The Galaxy Chronicle: Episode IV

Sai'nu · Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 9:06 pm Post subject: The Galaxy Chronicle: Episode IV

(Been about a month since I wrote any creative Star Wars stories so here goes...)

The holographic image of the twi'lek blurred with static. "We're being... med. By the Go.. ess; Look.. ize of th.. thing!" The transmission cut out. The now highly illegal holonet device went back to looking like a serving tray again. The Emperor had gone through great lengths to make sure his Empire was closed off to such quick communications except by his military or closed planetary uses where it benefited him. Rook never really cared for strict rules though. The grizzled human somewhere in his thirties or early fourties gave the machine one more whack with his hand then looked over to his co-pilot.

"Well, buddy, any ideas wh..," Rook didn't get to finish as the freighter shook. As soon as it had stopped he spat out, "What the Hell took a swipe at us out here!?!"

His co-pilot looked annoyed more than anything; and not by the situation. "Its a reactionss to the fieldss out heresss. Will you settless down so I can finish my readingsss?" Tombstone had been very good at bounty hunting and most things physical but was still getting use to the job of navigator and working communications. This is what droids were for; Rook's notions be damned is what he thought.

Rook frowned and rolled his eye a bit. He scratched at his eye-patch then poked a finger at Tombstone. "Well, ya didn't say the magnetic fields out here would feel like a damn turbolaser blast, buddy." He pointed at the Holo unit again. "So, best guess. Is this on our end or theirs? That last part didn't sound good at any rate."

A tiny display scrolled in front of Tombstone's dashboard and the Barabel wrinkled his ridged plated head in annoyance again. "You were listeningss. They've got a situationss on their hands. And we do tooss now."

"Eh, what in the name of Palpy's hindside does that mean?" Rook tried to thump the Holo unit again but Tombstone brushed his hand away. That meant enough of that.

"The joltss triggered our hyperdrive. Your ship thinksss we're suppose to jump again." Tombstone smirked at Rook.

"Hey, this beauty is top of the line." Rook heard something fizzle in the panel next to him. "Uh, where is it sending us?"

Tombstone shrugged. "Doesn't makess sense. Says Viem'chalss."

"Damn it. Just when I get used to him being dead he reaches across the grave to send us on an errand. Just like him you know." Rook began running over some checks on his dashboard computer.

"Youss should be moress careful about speakingss of the Forcess that way." This was usually his friend's way of answering to anything mystical that happened to them.

"Yeah, yeah. Well, can't stop it. Guess we're going to Viem'chal. Hopefully by the time we get back our boss will forget about this deal. Sounds like our supplier didn't know he had Imperials on his trail." Rook gave up and kicked back gathering his new jet black trench coat around him. "Wake me up when we get; where ever, ok?"

He thought he heard Tombstone chuckle as he nodded off...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:16 pm Post subject:

"Well, thanks much pretty lady. I do work out a lot loading and unloading in the cargo bay." Rook winked as the rather sultry zabrak girl giggled at him. Why he could just about spend all his time here on the beach of Senab IV sipping exotic drinks with this lovely.

"Tell me again how you thwarted the rival Hutt gang's plans at Rinex, Rook!" her unmarked skin glowed with the ocean spray. Something tugged at him. It was probably nothing.

He chuckled loving how intent she was on knowing about his deeds. "Yes, I did get quite a reputation, and a warrant, for that one. I don't think Yorga the Hutt ever forgave me for that one." She smiled and the tug pushed at his chest.

She looked curiously at him. "What's wrong, Rooksie poo?"

"Well, I, uh..." He grinned and his whole world blurred as the beautiful zabrak smeared into a monster...

"Wakesss up!" Tombstone was right in his face and Rook jumped nearly falling out his pilot's chair. With a thump he hit his head on a side panel.

"Ow!!" Rook yellped. As soon as he realized what was happening he frowned at Tombstone. "Damn it, buddy, that was about to turn into a great dream."

His friend raised a plated brow. "The zabrak againsss?"

Rook grinned and let out a yawn. "How long was I out?"

"Aboutsss seven hoursss." After he was sure he had Rooks attention he pointed at the sensors.

"I don't get it." Rook looked at the blank screen. "Coordinates are correct. But I don't see a plan..." Rook thought "damn" as the collision alarms went off.

The Excelage went in a tight arc down from it's current location as a huge ship jumped out of hyperspace nearly on top of it. A loud crunch sounded throughout the ship as the YT-1300's sensor dish was ripped cleanly off.

As alarms kept wailing Rook looked to Tombstone. "Well, at least I know that wasn't a magnetic field. What is it?"

Tombstone shrugged and looked out the cockpit. "A shipsss. Sensors are gonesss."

"Well, let's take a closer look then. If that isn't an invitation to board her then I don't know what is." Rook only looked a little worried as he added, "Besides, now we need some time in her workshop; if she has one."

There were no responses nor readings back from the massive ship. As the tiny YT-1300 krept over her outter hull Rook began to think it had to be a Star Galleon of some fashion. Some bulbous outcroppings made him think Mon Calamari but he quickly dismissed the notion when he saw markings on the ship the likes of which he'd never seen.

"You better get back by the ramp, buddy." Rook tensed up a bit. "This thing is giving me the jitters."

Tombstone unbuckled and left the cockpit letting his somewhat longer than usual tail for a Barabel whap Rook in the back of the head. "He really hates me." Rook muttered as his friend left.

As the Excelage entered the ships only dockingbay Rook got a couple of surprises. "What the..." Try as he might an automated docking tractor beam snagged the ship. The other surprise was a sense of helplessness that followed. The docking bay was pitch black and Rook felt the unsettling feeling of being swallowed whole by one of the Universes many mysterious creatures...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:48 pm Post subject:

A dull Thunk sounded throughout the Excelage. Inside the cockpit Rook swore to himself as he looked out the canopy. He flipped a switch on the dash. "Tombstone, buddy, I can't see a damn thing out there." As he waited for a response he heard the entry ramp open from the rear of the cockpit. He spoke into the intercom again. "How do you know it's safe out there? I don't remember hearing any seals you know!"

"Itsss safess now." Came Tombstone's reply. After a moment he added. "Lots of creaturesss in here... and we'ress clamped inss..."

Just great...

"Well, now that your out that far anyway. Any sign of radiation?" Rook had done his homework on his friend's species. Barabels were naturally resistant to radiation and had a knack for detecting it. He could even see in the pitch black just outside the Excelage so long as there were other heat sources for him to see.

Good old infrared vision...

He heard a few ear tingling screaches along the lower hull. Tombstone seemed to like to taunt things that attached themselves to their hull before exterminating them. Sure enough he heard him banging against the hull a bit shortly after and the unmistakeable sound of a mynock being slain.

"No radiationsss. Nothing else to reportsss for now. Stay in the cockpitss." Tombstone rattled off.

Rook propped his feet back up on the dashboard leaning back in his pilot's chair with his arms folded neatly behind his head. "Fine by me, buddy. Just let me know if it gets hairy out there."

Meanwhile I'll just meet that pretty little Zabrak again...

He drifted off into another nap frowning a bit as he heard Tombstone chuckle again. Rook mumbled to himself, "He has no taste in females."
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:13 pm Post subject:

Tombstone made his way through the cargo bay. It fit the read out of a large container ship all right. Only, from the looks of it this thing had to be almost the size of an Imperial Star Destroyer. He followed the power line energy and heat from all of the scavenger creatures, mynocks mostly, like bread crumbs in the dark. He shrugged. Well, it would be dark for Rook anyway.

He stopped a few meters from the first visible bulkhead and blast door. The deck plates in front of it had pits where the power cords had been severed turning the checker board pattern into a gaping hole in front of him.

"Hmmss." He pondered and dug into a pouch on his belt. He threw some chalk he kept on him for his exercises toward the black spot. There was an instant whine then...

Phooosh!! Phooosh!! Phooosh!!

As blaster fire from above the blast door tore into the deck plate. Whatever creature that had tried to get a nibble of energy there had clearly been shot and long since decayed into dust. He waited for the yelp from Rook but it didn't come.

"Mustss be dreamingsss Zabrak againss." He muttered. Tombstone had started making it a habit of talking to himself since being Life Debted to Rook. He looked up at the blast door. It wouldn't be easy to get through there. The outline looked like the blaster was in a protective box. Likely couldn't just blast it.

A squeal from a mynock off to his side gave him an idea...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 4:18 am Post subject:

The mynocks squealed and flapped their leathery wings in portest as Tombstones bone clawed hand gripped them by the tail. Judging by the boxes horizontal and vertical slits he'd only have scant seconds to try his plan before he had to rely on his natural body armor and vest from Barab I. He grunted tossing the mynocks hard at the dead spot in the energy pattern. Like some prehistoric creature he charged the blast door...

Phoosh!! Phoosh!! Phoosh!!

Even as the death squeals began to thin Tombstone found himself at the door prying the slanted seal. The plastisteel protested with a metalic screech as the door began to open. Tombstone's muscles bulged under his body armor making him look like some exotic landing craft extending all it's flaps for a hard landing. With a roar he forced the door's automatic gears to kick in just as he heard the whine from above...

Phoosh!! Phoo...

He gritted his teeth as the blast tore into the back of his vest and he lept forward. The blasting stopped and he found himself on the other side of the door frantically tearing the vest off. It was a Barabel Microbe Vest from his home planet. They had a unique property of strengthing in protection as blaster fire was absorbed. But should they ever be punctured they were ruined beyond repair. Just as his vest now was. But it had served it's purpose. He was still breathing even if his back itched a little now.

"Buddy, what the Hell is going on out there!" Came Rook's frantic voice. He was right on que.

"Situationsss under controlsss. Go playsss with your imaginationsss some moress." Tombstone chuckled back.

"Your a ton of laughs, buddy. Sure you don't..." Rook began.

"No, stayss there. Not finished heresss yet. Out." Tombstone began searching the hallway for a sign or computer terminal. There had to be a control room somewhere near the dockingbay. And who knew what other surprises awaited him there...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

Meanwhile...

Vreese shot up from bed in a cold sweat. She breathed heavy as her hands balled around the sheets. Her heart threatened to leap out of her chest with every move of her nostrils. It had been like this for months now. The nightmare always ended with those malicious yellow eyes and the death of her brother and sister in law.

She whispered to herself. "Brother, Isy, I wish..."

Dasumi stirred beside her hugging Vreese closer. Vreese soothed a bit knowing she was there to talk to about this. But it nagged Vreese's thoughts that Sai' was still out there. She was certain the Force would guide the two into a meeting again; it had to.

"Soon..." Vreese mumbled and she put her head back down on the pillow gripping Dasumi's arm close to her chest.

As she closed her eyes she thought she could see Viem'chal... and those yellow eyes...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:03 am Post subject:

Still Elsewhere...

The stars filled the void like a curtain of pin holes. Jalen Storm, among the last of the Jedi in hiding, smiled as he took it all in. Peace it seemed could surely be realized if one took it to heart in space. His first officer always chided him that this was an extreme though. Looking over his shoulder along the axis of the ISD Reclaimer's main hull he could understand her feelings. He must look like some out of fashion hood ornament standing at her front.

As he looked at the stars he wondered which ones were now cut off by the sudden rise in power of The Empire some thirty plus years past. The exploration program was one of the first things to get cut by the Emperor. Perhaps when all of this was all over he could help the Alliance re-establish contact with those missing colonies. They would have a lot to repair at any rate. Nature did, after all, abhor a vacuum. Things would need to fall in place. Even the establishment of a new Jedi Academy.

His helmet comlink crackled. "Sir, you about done out there? I show thirty minutes on your life support systems and anything could..."

"Yes, yes. I'll head back in." He wondered what the ISD Reclaimer would do if he ever did die. His first officer was very compitent but seemed to lack that desire to have full command thrust on her. He smiled and took one last look at the galaxy.

Something tugged at the Force and he looked a little harder.

"Sir? I must insist." How long had he looked? Ten minutes left.

"Ok, ok. Headed in now. Have the crew ready for hyperspace though. I think I need to check in with someone."

"Yes, Sir. Just get back in here, Captain." She still sounded worried for his safety. It made Jalen smile that much more.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:48 am Post subject:

A Hyperspace Jump and Evening Later...

Vreese had made preparations as soon as she'd heard from Jalen. Now sitting in Mos Eisley's famous cantina they sipped at what passed for the drink of the day. For all of his combat experience Jalen still looked handsome and young for a Captain of a Star Destroyer. Vreese let out a sigh.

"Well, there must be something to it since I felt it too. And you say Antagesti never really got around to explaining Viem'chal?" Jalen was fishing for any answers he could find. He'd come a long way for disappointment.

"No, I'm afraid we never got that far into our vacation plans. I still have my doubts that was my mother, Master Storm." Vreese shrugged her shoulders and watched the cantina's front door.

"Vreese, you've got to let go sometime. It's not good to bottle it all up." Jalen was trying to play teacher still. Damn it, she knew herself enough already to be lectured still.

"We both understand loss, Master Storm. But he wasn't just another of my people nor her just another human. That was my brother. And she was family... " She trailed off and stopped forcing a tear back. She slid her drink toward the middle of the table. "Look, I don't need lessons. But I do think if even half of what was suggested about this Viem'chal was true..."

"Yes." Jalen pondered. "If this Jedi Master really did entrust a power though. Maybe we're assuming too much. It likely isn't the planet but an item on it in danger."

Vreese nodded in agreement. "I don't really care what it is. I just don't want it falling into the wrong hands." She paused and they both nodded at each other with another question lingering. They both pointed out the obvious. "Who exactly is the right..."

They chuckled.

"Well, give me a day to see if Dasumi will join us and we could leave tomorrow." She was determined to stop Sai' now. The one part she hadn't mentioned to Jalen during their talk.

"Very well. I think I'll go pay my respects then head back to the Reclaimer. I'll leave someone in the starport to find you once your ready. I imagine it'll be tricky getting ahold of your brother's old friend if we're to find this place." He grinned. "I doubt he'll be agreeable to seeing me again either."

Vreese chuckled. "Rook? He's just... set in his way. Quite literally
his way. I'll see you soon, Master Storm."

With that the short meeting was over and the wheels were once again in motion...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:18 am Post subject:

Remember the guys on the Space Cruiser...

Rook's one eye blinked. "Damn, buddy, looks like you played throw the shockball in a glass room!" Tombstone just shrugged. Rook continued surveying his partner's work stopping long enough to mimic holding a hat to his chest in mourning. "Poor mynocks."

"Yousss should see the droidsss then." Tombstone finished locking the Excelage's outer ramp.

Though the docking bay was now lit up like a Wookie Life Day Tree the hallway beyond the blast doors was still pitch black. He hesitated before stepping back. "So, a couple of days and all we've really done is get the lights in the docking bay turned on. Why don't I like this?"

Tombstone just grinned. "Skeletonsss scare youss?"

"Yup, he hates me..." Rook thought.

Tombstone tossed Rook some goggles then stepped back through the door into the darkness. "Better keepsss up. There might be mores..."

Rook let out a sigh and pulled the night vision goggles on. Nothing like exploring a ship with security systems still on. Judging by how old this thing could be he was half worried he could fall through a deck plate like quick sand...

"Goddess watch over us..." Rook mumbled and stepped through the door after Tombstone. "Wait up!"
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 8:38 pm Post subject:

Rook tried to make sense of it but couldn't. They had made their way along Tombstone's path up to the control room for the docking bay. What he was looking at was a dozen smashed droids and a collection of bones. He could swear one of them had an Imperial Scout helmet on. Under the Old Republic scouts had flourished. Now they seemed ill equipped by products or after thoughts of the real prize; stable iron-fisted control of The Empire. He shuddered as he picked up the helmet and dust fell from it.

"Ok, so, a scout finds what he thinks is a derelict and boards her. He flips on the security system by accident. But..." Rook scratched at his shadow. He hadn't shaved in a few days now.

Tombstone nodded in agreement. "What happened to hisss ship andss how did thess rest get heresss?"

"I don't like puzzles, buddy. They make my head hurt. Easiest bet is someone was still on board then. Either someone that didn't know how to work things or not a security team bright enough to blast intruders at the docking bay." Rook really didn't like where the what ifs could lead you sometimes. "So, that'd mean something happened to the ship and crew at some point. But what?"

Tombstone shrugged. He pointed out the door to another series of hallways. "Turboliftsss are thatss way. Could findss more out on bridgess."

Rook unclipped his DL-44 and looked at the brutal slashes in the security droids. "Think a blaster..."

Tombstone flashed his pointy maw of teeth in a grin. "We'llss finds out."

"Maybe when this is all over I'll take Nym up on his offer, buddy. Look where working for Hutts seems to land us." With that the two companions stepped into the hallway and headed toward the turbolifts.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:30 pm Post subject:

And along comes the Empire...

"Yes, I understand." Came the cool reply. "But we don't waist resources unless there is good reason to secure assets. As it stands your not even in the chain of command. By all rights I could have you shot for being here."

Her yellow eyes crinkled in annoyance. Why did she keep reporting in to these guys? All they cared about was due process and anything that could mark glory for their leader.

"Because that's what Grieves encoded into your genes..." Is what Sai' finally thought. Even with her severed ties from the past she still found herself reporting in to whom ever passed as the ranking official where ever she happened to turn up. Most of the command ran their own little networks of assassins and spies so it was no surprise Grieve's assets were merely absorbed into the larger whole upon his demise. A part of her hated it. Her skin crawled with the thought that it might be that good part of her that had something to do with her gene source.

"On the other hand. You claim this place you speak of has something we don't want in Rebel hands?" This Moff had at least listened to her story. That was more than the buffoons on Kashyyyk had done on her first visit there. She looked at the man and his elite guard. She could probably easily take out the stormtroopers. Armor tended to be more of a hindrance than overall good against things like blaster fire. That was why Rebels typically only wore blast helmets for quicker movement.

"Know your enemy and know yourself. One never knows when you may have to stab a friend." Grieve's words echoed.

She just smiled knowing she was in no immediate danger yet. "Yes. And I suspect if you'll spare just a small squad we can ferret out the location that would warrant you to request the necessary backup." Would he go for it?

"That would be best. This sector is too tense right now to warrant moving our fleets around without known cause." He was thinking about it all right. The Moff continued. "Very well, but understand this Agent Sai'. If this and you turn out to be a lie I'm leaving word with the commander of this mission to terminate your contract immediately." He let that sink in for a bit. "I don't have the time to risk my neck for nothing. Understood?"

She bowed. "Then I will wait outside while the arrangements for the mission are made, Moff Evnoran."

Perhaps this time the Imperial help would be just enough to finish off her gene source and bring her mission that much closer to an end...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:34 am Post subject:

T Minus Two Days Out...

"So, you see the danger in what your doing?" Jalen was still serious. Vreese had let him continue to preach and she had to admit it made sense. Maybe she was grasping. Something to talk with Dasumi about later.

"I've already lost them and there isn't really anyone to blame." She frowned. "Any idea how much that sucks?"

"Well, be mindful. Their in a better place now. And the best thing you can do for them and yourself is to let go." He was playing teacher all the way.

"Master Storm, I thank you for the advice. But even so, my Kika'Vati training does demand that I seek justice for the fallen." She looked at him with a renewed vigor.

Jalen smiled. "So, you'll turn one ethos inside out till it justifies the other and ultimately says whatever you want it to? Is this a natural twi'lek trait or did you have to learn it?"

"Master Storm!" She gave him a shove on the shoulder much as she would have her brother. After a moment she let her shoulders slump. "It is a problem though. Kika'Vati or Jedi? I don't see how the Knights of the Republic were able to do it."

"Simple. They followed the will of The Force, Master Sai'nu." Jalen had that same damn enigmatic way that Master Ve-tal had. "The Light I believe holds a strong tenant in your own culture; does it not?"

Vreese nodded. "It's odd at times. Our highest religious leader tend to treat Her as Nature. Nither good nor bad. While some followers recognize that balance in itself can not co-exist in harmony. Light is good. But on a planet where the Bright Lands kill... the first understanding of this made some twi'lek's lekku stand up on end."

Jalen chuckled. "I can imagine an ancient Jedi describing the good of the Light and dangers of the Dark Side. The clans of that time must have thought the Jedi crazy."

She nodded and folded her knees up against her chest. "Thank the Goddess that Nym didn't mind us renewing the Kika'Vati at least. I think at that time I was more worried about what he thought of it than the contradictions of my religion and my practices."

Jalen nodded. "Lok is a strange place. Nym is just fortunate that the Outer Rim is of little interest to the rest of the Empire. Well, except for when it goes looking for high ranking Rebels."

Both of them thought of the doctor that had survived Alderaan and young senator that had finally thrown in fully with Mon Mothma. Vreese spoke softly. "How do you and your crew do it?"

"Go on?" Jalen asked then thought about it. "Some of it is duty. I think that hit us when we got the news. With no home to go back to you usually throw yourself into the job. If that doesn't work you bury yourself in anger or the hope of revenge. I think had the crew had any other captain that day we wouldn't be here."

That was a bold statement. "So, you think the Jedi will save us?"

"Not what I meant by that. Just that if we let ourselves be led only by the need of revenge we wind up destroying ourselves in the process too." Jalen pointed at a painting of Alderaan hanging in his meditation room. "You see that painting?"

Vreese nodded recognizing the jewel of Peace hanging in harmony with the galaxy around it.

"That was given to me by one of Alderaan's finest artists when he found out members of our society were going to be forced into Imperial enlistment ending years of no combat programs on our home planet." He paused and let out a sigh. "Something he told me was that while we might learn to fight and kill for the new Empire; no one could take away beliefs, Vreese."

"I've heard that one before." Vreese let one side of her lips curl down as she arched a brow.

"Ideas Vreese. It's always about ideas. As long as we stay true to them then even things like Alderaan will always be remembered. No one can take that away." Jalen smiled. "Let's meditate some more then we'll go over this Kika'Vati training you speak of."

She folded her arms in her robes and gave him a quick nod before closing her eyes. "Yes, Master Storm."

The ISD Reclaimer cut at hyperspace like a predator on it's journey to find the Excelage...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject:

T Minus One Point Five Days...

Sai' loved it. Not only had the Moff decided to check out her story, he'd sent an entire Telegorn Corp Assault Shuttle with her. Though it had limited jump capacity she knew exactly where they were going. The forty stormtroopers ready for Zero-G or boarding maneuvers were the real icing on the Tabango cake though. They stood like statues with their E-11 carbines and rifles at attention. The Moff's finest even if the Empire's main fodder did have a tendency to drop like flies in battle. It was a game of numbers after all.

She looked out the cockpit viewport. "Feels like little more than a box with engines doesn't it?" Sai' remarked looking around the spacious bridge and the two isles of compartments on either side of the walls behind her. Those would be where the Zero-G armor was kept. She wondered if she'd get to see them in action and then caught the eye of the stormtrooper commander. The only one with any visible mark on him. He only briefly acknowledged her gaze then stepped forward.

"SK-Five Zero One to control. Shuttle and crew ready for launch." The stormtrooper was the one in command she had to remind herself. That was perhaps what sucked most about being an agent. You never knew who would wind up out ranking you on a mission. At least in Sai's case.

"Acknowledged Alpha Sera Oh Five, your cleared for launch. The Moff wishes you happy hunting." Came the docking officer's reply.

"Will forty be enough I wonder?" Sai' mumbled. She hadn't really been aware of saying it since she was still in a bit of a trance.

She became aware of the stormtrooper commander's helmet turned toward her. Was he angry at the suggestion that this wasn't enough? Or was he smirking with pride at what he and his men could do? Sometimes she hated those damn helmets.

The rest of the flight would be filled with quiet as the five man shuttle crew flew and the stormtroopers went over their equipment checks. She was back in the cogs of the military all right...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 10:47 am Post subject:

To the Bridge...

"Well, not quite what I had in mind when I said kling on. But it works." Rook let out a half chuckle as he stared down into the dark pit. He looked up and prodded Tombstone. "Pull me up!"

Tombstone gripped Rook's belt like a vice making sure his own weight was anchored. "Youss could use to dropss a few poundsss." He didn't really put that much of a strain on Tombstone but it was funny to see him go ape over it.

"I don't weigh that much you overgrown can opener!" Rook's eye lit up and it just made Tombstone laugh. "But on the other hand. Thanks, buddy, ya saved my skin."

This was the bridge of the cruiser. What was left of it anyway. Deckplates had turned to quicksand with age. There were the battle signs of intruders that had even made it as far as the Navi Computer. And, of course, Rook had found one of the deckplates.

"I hate being right." Rook thought.

"Aside from agesss. It looksss to all stillss workss." Tombstone was already by what he guessed had to be one of the navigation stations. They both got a surprise though.

A holograph of a lithe twi'lek appeared. Something familiar...

"Her markingsss." Tombstone pointed out. That was it sure enough. Same markings he'd seen Batak, Vreese, and Antagesti wear. The Sai'nu clan mark.

"...if the power nodes are still working you should be able to come through." The hologram paused and continued. "This message will repeat in two standard minutes."

"Is there a locked door somewhere?" Rook hadn't really listened to the message.

Tombstone blinked. "Noss. We have to findss Viem'Chalss."

Rook scratched at his eye patch in frustration. "I thought all of this was Viem'Chal maybe?"

This ship was starting to give Rook bad vibes...
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I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:11 am Post subject:

The Goddess and The Force...

Vreese perched on the side of the bed as Dasumi hugged her ever closer. The ISD Reclaimer may still be built Imperial but it certainly didn't reflect that inside much anymore. It was an odd place to feel comfortable. Vreese smiled and looked over her shoulder to meet Dasumi's gaze.

"Why is it so hard to let go of them, Love?" Vreese's voice trembled even now.

"I miss them too." Dasumi answered evenly. Her light ashen skin seemed to vibrate as her lekku shifted. Dark crimson markings bent as she folded them to hug Vreese's shoulders. "But we must not let the good things be forgot about them."

"I know. I just want someone to blame." Of all the people in the galaxy Vreese felt Dasumi and her sister-in-law were the only two that ever came close to understanding her. Maybe that's why it hurt so much.

"Remember when I'd talk about the Force when we first met?" Vreese half whispered.

"Yes. You like the Light." Dasumi smiled. "There is good in The Goddess too, Love."

"I still remember Edora telling me there was room for Jedi beliefs in our Religion." Vreese paused mulling over her longest held questions. Dasumi simply nodded.

When Vreese didn't continue Dasumi reached over by her side of the bed and grabbed a scroll off of the nightstand. Vreese half-looked at it. Dasumi smiled again. "It says, Like the Mother we must not forget her children. But we must remember to move on for the sake of the family."

Vreese only nodded. She wasn't the only one that had faced this problem before. Vreese mumbled. "Master Ve-tal once said that the ones that became one with The Force finally knew peace."

After awhile of silence they hugged and Vreese felt a little less tense than she had in the months since Isleh and Batak's passing...
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I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.