *you* using
as LFL canon/'official' account?
> > > (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
> >
> > Are there any characters that are totally off limits?
>
> No.
>
> > Do we have to do the whole "sounding like the Bible" style of writing?
>
> Why does everyone ask this?
Because you started off with it sounding like that.
> > ObeeKris
> > I haven't even gotten around to writing a Sith War Rescue post yet!!
> > (It's on it's way though! Hang on Gumby, coming to get you soon!)
>
> I've not even written one IX post yet...
>
> In answer to all your questions: read some Quantum Piett. That would be eligible.
Okay.
ObeeKris
Just out of vague curiosity, totally unrelated to anything.... How did
you become an Imperial Ewok, and what exactly does an Imperial Ewok
do?
(Target practice for Imperial troops?)
Peter Hanely
>
> After that, the "farm boy" seemed to calm down and regain control. Though
>now I realize that it was because he must have known that Biggs was not going
>to make out alive. I believe the only reason he let me go was because he
>didn't know that I had also witnessed everything. I had every intention of
>telling the whole story once I made it back, but I completely lost my nerve
>and convinced myself that no one would believe me anyway. But somehow he
>found out, or at least suspects, that I know. That is why I have coded this
>message to go out if anything should happen to me.
> Someone should know the truth...
>
>
>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>
HEARACY!
Porkins was killed by his own ineptitude.
--
The Jedi Hacker
"A Jedi uses the code for queries and filters, never for cracks."
Celaeno
Real McEwok):
>Sean Walsh can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
>
>> > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
>> >
>> > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
>> > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
>> >
>> > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
>> > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
>>
>> DAMN! So no Quantum Piett for my submission..... :p
>
><excessively serious answer>
>Actually, QP would do... from what I remember reading of it, it
>respects the canon, but just makes some rather odd claims about Piett,
>and involves long-distance travel and Scaramanga's butler...
></excessively serious answer>
Then you can consider the two stories of mine that I have tucked away
in the 'me' section of the URHP for submissions.
Rakelle
--
There was an old man
From Peru, whose limericks
Were really haiku
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> > > > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> > > >
> > > > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > > > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> > > >
> > > > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > > > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> > >
> > > DAMN! So no Quantum Piett for my submission..... :p
> >
> > <excessively serious answer>
> > Actually, QP would do... from what I remember reading of it, it
> > respects the canon, but just makes some rather odd claims about Piett,
> > and involves long-distance travel and Scaramanga's butler...
> > </excessively serious answer>
>
> Well, it doesn't really take place in a GFFA (*that* GFFA to be exact),
> which is why I disqualified it.
I reckon it still qualifies...
> Although I have had an idea for a story where it does take place in a
> GFFA for a while now. Maybe, just maybe, I'll use that one...just tone it
> *WAY* done in silliness, and it could work.
Get writing!
> Sean
Pol'
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> ><excessively serious answer>
> >Actually, QP would do... from what I remember reading of it, it
> >respects the canon, but just makes some rather odd claims about
> >Piett, and involves long-distance travel and Scaramanga's butler...
> ></excessively serious answer>
>
> Then you can consider the two stories of mine that I have tucked away
> in the 'me' section of the URHP for submissions.
Uh, got URL...?
> Rakelle
Pol'
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> > Starkiller and Skywalker
> <snip awfully funny stuff>
> That's going to be hard to beat. Pol' wins.
Thanks, but that's no way to encourage high-bandwidth posting =)
> Nesha
Pol'
Simon H. Lee
high-kicking electrons to spell out:
My long, drawn-out retelling of the Battle of Endor still qualifies
even though there's no real plot to speak of ;)
--
______(-o-)___A L L D O N E ! B Y E B Y E !____<*>__________
| __ "The Internet is where lunatics are
| (__ * _ _ _ _ internetworked worldwide at the speed of light.
| __)|| | |(_)| \ *This* is progress?" --J. Shinal
Sean Walsh
Yessir!
Celaeno
Real McEwok):
>Celaeno can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
Yes, it does.
*crickets*
What, not good enough for you?
Tsk.
They're tucked away in the 'me' section of the URHP.
That'd be the page with the first Sith War archives and stuff.
*sigh* It can be found from the ORHP...
And I refuse to give you anymore help with this.
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> My long, drawn-out retelling of the Battle of Endor still qualifies
> even though there's no real plot to speak of ;)
Are you *sure*?-)
- The Imperial Ewok
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> >> Then you can consider the two stories of mine that I have tucked
> >> away in the 'me' section of the URHP for submissions.
> >
> >Uh, got URL...?
>
> Yes, it does.
>
> *crickets*
>
> What, not good enough for you?
>
> Tsk.
>
> They're tucked away in the 'me' section of the URHP.
>
> That'd be the page with the first Sith War archives and stuff.
>
> *sigh* It can be found from the ORHP...
>
> And I refuse to give you anymore help with this.
http://www.shavenwookie.com/urhp/fanfic.html
Well, if you will disguise these things with a very small, and rather
misleading phrase like "What I've been up to whilst on rassm..."
> Rakelle
- The Imperial Ewok
Daniel O. Miller
About the qualification, or the lack of plot?
Daniel O. Miller
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> On 20 Feb 2002, Policraticus: The Real McEwok wrote:
>
> > Simon H. Lee can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
> >
> > > My long, drawn-out retelling of the Battle of Endor still qualifies
> > > even though there's no real plot to speak of ;)
> >
> > Are you *sure*?-)
>
> About the qualification, or the lack of plot?
Why does it matter which?
> Daniel O. Miller
- The Imperial Ewok
Policraticus: The Real McEwok
> policr...@hotmail.com (Policraticus: The Real McEwok) wrote:
> > ObeeKris can have a strong influence on the weak-minded...
> >
> > > > Basically, a big plot-bunny (plot-Ewok? plot-Hoojib? plot-Jaxxon?)...
> > > >
> > > > Write a fanfic, and post it on RASSM. The only criteria for
> > > > elegebility in the Challenge are as follows:
> > > >
> > > > (i) the telling of the story must take place, even if only
> > > > implicitly, at a 'time' and 'place' in the GFFA...
> > >
> > > Is there a certain time period in the GFFA that it must take place in,
> > > or can it be something like 300 years before ANH?
> >
> > Anything. Any 'time', any 'place'
>
> Gotcha.
Ouch1
> > > > (ii) it must treat the LFL canon as the 'official' account of the Star
> > > > Wars...
> > >
> > > Exactly which sources are using as LFL canon/'official' account?
> >
> > That's a whole 'nother thread...
>
> Okay, addendum to the question: Exactly which sources are *you* using
> as LFL canon/'official' account?
Your choise...
> > > > (iii) it must disagree with that 'official' account in some way...
> > >
> > > Are there any characters that are totally off limits?
> >
> > No.
> >
> > > Do we have to do the whole "sounding like the Bible" style of writing?
> >
> > Why does everyone ask this?
>
> Because you started off with it sounding like that.
And...
> > > ObeeKris
> > > I haven't even gotten around to writing a Sith War Rescue post yet!!
> > > (It's on it's way though! Hang on Gumby, coming to get you soon!)
> >
> > I've not even written one IX post yet...
> >
> > In answer to all your questions: read some Quantum Piett. That would be eligible.
>
> Okay.
=)
> ObeeKris
> Just out of vague curiosity, totally unrelated to anything.... How did
> you become an Imperial Ewok, and what exactly does an Imperial Ewok
> do? (Target practice for Imperial troops?)
I could tell you... but then I'd have to eat you...
- The Imperial Ewok