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Author	Topic: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Completed 4/1
yodas_waiter Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 8/29/07 7:44am Subject: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Completed 4/1 - Date Edited: 1/4/08 5:51am (19 edits total) Edited By: yodas_waiter
	Title: Beneath the Shifting Dunes Author: yodas_waiter Characters: Owen Lars, Cliegg Lars, Beru Whitesun and OC's Genre: Action and drama Timeframe: One month before AOTC Summary: When Owen and Cliegg find that Shmi has been kidnapped, they set up a rescue party to save her from the Tusken Raiders Ok, this is my first fic since June, so I might be a bit rusty. This is also my first longer fic starring predominately canon characters so this is a totally new experiance for me and I hope it hasn't affected the story or my writing negatively. So yeah, excuses for any mistakes or mischaracterisations, I'm still learning Other than that, I hope you enjoy the story! ------------------------------------------------------ Prologue: Shattered Normality. That was a word which had been unfamiliar to Shmi Skywalker Lars for so long. Never had she dreamt that her life would acquire that unobtainable normality, but it had. Every morning as she woke up, she would pinch herself to see that she wasn’t dreaming. From now on, it was early mornings and long strolls for her, to get the most out of the day and appreciate life much more. Still, things were far from perfect and there were some holes in her life. Anakin being the big one. How she would have loved having him with her at the homestead and growing up with Cliegg as a father figure, but fate wanted differently. Still, she couldn’t complain. Anakin was now a Jedi, a hero for many. He was living to his full potential and would do things beyond her wildest dreams. She was happy for him, but that still wasn’t enough to fill the void he had left. **** Vaporator mushrooms. Perhaps not the tastiest there is but much better than what little a slave life could afford. She also enjoyed the long stroll out to the farthest vaporators to pick the mushrooms. The suns were just rising, bathing the desert in a golden shimmer and the sand was cool under her feet, having not yet warmed up properly. Nothing stirred in the air, everything was silent. She found it beautiful. Cliegg and Owen didn’t care for it that much and found it odd that she could like these barren wastes but they had never lived in the slave quarters with the cramp space and the constant noise from the neighbours. Not to talk about the smells that oozed around the buildings. Shmi shivered as she thought about it but warmed up again as she continued to delicately pick the vaporator mushrooms and put them in her basket. She felt adventurous today and moved further and further from the homestead. Cliegg had only taken her out to the farthest vaporators once before which laid perched near some dunes which had a view of the Jundland wastes which were breathtaking in a harsh sort of way and Shmi had a sudden urge to go see them again before she returned back home. She walked briskly, only stopping occasionally to pick some vaporator mushrooms. The basket was getting heavy in her hands and a thought occurred to her that she could go back home and come back out sometime later, perhaps with Cliegg. It could be romantic. But no, something was tugging at her to get there now and she obliged. She struggled up the last dune, the basket weighing her down and as she came up the crest, she gasped. There, some miles ahead of her were those rocks that looked even more impressive in the rising sunlight. She started moving down the hill in zigzags because she wanted to get a better look at the wastes. She looked again at the view as she reached the bottom of the dune and stopped dead in her tracks. She thought she had seen something move across the crest of a nearby dune and having heard tales of the wildlife out on the dunes from Cliegg, she decided to move slowly back up the hill. Half-way up, a bloodcurdling shriek rose from the dunes and though it was the first time she had heard it, she knew instantly what it was, Sand People. She stopped moving in a zigzag and instead belted straight up the dune, falling over several times. Sand was in her hair and mouth and it stung her eyes but she managed to clamber up the dune. As she turned around, she could see four humanoids making their way towards the dunes, brandishing rifles and gaffi sticks. She pulled herself over the crest, leaving a trail of vaporator mushrooms behind as the sound of shots starting to ring through the air and impacted close to her. As she stood up to make her way down the dune, something white hot grazed her shoulder and she screamed in pain as she felt her warm blood trickle down her back. The pain made her head spin and she tumbled down the dune, creating a cloud of sand in her wake. As she stopped rolling, she stood up dazed and confused, yet painfully aware that she was losing precious time gathering her bearings. Finally, her sight focused and she could see the vaporators in the distance which marked the boundary lines of the farmlands. The staggered, it seemed like her legs didn’t want to obey her. She was still holding a tight grip around the now empty basket. From the top of the dune came the triumphant cries of the pursuing Sand People and they made their way down the dune towards her. She tried to push herself onto her feet but the pain emanating from her shoulder was too much and she collapsed, swallowing sand. She started to crawl, keeping a steady gaze towards the vaporators in the distance. From behind her, she could hear the muffled footfalls of her pursuers as the came closer and closer. With one loud shriek, a Tusken Raider landed right on top of her. A sudden surge of adrenaline kicked in and Shmi managed to push him off and raise herself to her feet, running as fast as she could. She felt a sharp pain on her side and was pulled down once again by a roaring Tusken Raider. All four Tusken Raiders descended upon her at once, grabbing her arms and legs and tugging at her. She screamed and tried to free herself from their grip but the Tusken Raiders didn’t relent and tugged at her even harder. But Shmi would not give up, she screamed at the top of her voice and managed to kick one of the Tusken Raiders on the face. In retaliation, one of the Tusken Raiders pulled forth his gaffi stick and struck across the face of Shmi. Stunned, she felt herself slipping out of consciousness. Her legs and arms were not obeying her anymore and she was just a limp form in the hands of the Tusken Raiders who cried triumphantly. Her sight was getting blurred and she didn’t even have enough strength to blink the blood out of her eyes. Slowly but surely, everything grew darker and darker. ‘Anakin…’ she thought as the black enveloped her and all that was left were the echoes of the Tusken Raider’s cries ringing in her ears. -----signature----- Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 8/30/07 6:30am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama, pre-AOTC)
	Poor Shmi! Just trying to enjoy the morning and pick some mushrooms. It's unfortunate Cliegg didn't enjoy the wastes as much as she did. They could have had a romantic morning stroll and perhaps made it back to the farm. If you have a PM list for this, please add me. Looking forward to more -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 11,018
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yodas_waiter Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 9/4/07 5:40am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama, pre-AOTC)
	Thank you Kelia. You're on the PM list. And here's the first chapter of the story. I'll try to go for weekly updates, but if DRL should intervene, I will of course notify the readers. Okay, chapter one. This is where the business starts. I hope you all enjoy it! ------------------------------------------ Chapter One: Blood on the Dunes Cliegg Lars rolled over slowly in bed and grunted as his stiff muscles loosened up. He stretched out his arm to lay it around Shmi but it fell flat onto the mattress. Cliegg opened his eyes slowly and sighed as he looked upon Shmi’s unmade part of the bed. He sat up slowly and shook his head with a small smile on his face and he patted her side of the bed lovingly. He stood up, got dressed and looked at his reflection in the mirror, thinking if he should shave the stubble off his face or not. His stomach rumbled and he decided not to. As the door to his room slid open, a gust of warm air hit him square on the face and forced him to squint. Cliegg moved briskly across the courtyard, the warmth of the suns already beating down on him unrelentingly. He breathed a short sigh of relief as he moved into the cool shade. ‘All these years here and I’m still not used to the heat,’ he thought and shook his head as he moved towards the kitchen were he could smell something cooking. ‘Something smells good up here,’ Cliegg hummed as he entered the kitchen area. ‘Oh, hello Beru,” he said and stopped suddenly. ‘Good morning Mr. Lars,’ Beru smiled, choosing to ignore the tinge of disappointment in Clieggs voice. She knew who he was expecting. ‘Slept well?’ ‘I’ve told you, call me Cliegg,' he said as he sat down. ‘And yes, I’ve slept well. Have you seen Shmi this morning?’ ‘No,’ Beru said as she put some fruits into the boiling water. She smiled: ‘She was up long before any of us,’ ‘Yes, that’s Shmi. Thanks, love,’ Cliegg said as Beru placed a plate in front of him. ‘And how about my hard working son?’ ‘Sleepy-head,’ Beru said and gave Cliegg a significant look. ‘Not for long,’ the old moisture farmer chuckled and started eating his breakfast. ** ‘Time to wake up,’ Cliegg said and tapped the still sleeping Owen on the forehead. ‘Time for work,’ ‘Five more minutes,’ Owen slurred as he turned away from his father. ‘No more minutes,’ Cliegg said determinedly. ‘The Cooperative wants their payment soon and we’re lagging behind,’ ‘I’m coming,’ Owen said drowsily and sat up slowly. ‘Now?’ ‘Yes, now,’ Owen sighed and rubbed his temples. * ‘What’s this about payment?’ Owen said, chewing on a piece of fruit Beru had given him for breakfast. Cliegg wouldn’t allow him to sit down and eat. ‘You told me last week that payment wasn’t due for another month!’ ‘Things have popped up since,’ Cliegg said gruffly and turned around and faced his son. ‘There’s been an increase in raids by Sand People and farmers have to be adequately compensated,’ ‘And they can’t support themselves?’ Owen asked, looking surly. ‘Don’t say that,’ Cliegg rumbled and pointed his finger at Owen. ‘It could be us who needs the support one day,’ ‘So who are the ones in trouble?’ Owen asked, seeming to resign himself to the idea of doing some charitable work. ‘The Skakls and old man Hornback. Luckily, no one was seriously injured,’ ‘That’s off by the fringes of the Western Dune Sea,’ Owen said and scanned the horizon. ‘Near the Jundland Wastes,' Cliegg sighed. 'I remember when one could go out there without fear of attack. Not anymore though,’ ‘And it’s not too far from here,’ ‘No, you see what I mean? We could be next,’ Cliegg said and shielded his eyes to take a look at the surroundings. ‘I should tell Shmi about this when she gets back. I can’t allow her to go out anymore, at least not without any protection,’ ‘Meanwhile…’ ‘Meanwhile, we must get to work and check on our vaporators. Are you armed?’ Owen patted the rifle strapped to his back in response to his father’s question. ‘And where’s Threepio?’ ‘I don’t know. Beru was supposed to find him,’ As in response to their query, Threepio suddenly appeared in the doorway and clumsily tried to climb the stairs. Beru came up behind the droid and helped him up. ‘Good morning Masters!’ Threepio chirped as he approached them. ‘I think it’s high-time you clean him,’ Beru said, wiping grime of her hands. ‘An oil-bath would sit nicely,’ Threepio said. ‘Yeah, yeah,’ Owen said and pushed the protocol droid in front of him. ‘But first, we need you to help us out with a job,’ ‘Now, you’ll be watching over the homestead whilst we’re gone,’ Cliegg said. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone trespass,’ Beru smiled reassuringly. ‘Bye, dear,’ Owen said, coming towards her and kissing her on the cheek. ‘We won’t be long,’ The two men and the droid set off toward the nearest vaporator with Beru waving them off, before going inside again to hide from the burning rays of the suns. ** ‘How about now?’ Owen asked, pulling his head out of the vent, taking off his goggles and looking wearily at the protocol droid who was listening to the vaporator. ‘I’m sorry sir, there still seems to be a problem with the primary rotors,’ ‘Exactly what kind of problem?’ Owen asked, the frustration he felt coming through in his voice. ‘I’m sorry, it cannot specify,’ Owen beat the side of the vaporator with his fists, the dull thuds resounding far across the quiet and lifeless dunes. ‘Calm down boy,’ Cliegg said, putting the rifle to one side and standing up. ‘Let me take a look at it,’ Owen climbed down and was more than happy to hand over the tools and goggles to his father. He picked the canteen and drank the last few drops of the now warm water. ‘We need to go back and refill,’ ‘We need to go back anyway,’ Cliegg puffed as he tried to hold himself to the side of the vaporator. ‘I need to see if Shmi has returned,’ He dove inside the vent head first, which caused dust to swirl and Cliegg started to cough violently. ‘What was the problem again?’ Cliegg said between outbursts. ‘It is the primary rotary sir,’ the voice of the droid echoed in the vent. ‘And if may come with a suggestion, you should check up on the vaporators more often,’ ‘Suggestion noted,’ Cliegg sighed as he pulled himself and started working on the primary rotary. He quickly found the problem that Owen had been too impatient to find a dust-plug. Dust had been gathering on one of the blades, slowing the whole rotary down, but a quick burst with a handheld pump cleared it. ‘There you go, fixed!’ Cliegg announced triumphantly as he squeezed himself out the vent and climbed down. ‘What was the problem?’ Owen asked ‘The problem was that you weren’t looking hard enough,’ Cliegg sat pointedly. But upon seeing Owens disappointed expression on his face, Cliegg cracked a large grin. ‘Don’t look like that. I’m happy because it means I still have some things to teach you,’ Cliegg wrapped an arm around Owen who couldn’t keep down a smile. ‘Are we going back now?’ ‘Yes, I need a drink and a bite but then we must get out again. I fear that the east side will prove more troublesome. That’s where the wind always comes from,’ Upon coming returning to the homestead, the two men and the droid found Beru standing outside waiting for them. ‘I saw you through the electrobinoculars,’ she smiled and held them up. ‘I’ve prepared lunch,’ ‘Nicely done, love,’ Cliegg said as he brushed past her. ‘Has Shmi returned yet?’ ‘No. She’s never been out this long,’ Beru said and turned back to Owen. ‘My, you are a mess,’ she kissed him on the cheek, leaving a clean spot. Owen hugged her. ‘Let’s see what you’ve cooked,’ he said cheerfully, leading his girlfriend towards the entry. ‘Not so fast, boy,’ Cliegg said, stepping in front of the couple and turning towards Threepio. ‘Were you up this morning?’ ‘Certainly, sir,’ Threepio answered. ‘As you’ve told me to,’ ‘Good. Did you by any chance notice which time Shmi left?’ ‘Around sunrise I believe,’ Cliegg grunted and buried his head in his hands. Owen looked worriedly at his father but before he could ask anything, Cliegg raised his head and looked straight Owen, his blue eyes brimming with anxiety. ‘Father?’ ‘Forget lunch, we must find Shmi. She’s been out for too long,’ Cliegg said, grabbing his rifle and turning once again towards Threepio. ‘Which way did she go?’ ‘Out east I believe,’ ‘East, near the western fringes of the Dune Sea,’ Owen said slowly. ‘Quickly,’ Cliegg said, a tinge panic in his voice. ‘We have no time to lose,’ ‘Where are you going?’ Owen asked. ‘We’re going out east to pick up Shmi,’ Cliegg said and took the rifle from Owen. ‘Now,’ Cliegg walked briskly around the back of the homestead and found the swoop bike around the back. Cliegg fastened the rifle to his back and climbed onto the swoop bike rather hastily. He indicated with his thumb that Owen was to sit behind him. Feeling that it was best not to badger his father with questions and complaints, Owen climbed up behind him and sat down rather uncomfortably. ‘Hold the fort,’ Owen said reassuringly, turning his head around and looked at Beru with a weak smile upon his face. ‘We won’t be l…’ but the rest of his sentence was cut off as Cliegg pushed down the throttle and blasted off towards the east. ** Owen had just about managed to gather his wits about him as Cliegg abruptly brought the swoop bike to a halt. Sand and dust was kicked up and Owen remained on the swoop bike, rubbing his eyes and coughing. Cliegg ignored the irritation in his throat and his watery eyes, jumping swiftly off the swoop bike and following the now dissolving tracks of Shmi. ‘No,’ he said softly as he realised that the track went on past the boundary line. Owen came up behind him, still coughing, but Cliegg didn’t wait for him as he ran past the last vaporator which signified the boundary line. He walked with his eyes dead set on the ground and once he reached the site where the Tusken Raiders had finally caught up with her, he simply stood there blinking. ‘Look at all the blood,’ Owen said in a hoarse whisper, but Cliegg did not look up. Instead, he slowly slumped to his knees and held his head in his hands. Meanwhile, Owen walked around slowly and tried to make out some kind of trail. His eyes were slowly filling with tears which made this even harder. He had to choke back the tears when he found the basket and the vaporator mushrooms mashed and scattered around in the sand. Eventually, he found a trail leading up a hill and leaving his father behind, he ran up it as quick as he could. Upon reaching the top, he saw that the trail continued over and the hill, where it stopped and became the footprints of four beings. The footprints went in a straight line towards the rocky outcrops that marked the Jundland wastes. Owen sprinted down the hill towards his father as fast as he could, loosing his footing several times. ‘The tracks lead towards the Jundland wastes,’ Owen said, crouching down opposite his father and giving him what felt like old news already. Cliegg looked at him with watery blue eyes, wiped them and sniffed. ‘Yes,’ he answered, nodding his head jerkily. ‘I feared that,’ ‘What must we do?’ ‘Get her back,’ Cliegg growled. -----signature----- Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 9/5/07 9:14am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama, pre-AOTC) Updated
	Now I see where Owen got his gruffness, though at least Cliegg lightened up and taught Owen what he needed to know. I loved seeing the interaction between the Lars and Beru. Great update -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 11,018
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 9/6/07 8:58am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama, pre-AOTC) Updated
	She found it beautiful. Cliegg and Owen didn’t care for it that much and found it odd that she could like these barren wastes but they had never lived in the slave quarters with the cramp space and the constant noise from the neighbours. I can understand how just the freedome of being able to stoll out would be lovely. ‘No. She’s never been out this long,’ Beru said and turned back to Owen. ‘My, you are a mess,’ she kissed him on the cheek, leaving a clean spot. Owen hugged her. They don't even know yet. Wonderful start. May I get PM's when you update? -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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yodas_waiter Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 9/11/07 5:54am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama, pre-AOTC) Updated
	Kelia: Thanks. I'm never really sure how to write relationships but I'm glad you liked it Healer_Leona: Thank you I'm glad that you've liked the start Ok, here's chapter two. It's pretty long, but it felt better doing it this way than dividing it into two separate chapters. Hope you all enjoy it! --------------------------------------- Chapter 2: The Dune Sea Moisture Farmer Cooperative As soon as the distinct droning of Owens swoop bike could be heard, Beru had run up the stairs and into the daylight, keeping an eye on the horizon. At first she couldn’t see them, but soon a dot appeared against the horizon which grew larger and larger. She saw them coming fast, too fast she thought and the sound of the engine became almost aggressive as it approached the homestead. Beru could not see if there were two or three persons on it but a sinking feeling in her stomach told her that Shmi had not been found. Cliegg hit the brakes and the swoop bike threw up a cloud of sand, but that did not stop Cliegg as he jumped off the swoop and disappeared into the homestead in a flash. ‘Owen,’ Beru said, trying to stifle the anxiety in her voice as she ran up to him. ‘What…?’ ‘Shmi’s gone. The Tuskens got her,’ Owen said, interrupting his girlfriend. ‘No,’ she said, covering her mouth and looking shocked. ‘It can’t…I…no…’ Owen merely shook his head. ‘What about your father?’ Beru asked softly. At that precise moment, Cliegg emerged from the homestead and threw a pack at Owen. ‘Listen up, son,’ he said. ‘We need to act quickly. You are to take the swoop to Anchorhead and gather as many able-bodied men as you can,’ ‘Now?’ Owen blurted. ‘It will be dark when I get to Anchorhead,’ ‘We haven’t got time,’ Cliegg said through gritted teeth. “You know people in Anchorhead. Just get as many as you can to help us,’ ‘And you?’ ‘I am going to the Cooperative,’ ‘And you think they will help?’ ‘By the rules they set down themselves? Of course!’ ‘What about me?’ Beru asked, wiping away the tears. ‘It’s not right leaving you here whilst we’re away,’ Cliegg said. ‘So you’re coming with me and I’ll leave you with your family,’ ‘And who will guard the homestead?’ Owen asked. Cliegg walked over the entrance of the homestead. ‘Threepio,’ Cliegg bellowed and the droid slowly emerged. ‘Yes sir?’ ‘When we leave, you’re going to be alone here. Keep the homestead under lock until either me or Owen returns which will be some time tomorrow,’ ‘Certainly sir,’ the droid responded and disappeared back into the homestead. ‘You should probably be leaving now, you’ve got a long trip ahead of you,’ Cliegg said, turning to Owen and putting his hand on his shoulder. Owen nodded resolutely and patted his fathers arm before turning to Beru. ‘Don’t worry now, everything is going to be fine,’ he said, as much to himself as to her. Beru nodded and embraced him before he went to the swoop. Owen revved the engines, turned around and gave a quick wave before setting off towards Anchorhead. ‘You better gather your stuff before we leave,’ Cliegg said, coming up next Beru. She nodded and entered the homestead with Cliegg following behind her. ‘Aren’t you going to gathering anything?’ Beru asked. ‘No need, no time,’ Cliegg answered. Beru nodded slowly before descending into the courtyard. Cliegg walked into the living room and sat himself down opposite holocamera. He punched the codes to the Soswan estate and awaited his call to be picked up. Suddenly the projector flickered to life and the upper half of a young girl appeared. ‘Hello,’ she said. ‘You’ve reached the Soswan estate and you’re speaking with Elana,’ ‘Elana, hi,’ Cliegg said, clearing his throat. The image of the girl flickered and then got focused again. It seemed like she could see him clearly now. ‘I don’t think you know me, I’m Cliegg Lars…’ ‘Lars…Lars…’ she said slowly, seeing if the name would conjure some reaction. ‘Are you related to Owen Lars?’ ‘I am his father,’ ‘Oh,’ Elana Soswan said, looking pleased that she managed to get the name right. ‘What can I do you for?’ ‘I need to speak with your father, it is very urgent,’ ‘Much is these days,’ Elana said with a theatrical sigh, as if Cliegg wasn’t the first person to come with an urgent request. ‘My father is a very busy man, what with all…’ ‘Just…just tell your father it’s a code red,’ Cliegg interrupted her wearily and saw the hologram of Elana disappear with a huff. Within a few minutes, the flickering image of skinny man with thinning hair and wearing spectacles appeared. ‘Efraim,’ Cliegg said, feeling a slight sense of relief. ‘Cliegg,’ Efraim Soswan said with a slight inclination of the head. ‘My daughter told me this was a code red. Is that true?’ ‘Yes,’ Cliegg answered quickly. ‘It’s Shmi, they took her,’ ‘I see,’ Soswan said coolly, as if this wasn’t a matter of life and death. ‘And I assume you need aid,’ ‘By the rules set down, yes,’ Soswan rubbed his temples, as if the discussion was giving him a headache. ‘Very well. When can you be here?’ ‘Sometime tomorrow morning,’ Cliegg answered. ‘Good, I will gather people for a meeting in the afternoon,’ Soswan said, writing something down somewhere outside the holo-projectors sight. ‘But I must remind you that they’ve caused enough trouble already as it is. The Cooperative is stretched thin and might not provide the aid you seek,’ ‘Little aid is better than no aid,’ Cliegg said with a feeble smile. ‘Yes,’ Efraim droned with a stone face. ‘I will see you in the morning. Until then, take care Cliegg,’ The hologram of Efraim Soswan flickered and disappeared. Moments later, Beru emerged carrying a small pack of her personal belongings. ‘Good girl,’ Cliegg smiled. ‘Let’s get going so we reach your home before it gets too dark,’ Threepio was standing erect by the doorway and Cliegg approached him. ‘Me and Beru are leaving now. Keep the homestead under lock and key and don’t let anyone in, under any circumstances, unless it’s either me or Owen,’ ‘Understood, sir,’ Threepio answered and made a stiff bow. Cliegg patted him on the shoulder, getting grime on his hands. ‘So,’ Cliegg sighed and looked at the homestead as if he would never see it again. ‘We better be going,’ Behind them, they could hear the loud clanking of the locks as Threepio secured the homestead. ** Not much had been said between Beru and Cliegg since they had left the homestead. The events of the day still lay heavy upon and both walked in contemplative silence, yet the silence seemed only to exasperate matters. ‘Tell me,’ Cliegg said hoarsely, breaking the silence. ‘About you and Owen,’ ‘What is there to tell?’ Beru said with her eyes downcast. ‘A lot I think,’ a shadow of smile passed over Cliegg’s face. ‘The truth is, I haven’t seen Owen this happy since he was a little child on Ator. Please, I need to take my mind off things,’ ‘Well,’ she said and looked up. ‘We are very happy together,’ ‘I’ve gathered as much,’ ‘But, he is kind of complicated,’ she added timidly. Cliegg merely grunted. ‘I…I mean that he’s had a tough life this far…’ Cliegg seemed to slump a little and shook his head slightly. Beru looked upon him worriedly. ‘It’s not about your parenting. You’ve done well under the circumstances…’ Beru paused and chose her next words carefully. ‘It’s just…all of that has left a mark on Owen and I don’t think people understand that,’ ‘And you do?’ Cliegg asked. ‘Not entirely and I don’t think he would appreciate me prying him up,’ Cliegg chuckled: ‘No, that boy doesn’t like people snooping about,’ ‘Neither do you,’ Beru pointed out. ‘Both of you are fiercely protective of yourselves which also spills over onto others,’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘That life has kicked the both of you so many times that you’d lay down your life to make sure that life doesn’t kick those you love. That’s what is happening right now,’ A long silence grew between the two and only the shuffling of the sand under their feet could be heard. The blue sky had been slowly been shifting into hues of red, purple and yellow and a chill wind was starting to sweep across the dunes. ‘Cliegg,’ Beru finally said and the old moisture farmer looked up. ‘It’s this Lars trait that will save Shmi,’ To Beru’s surprise, great tears started to roll down the weatherworn cheeks of Cliegg. The mixed feelings of the day had finally taken its toll and were now overflowing. ‘Bless you girl,’ he sniffed. ‘I hope that Owen makes the right choice and marries you,’ The lights of the Whitesun estate punctuated the almost impenetrable dark of the Tatooine night and grew steadily brighter as the two walkers approached them. They had resumed walking in silence after their short discussion, but the silence wasn’t heavy now with ominous feelings. Beru could not be sure if the dark was playing trick with her eyes, but it seemed to her that Cliegg wore a tired smile on his face. Entering the circle of light that enclosed the homestead was like a sigh of relief for Beru. Whilst she never doubted Clieggs prowess out on the dunes, she couldn’t not help but feel vulnerable in the dark. A shrill ringing suddenly rose through the air and within a few seconds, the door of the homestead a few meters away was thrown up and a man emerged brandishing a rifle, shooting a warning shot in the air. ‘Father, please!’ Beru shouted and covered her ears. ‘Beru?’ he responded and slowly dropped his rifle. ‘What are you doing here and who’s with you?’ ‘Take it easy Titus, do I look like a Tusken Raider to you?’ Cliegg said, managing a warm smile and extending his arm mock-apologetically. ‘Cliegg, is that you?’ Titus Whitesun said, squinting. ‘Why are you here at this time with my daughter?’ ‘That question,’ Cliegg said, coming up to Titus and laying his arm around the portly moisture farmer. ‘Can be best answered over some refreshments,’ Cliegg removed his arm moved on into the welcoming light that issued out from the doorway and walked in. Out from it echoed shouts of greeting. ‘Hi father,’ Beru said and hugged him. Titus Whitesun patted her absent-mindedly on the top of her head as he watched the doorway over his shoulder. ‘So, how’s everything back home. How’s the son?’ Beru’s mother, Hedda, asked cheerily as she handed him a cup of spirits. ‘Thank you Hedda. Owen is doing fine,’ Cliegg took a sip from the cup, smacked loudly with his lips and let out a sigh of relief. ‘You’re a lifesaver Hedda. You really are,’ ‘Always a gentleman,’ Hedda smiled and sat down opposite Cliegg. ‘Speaking of lifesavers, how’s dear Shmi doing. I want to have her over one day,’ The smile on Cliegg’s face disappeared and he looked deeply into his cup, which he then put down slowly on the table. He sighed and rubbed his eyes, feeling tired for the first time. ‘Shmi is the reason I came,’ he said and looked at both Titus and Hedda. Beru sniffed and had her eyes fixed upon the table. ‘She’s been abducted by Tusken Raiders,’ Hedda’s hand flew up and covered her mouth, mimicking her daughter whilst Titus’ knuckles were slowly turning white as he grabbed the edge of the table. ‘Where?’ he asked. ‘Out by the eastern fringes of my land,’ Cliegg said. ‘You…you poor thing,’ Hedda said through the tears streaming down her face and grabbing Cliegg’s hand reassuringly. ‘What about Owen?’ ‘Owen is heading out to Anchorhead to gather men. I’m heading to the Cooperative to do the same thing and was hoping to stay here for the night…’ ‘Of course you can,’ Titus rumbled. He looked at Hedda and the two women went to prepare the guest room. ‘How did it happen?’ Titus hissed as Hedda and Beru disappeared. ‘I don’t know, it looked like she was ambushed,’ Cliegg said, trying to keep the tears back. ‘There was blood…’ Titus leaned back and shook his head. ‘Vicious beast, vicious. Don’t worry, we’ll get back Shmi,’ ‘We?’ Cliegg said in surprise and looked questioningly at Titus with moist blue eyes. ‘Of course! I’m going to join you at the meeting and will be a part of the rescue party,’ Titus beamed reassuringly. ‘But what about your wife and daughters…?’ ‘Please Cliegg, don’t protest. Just accept my help,’ Titus stretched out his hand across the table. Cliegg regarded it for a few seconds before grabbing it. ‘It’s the least I can do,’ Titus said, holding the hand in a firm grip. ‘We must watch out for each other, seeing as we’re almost family,’ he smiled and winked. The sun had just about risen when Titus entered the guest room to wake Cliegg up, but this wasn’t needed since sleep had been impossible to find for Cliegg. He could think of nothing else but Shmi and what she was going through, if she was still alive. The screams of her and of Tusken Raiders rang in his ears whenever he shut his eyes and tried to get a little sleep. Cliegg breathed a sigh of relief as Titus entered the room because this meant that Cliegg had a reason to wander about. ‘No need to wake me up, Titus,’ Cliegg said into his pillow as the footstep reached the bed. ‘I’m already awake,’ ‘Well, breakfast’s ready,’ Titus whispered and walked out of the room. Cliegg sat up slowly and started to get himself dressed. He regarded himself in the mirror and saw that he looked more haggard than ever. He had bags under his slightly bloodshot eyes, his hair was a mess and his stubble had grown longer. He also noticed that the stress of the previous day seemed to have accentuated his weatherworn features and that he looked much older than he really was. He left the room and found Titus sitting by the breakfast all alone. ‘Where’s the family?’ ‘Still sleeping. I don’t want to bother them,’ answered Titus as he grabbed the bread basket. ‘Care for some bread?’ ‘Thank you,’ Cliegg said and took some bread, almost greedily. He hadn’t eaten anything decent for almost a day. ‘When are we leaving?’ ‘Soon,’ answered Titus, in between chewing his breakfast. ‘The landspeeder is ready and all…’ ‘I appreciate you coming with me to the meeting,’ Cliegg said and leaned over the table. ‘But you have no obligation to join the rescue party,’ ‘Cliegg, please,’ Titus sighed and swallowed. ‘I know that I don’t look much,’ he smacked his belly for added effect. ‘But this is my own choice and the girls are backing me on it. We go back, you and I and it’s natural that I should be there to help you,’ ‘Well,’ Cliegg grunted. ‘Thank you, but if you want to…’ ‘I know, Cliegg,’ Titus interrupted him. From the living room came a soft beeping and both Cliegg and Titus went to see what it was. ‘Ah, a message,’ Titus smiled and pressed the button. The wiry frame of Efraim Soswan appeared as a hologram. ‘The Cooperative is calling its members to an emergency meeting at its headquarters this afternoon,’ he droned. ‘The issue is concerning a code red issued by Cliegg Lars. We implore that all members are represented at this meeting. A failure to do so might result in no future aid from the Cooperative,’ The hologram flickered and disappeared. Titus made a low whistle: ‘Soswan means business,’ ‘Good,’ Cliegg responded. * After having eaten their breakfast, Titus led Cliegg to the garage where the landspeeder was. ‘Nice one,’ Cliegg said and ran his hand along the hood. ‘I had one just like this before Owen accidentally crashed it into one of my vaporators. Now all we’ve got is that swoop bike,’ Titus laughed as he seated himself as he sat down in the driver’s seat. ‘He’s a good boy,’ Titus smiled, but as he turned towards Cliegg, that smile faded. ‘But onto more serious matters; what are you planning on achieving at this meeting?’ ‘Well,’ Cliegg said as the garage port rose slowly and let the early morning light seep in. ‘I was hoping to gather about 20 men, that’s counting those from Anchorhead, receive supplies and an armoured landspeeder,’ ‘All that is workable,’ Titus said and started the engine. ‘But you’ll be hard pressed to get that armoured landspeeder,’ ‘We’ll see about that,’ Cliegg smiled wryly as the speeder sped out of the garage and into the golden dunes under the early morning suns. **** The suns had made some way across the Tatooine sky when Titus slowed down and stopped outside the Cooperatives headquarter which was a low bungalow-like building, roughly 25 meters long. The façade was windowless and only had a large entry which led down to the meeting hall and offices that were situated underground. There were already several landspeeder and swoop bikes parked outside the building. ‘Seems like most are already here, good,’ Titus said as he backed the landspeeder into a parking space. The two men had barely time to climb out of the landspeeder when Efraim Soswan emerged from the building and came striding towards them. ‘Cliegg, I hope you’re doing well today,’ Soswan said and shook his hand firmly. ‘As well as I can,’ Cliegg grunted. ‘Of course,’ Soswan said with eyes downcast. ‘Terrible business, terrible. We’ll make sure that Shmi will return safely and that these Tusken Raiders will be properly dealt with,’ ‘That’s what we want to hear,’ Titus said enthusiastically and shook Soswan’s hand. ‘Follow me then, gentlemen,’ Soswan said and gesticulated towards the building. The men were met by a cool breeze upon entering but Soswan did not break his stride and descended down the stairs that led to the meeting hall. The voices of the people gathered there carried up the stairs and when they entered the hall, Cliegg was pretty sure all the members on the Dune Sea was represented. All of the heads turned around as they entered and Cliegg was met with a murmur of greeting, the closest ones extended their hands, both in welcome and in comfort. Soswan indicated to Cliegg that he should join him at the table on the platform which overlooked the hall. Cliegg did so and felt slightly awkward as he sat there, overlooking everyone and seeing people either gazing at him or looking at him through the corner of their eyes. It took another hour for the last of the representatives to arrive and it was with a slight sense of relief that Cliegg saw Soswan grab the gavel, hit it hard on the table and ask everyone for silence. ‘Before we get down to the matter,’ Soswan said and cleared his throat. ‘I will call the names of all the families to which the representative will say “here”,’ and so he began to call the names of the families who were members in the Dune Sea area. Algrow? Here. Bren? Here. Collo? Here. Darklighter? Here. Davin? Here. Dorr? Here. Elwin? Here. Farbor? Here. Finven? Here. Fonsen? Here. Gladsen? Here. Gress? Here. Hornback? Here. Joanson? Here. Kohler? Here. Lars? A croaky ‘Here’. Loneozner? Here. Marook? Here. Marstrap? Here. Nanji? Here. Omatis? Here. Roxberg? Here. Sabarte? Here. Sako? Here. Skakl? Here. Soswan? Efraim stretched himself and issued a clear ‘Here’. Sunber? Here. Tuph? Here. Unsa? Here. And finally, Whitesun. Here. ‘Well, I’m pleased to see that all 30 members here,’ Soswan beamed as he closed the data-pad. ‘There is no point in waiting any longer. Cliegg, to the matter please?’ Soswan sat down with his eyes fixed on Cliegg and the moisture farmer rose slowly from his seat, suddenly aware of how grubby he looked. ‘My fellow farmers,’ he said and cleared his throat. ‘My friends,’ he paused and breathed in. The silence was complete and all eyes in the hall were fixed on him. ‘Little more than a day ago, a great tragedy befell my family when we realised that my dear wife, Shmi, had been ambushed and kidnapped by Tusken Raiders. She had been picking vaporator mushrooms out on the eastern parts of my land, facing the Jundland Wastes when she was ambushed. There were signs of a struggle but I still believe her to be alive. Tusken are vicious but I have a feeling…,’ Cliegg paused and wiped his forehead. This was harder than he had imagined. ‘I come before you now as a friend in need of your aid. To save Shmi is an endeavour to large to undertake by myself and I count on you to help me, as I have helped many of you in the past,’ A murmur rose but Cliegg went steadfastly on: ‘What I ask is for 15 to 20 men to join me in rescuing Shmi. My son Owen, who will most likely join me, is currently asking friends in Anchorhead for aid. Please, none of you in here can hold against me that I never came to your aid when asked. I simply ask for a favour in return,’ Cliegg looked across the room cautiously before sitting slowly. At the same time, Soswan rose quickly and smiled reassuringly at Cliegg. ‘Thank you Cliegg,’ he said before turning back to the hall. ‘The Cooperative is prepared to aid you by the codes we’ve set down, which is to supply you men who are on our “Hunters list” and provide their supplies and ammunitions. The current men on the list are: Iako Bren, Creed Finven, Fowler Gress, Marek Kohler, Tabo Marstrap, Pando Nanji, Gord Sabarte and Boz Tuph. Before we go any further, is there anyone on the list who does not want to partake in this rescue party? For in that case, speak up now or we will assume that you are willing to join,’ The silence was complete as the men on the list looked around at each other and shrugged. However, the shuffle of a chair could be heard and a tall muscular man stood up with his head bowed down. ‘I’m sorry, Cliegg,’ his deep voiced boomed, full with regret. ‘In any other case, I wouldn’t hesitate to join you, but see, the wife and I are waiting our first child and I cannot take no more risks. I…’ ‘It’s alright, Pando,’ Cliegg said, interrupting the man. ‘You are making the right choice and I will not hold that against you,’ ‘Does this mean you want to be stricken from the list, Nanji?’ Soswan asked. ‘Uhu,’ Pando Nanji nodded and sat down again. ‘Anyone else?’ Soswan asked, but no one else from the list stood up. ‘Very well. Cliegg, you’ve got seven men at your disposal,’ ‘Thank you,’ Cliegg said and smiled. ‘I will now proceed to ask every family if they are willing to send someone on this rescue party. Remember, this is entirely voluntary but Cliegg Lars has been a notable member of the Cooperative for many years and it is recommended that you offer him the same support that he has offered you in the past. If you do not wish to partake, you will support this endeavour with logistics as it says in the code,’ Soswan said in a business-like tone, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall. ‘Algrow?’ Soswan announced. A small man with a head full of thick white hair stood up and said: ‘Whilst the Algrows share Cliegg’s pain, we are not able to support him with manpower at this moment. We will support him with funds instead,’ ‘Good,’ Soswan said and wrote something down on his data-pad. ‘Iako Bren is on the list so let’s go straight to the Collos,’ A frail looking old man stood up and said in a clear voice: ‘Cliegg Lars is an old friend of the family and I will join the rescue party,’ A young man, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the old man shot up behind him and spoke in an equally clear, but more forceful voice: ‘So will I,’ ‘Pallos, no!’ the old man hissed in horror. ‘I will not let you go,’ old man Collo turned back and faced the platform. ‘Please Efraim. Ignore my son’s request,’ he pleaded. ‘No!’ Pallos Collo said defiantly and pushed his way next to his father. ‘I know what I’m doing. If you’re going so am I,’ ‘You don’t understand what you’re getting yourself into. You must stay and take care of the farm,’ ‘I am old enough to make my own decision and I will go,’ ‘I will not let you,’ ‘Then I will join the list,’ Pallos retorted. ‘Riban, I believe your son is old enough to make his own decision,’ Soswan interrupted. ‘I…I…’ Riban Collo sputtered, to angered to find the right words. The two sat down and continued their debate in hushed voices. ‘Darklighter?’ Soswan announced. Chairs shuffled and an ancient looking man stood up slowly, leaning heavily on a cane. ‘Cliegg is a very dear old friend of the family and the both of us have gone through a lot together,’ the old mans voice wobbled but his smile was warm. ‘But my one good eye is growing dimmer, my shooting arm is shaky and my legs aren’t what they used to be. I would be a poor addition to the rescue party, but given our history together, it would be a poor repayment to simply fund this expedition,’ ‘What do you mean, Kent?’ Soswan asked. ‘Because Cliegg has been there for me before, I will fund the rescue party but I also would want someone to represent the Darklighter family, which would be my son, Huff,’ ‘Father!’ Huff Darklighter bellowed, shooting up behind his father like Pallos Collo had done. Apparently, Huff was unaware of his father’s plan. ‘I don’t want to go,’ ‘You will go,’ Kent Darklighter said, turning around and meeting the angry gaze of his sun, the wobble in his voice all but gone. ‘Cliegg has risked his life for our family and you will serve him in the same capacity in the family name,’ ‘But father…’ ‘But nothing,’ Kent cut him of and staring at his son as intensely as one could stare with a greying eye and an optical implant. ‘He has saved both your mother and me. We owe him,’ he banged the cane in the ground for added emphasis. Huff seemed to deflate and sat down slowly. Kent Darklighter turned back towards the platform and smiled wryly. ‘Add my son to your list,’ he said in a satisfactory tone and sat down with great difficulty. Cliegg simply smiled. ‘Davin?’ Soswan announced, seeming eager to move on. The Davins were not too eager to join the rescue party but agreed to help Cliegg with funds if it was needed. The Dorrs, which were Cliegg’s closest neighbours, agreed to join the rescue party and sent their eldest son, Sholh. The Elwin’s hade no one to spare for the rescue party, as both their sons were off-planet and agreed to supply ammunition instead. Neither the Farbor family was inclined to take part in the rescue party. Instead they agreed to set up a compensation fund for the families of inevitable injured or dead. Creed Finven was already on the list and thus a part of the rescue party, so Soswan moved swiftly over to the Fonsen family whose youngest son Ather agreed to join the rescue party. Gladsens did not join but agreed to fund the rescue party with supplies. Fowler Gress had already agreed to help Cliegg in rescuing Shmi. ‘Hornback?’ Soswan announced, but someone was already on their feet. ‘Too damn right I’m going to join,’ the man said forcefully and threw his hat on the table. ‘I bet it’s the same Tuskens that raided our land and shot my father through the hand,’ ‘I take it you’re joining then, Sommes?’ Soswan said coolly. Sommes Hornback nodded emphatically. ‘Moving on. Joanson?’ Pago Joanson agreed to join, Marek Kohler was already a part of the rescue party and Venny Loneozner agreed to join even though his face had a slight grey tinge to it and his voice was wobbly, however not from old age. None of the Marooks were willing to join and now Efraim Soswan tore through the list quickly. Marstrap, Nanji. Already dealt with. Omatis? No. Roxberg? No. Sabarte, on the list. Sako? No. ‘Skakls?’ to which both the adult Skakl brothers held up there rifles in silence whilst remaining seated. Soswan nodded and jotted something down on his data-pad. ‘Soswan,’ Efraim said and looked up at the seated moisture farmers before saying: ‘No,’ A murmur rose through the crowd but Soswan moved on quickly to quieten them down. ‘Sunber?’ he said quickly and cleared his throat. Wes Sunber was onboard alongside Tuph who had already joined. The Unsa family agreed to join and so did the Whitesuns, Titus thumping the table with his fist saying a defiant, yet warm: ‘Count me in,’ ‘Very well,’ Soswan said with an air of finality and looked down upon the data-pad. He straightened his spectacles and his voice boomed across the hall: ‘Then we have reached a conclusion. Cliegg Lars is to take twenty able bodied men on this expedition, seven of whom are on the hunters list. The eleven families who have chosen not to partake in the expedition have agreed to fund it in different capacities. The following are partaking in the expedition to save Shmi Skywalker Lars: Iako Bren, Pallos Collo, Riban Collo, Huff Darklighter, Sholh Dorr, Creed Finven, Ather Fonsen, Fowler Gress, Sommes Hornback, Pago Joanson, Marek Kohler, Cliegg Lars, Owen Lars, Venny Loneozner, Tabo Marstrap, Gord Sabarte, Drav Skakl, Lodin Skakl, Wes Sunber, Boz Tuph, Bail Unsa and Titus Whitesun,’ ‘Excuse me,’ Cliegg coughed slightly. ‘Yes?’ Efraim said, placing his spectacles on the tip of his nose and looking down upon Cliegg. ‘Is there something else you’d like to add?’ ‘Yes,’ Cliegg said and took a deep breath. ‘I would also like an armoured landspeeder,’ ‘An armoured landspeeder?!’ Soswan blurted. ‘You’ve already got 20 men plus those coming from Anchorhead. You don’t need an armoured speeder,’ ‘My reasoning is,’ Cliegg said, standing up and measuring himself up against Soswan. ‘That, since we’ve raised so many men and perhaps some more later on, we might have a good chance at taking on their camp,’ ‘No…’ Soswan started but was interrupted by the Skakl brothers who were standing up in angry protests. ‘Cliegg is right. Apart from saving Shmi, we could wipe out the Tusken scum,’ Drav Skakl shouted. ‘Yeah, give us our armoured landspeeder!’ Lodin Skakl shouted succinctly. The hall erupted in defiant murmurs. ‘Please, my friends, calm down,’ Soswan said, holding his hands up in a futile attempt to calm the moisture farmers down. Shouts erupted throughout the hall, some targeting the character of Soswan. He turned around, looking livid and gave Cliegg a hard stare. ‘That landspeeder better come back and I’m not supplying a driver or a gunner,’ ‘Don’t you worry about that,’ Cliegg smiled. ‘Very well,’ Soswan said through gritted teeth. ‘All will have a day to get their affairs in order. Meeting adjourned,’ he bellowed and pounded the gavel upon the table. ‘Good luck everyone,’ -----signature----- Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 9/13/07 2:56am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9
	As urgent as it is, it just feels this 'tomorrow' business will be too late. I enjoyed the nit of bonding the Cliegg and Beru had. ‘Bless you girl,’ he sniffed. ‘I hope that Owen makes the right choice and marries you,’ How sweet. We always want what's good for our children. 30? Wow, glad to see the community gather to help like this. "My reasoning is,’ Cliegg said, standing up and measuring himself up against Soswan. ‘That, since we’ve raised so many men and perhaps some more later on, we might have a good chance at taking on their camp,...’ I can understand why he'd want to do this. Excellent post yodas_waiter . -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 9/13/07 3:54am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9
	I'm glad Cliegg is getting the men and landspeeder he needs, but I'm very concerned with the delays. Poor Shmi...I don't even want to think about the shape she is in right now. I loved the farmers coming to Cleigg's aid and I hope they will be able to save Shmi. Great update -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 11,018
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yodas_waiter Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 9/14/07 12:07pm Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9
	Thank you Kelia and Leona. I really appreciate the comments And about the time; the timeline has had me confuzzled sometimes but that's because its several chapters in the space of a day and I'm more used to it being vice versa. The timeline should look something like this: Day 1 Shmi gets kidnapped. Owen and Cliegg set out to gather help Owen reaches Anchorhead by nightfall Day 2 Cliegg gathers help from the moisture farmers Owen gathers help from Anchorhead Day 3 The rescue party sets out So yeah, it might seems slow, but these moisture farmers are working as quickly as they can, as you will see in the later chapters -----signature----- Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Alexis_Wingstar Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 9/16/07 7:43am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9
	I'm liking this. You're doing a great job filling in this part of the story of what happened to Shmi and the rescue. Could you PM me when you update, please? -----signature----- 3rd time NaNoWriMo Participant 3rd time's the charm, right? RIGHT?
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Luton_Plunder Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 9/16/07 6:37pm Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9
	Great start Yodas Waiter - a brilliant look at a piece of the GFFA we never got to see. I'd love to get some PM updates if you could And can I just mention that your powers of OC naming are boundless! 30 names, give or take a few canon ones. I applaud you, sir Looking forward to more -----signature----- The Essential Guide to OCs. Say No to Mary. http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25562370/p1
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yodas_waiter Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 9/18/07 8:00am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 11/9 - Date Edited: 9/20/07 8:08am (1 edits total) Edited By: yodas_waiter
	Alexis_Wingstar: Thank you I'll make sure that you get PM updates. By the way, I've just started reading your Owen/Beru fic and I'm liking it. I'll drop a comment when I'm up to speed. Luton_Plunder: Thanks and I take an humble bow for your applauds. But I must tell you what a headache it is to keep track of all the characters. Several times I've had to backtrack and make a head-count to make sure everything is right. In the chapter I'm about to post, I noticed that I had introduced the name of a character that never appears! Ah, the woes of a writer And here is chapter three (thanks again BigE ). Owen is now in Anchorhead and is trying to raise help among his friends. ---------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Old Friends Owen had not stopped once as he pushed the swoop bike to its limits travelling to Anchorhead. The lights of the city illuminated the Tatooine twilight and Owen was relieved to have reached the town before the impenetrable Tatooine night time fell. Drawing his cloak closer around him, he hid his swoop from the prying eyes of Jawas and made his way to the house of Pekka Goydon. ‘Owen!’ Pekka exclaimed as he opened the door, with a mix of surprise and delight. ‘What are you doing here, at this time?’ ‘Bad news unfortunately,’ Owen said and pulled back his cloak, showing his stern face. ‘May I come in?’ ‘Sure,’ Pekka said and stepped aside. Owen stepped into the light and took off his cloak whilst Pekka closed the door. ‘Pekka, who was at the door?’ a women voice floated from farther in the house. ‘It’s Owen, Kyra!’ Pekka said and a small woman came running out, smiling and embraced Owen in a tight hug. ‘Oh, Owen. It’s been so long. How is Beru?’ ‘Beru’s fine,’ Owen said and tried to softly free himself. He was in no mood for hugs. ‘How’s everything here?’ ‘Fine, just fine,’ Pekka smiled and motioned for Owen to take a seat. ‘You said you had bad news?’ ‘Yes,’ Owen said, sinking slowly down into the cushioned chair and wiping the dust off his face. ‘It’s my step-mother, Shmi. She’s been taken by Tusken Raiders,’ Pekka’s jaw dropped whilst Kyra leaned over and squeezed Owen’s hand reassuringly. ‘I-I…oh my…’ Pekka stammered whilst wiping his forehead. ‘That’s terrible,’ ‘But why are you here?’ Kyra asked as softly as possible. ‘Shouldn’t you be out on the Dune Sea searching with the other moisture farmers searching for her?’ ‘Yeah, what about your father?’ Pekka asked. ‘He’s out raising help. Very complicated moisture farmer stuff,’ Owen smiled wearily. ‘I’m here to ask for additional help,’ ‘You won’t find much help out here,’ Pekka said. ‘Townsfolk don’t care much for the affairs of moisture farmers,’ ‘I know that, but I know my friends care for my family,’ ‘What do you mean?’ Kyra asked. ‘I’m here to ask for your help,’ ‘My help?’ Pekka chuckled. ‘What good can I do?’ ‘Every little helps,’ Owen said. Pekka looked sceptical. ‘Look, I need you to call the old gang, Kendal, Sato, Rico, Damon, Tobo, Trent, Sol, Jacob and Barrow,’ ‘I can do that,’ Pekka said. ‘But don’t expect much just for old times sake,’ ‘I have to,’ Owen said apologetically. ‘Otherwise I wouldn’t be here,’ An awkward silence descended upon the three as they sat there, first looking at each other and then at the floor. ‘Have you got anywhere to stay, Owen?’ Kyra asked. ‘No,’ ‘He could stay here, couldn’t he?’ she said, turning to Pekka. ‘Yeah, sure. No problem. You can use the guest room,’ Pekka said to Owen. ‘Thank you,’ Owen smiled. ‘And will you contact the gang?’ ‘Yeah, sure,’ Pekka said a little reluctantly. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ Owen yawned and scratched his head. ‘I need some shut-eye,’ he said and stood up. ‘Pekka, can you tell everyone to meet here tomorrow morning?’ ‘Yeah, yeah sure. Goodnight Owen,’ **** Owen woke up when Kyra entered the guest room and pulled aside the curtain, letting the warm morning sunlight in. ‘Sleep well?’ she asked a dazed Owen. ‘As well as I could,’ Owen grunted and turned around in his bed. ‘Well, you better get up because you’ve got visitors,’ she said and walked out. This invigorated Owen and he jumped out of bed and threw on his dusty clothes. As he entered the living room, he was met by a cheer. ‘Owi!’ and a group of people encircled him, patting him on the back and ruffling his hair. ‘Alright, alright!’ Owen smiled as he tried to break himself free. ‘Who’s here, I can’t see anything,’ ‘Ouch,’ someone said. ‘His ears are so clogged with sand that he doesn’t recognise the voices of his old friends,’ ‘Shut up, Sol,’ Owen said. ‘See, no amount of sand can keep out your squeaky voice,’ someone else said and everyone roared with laughter. Owen could now see who was gathered in Pekka’s living room. Kendal Hokram was there as was Trent Yowi, Sol Drazik, Jacob Halgerson and Rico Antilles. ‘It’s nice to see you guys again,’ Owen smiled as everyone sat down. ‘It’s nice to see you too,’ Jacob said. ‘But Pekka is hinting that you bring bad news,’ ‘Yes,’ Owen nodded. ‘But I’ll take that when everyone has arrived. ‘How’s life out on the dunes?’ Rico Antilles asked. ‘Dusty,’ Owen smiled. ‘Nah, it’s a life, isn’t it?’ ‘How’s that little desert flower of yours? What’s her name, Beru?’ Sol winked. ‘I bet she brightens up your day,’ Trent said, grinning. ‘Leave him alone,’ Kyra said, crossing her arms. ‘Haven’t you guys matured anything since you were fifteen?’ ‘Young at heart, love,’ Sol smiled and patted Kyra on the top of her head. And so they kept on discussing love, life and ambitions whilst the last of the old gang, Barrow Becun, Damon Maxe, Sato Ahot and Tobo Shabani, dropped in, as if it wasn’t bad tidings that brought him to Anchorhead. Owen himself seemed to forget the previous day and sat laughing with his friends and telling childish jokes. It was only when Pekka leaned over and said: ‘So Owen, are you going to share the bad news?’ that Owen remembered what he was there for and he felt bad about killing the good mood among his old friends. He stood up and cleared his throat. ‘Yes, I think you all know that I’ve come here because of something tragic that’s happened back home,’ he looked at each of the faces of the friends he knew so well but the laughter was gone now and they were all looking at Owen intensely. ‘My stepmother, Shmi, has been abducted by Tusken Raiders and I need your help,’ ‘What kind of help?’ Rico asked anxiously. ‘I need you to join a rescue party me and my father are setting up,’ ‘Woah there Owen,’ Barrow Becun said and stood up. ‘That’s a mighty big favour you’re asking of us,’ ‘I know, but you’re my oldest friends and if there’s one time I need your help, it’s now,’ ‘Yes, but that’s still a serious request,’ Sol said, the playfulness in his voice replaced with a seriousness that also fitted him. ‘I know,’ Owen said. ‘And I’m not saying this isn’t dangerous. My father is raising help right now, but I could use you guys to boost our numbers, increase our odds of success,’ ‘Yes, but still…’ Tobo Shabani said, but he didn’t elaborate. ‘Look, I understand that I’m asking for something big here and I don’t mind if you choose to stay, but I would appreciate any help,’ A heavy and sceptical silence hung over everyone in the room. The Anchorhead residents were looking at each other out of the corner of their eyes and seemed to be very uncomfortable. On one hand, they seemed to think Owen was asking too much, but on the other hand they felt that they couldn’t let him down. ‘I’ll come,’ Jacob said suddenly. ‘Excuse me?’ Owen said. ‘I said I’ll come with you and I mean it,’ Jacob said. ‘Thanks Jacob,’ Owen said, looking a little awed. But nobody else seemed to follow suite. ‘Oh, come on,’ Jacob said, standing up. ‘Owen is our friend and needs our help,’ ‘Yes, but it’s a big…’ Sato Ahot started to say but Jacob interrupted him. ‘Yes, yes, it’s a big request but friends are for those kinds of things,’ still there was no reaction. ‘Kendal,’ Jacob went on and pointed and Kendal Hokram who was wedged between Sol Drazik and Pekka Goydon. ‘Don’t you remember when Owen hid you from that swoop gang?’ ‘Yes, but…’ Kendal started but Jacob went on. ‘And Trent, didn’t Owen help you gather in some debts?’ ‘Yeah he did, but we were hardly risking our lives,’ Trent Yowi answered. ‘I’d beg to differ. That swoop gang meant business,’ Kendal said. ‘But you see, he’s our friend who has been there for us before and now it’s our turn to help him,’ Jacob said, waving his hands about and trying to convince his friends. ‘Sorry, Jacob,’ Barrow said and stood up. ‘Those Tuskens are vicious and no force in the universe is going to make me face them,’ Barrow turned towards Owen. ‘I’m sorry Owen, but…’ but the rest remained unsaid as Barrow strode quickly out of the room and left the building. ‘Well, anyone else prepared to follow Barrow?’ ‘Please Jacob, you don’t need to do this,’ Owen whispered. ‘Aw, heck!’ Kendal said loudly and stood up. ‘I can’t stand this, especially as you saved my behind before. Owen, I’m onboard,’ ‘Me too,’ Sol said. ‘I can’t stand the thought of you being out there with all those smelly moisture farmers. Anyways, you need somebody with sense on this…rescue mission…expedition…thing,’ ‘Well, that rules you out, Sol’ Trent Yowi said and smiled. ‘I’m coming to, mostly to keep an eye on this clown,’ and he nodded towards Sol. ‘I’m in too,’ Sato Ahot said. ‘But I have a bad feeling about this,’ ‘You always have a bad feeling about everything,’ Jacob retorted. ‘How about you Tobo? You’ve always wanted to go on an adventure,’ ‘An adventure I’ve got a chance of surviving,’ Tobo said, smacking his forehead. ‘No offence Owen, but this sounds like a foolish crusade that will end in no good,’ Jacob ignored Tobo and looked at Rico. ‘How about you Rico?’ ‘No way,’ Rico said dismissively and held up his hands. ‘I’m not very good with a gun anyways, so I’d be liability,’ ‘It’s true you know,’ Jacob said and turned to Owen. ‘Still, all the men we can spare,’ Owen said. ‘Sorry Owen. I love life too much and…and I guess I’m just a big coward. Good luck,’ Rico said meekly, shaking Owen’s hand and walking out with his head downcast. ‘Tempted to follow, Tobo?’ Jacob asked. ‘No,’ Tobo said and rolled his eyes. ‘Alright, I’ll go, but if something happens to me…’ he held his finger up threateningly. Once again, Jacob ignored him. ‘Damon, you haven’t said a thing and we all know you’re the best shot here,’ Damon Maxe shifted slowly in his seat and said slowly: ‘Sure, but I don’t think this is a good idea,’ ‘I guess that’s all of us,’ Jacob said and clapped his hands together. ‘Wait,’ Owen said. ‘What about you Pekka? We could use a medic,’ Pekka closed his eyes and sighed, as if he was hoping of going unnoticed. Kyra grabbed his hand, squeezed it and whispered something in his ear. He opened his eyes, looked at her and then turned to Owen. ‘I will come,’ Pekka said determinedly. ‘Great,’ Owen smiled cautiously. ‘I’m pleased that many of you are coming with me,’ ‘So, what do we do?’ Sol asked. ‘Well, I have to go back to the homestead and meet my father today however, the Cooperative usually give everyone a day to get everything in order, so we won’t set out until tomorrow, most likely,’ ‘And what must we bring?’ ‘Weapons and supplies, but if you haven’t got that, I’m sure we can supply it,’ Owen answered and the eight friends nodded slowly. ‘I myself must be off now. See you all at the homestead tomorrow midday,’ Owen stood up, shook hands and embraced his friends before leaving the house. As the door slid shut, everyone glanced at each other in complete silence, before one by one, leaving Pekka’s house. -----signature----- Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Alexis_Wingstar Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 9/18/07 4:48pm Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 18/9
	‘Me too,’ Sol said. ‘I can’t stand the thought of you being out there with all those smelly moisture farmers. Anyways, you need somebody with sense on this…rescue mission…expedition…thing,’ ‘Well, that rules you out, Sol’ Trent Yowi said and smiled. ‘I’m coming to, mostly to keep an eye on this clown,’ and he nodded towards Sol. ‘I’m in too,’ Sato Ahot said. ‘But I have a bad feeling about this,’ ‘You always have a bad feeling about everything,’ Jacob retorted. I liked this part for several reasons. First was the humor of it... Sol saying he couldn't the thought of Owen being out there with all those smelly moisture farmers. Like, what is Owen then? And of course it's not a SW story without someone having "a bad feeling about this." I'm glad some of them decided to go with him... we shall see if all the ones who said they'd come actually show up. I'm also wondering if any of the friends who said they wouldn't change their minds and show up at the last minute. Great update, yadas_waiter , can't wait for more. -----signature----- 3rd time NaNoWriMo Participant 3rd time's the charm, right? RIGHT?
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 9/19/07 12:47pm Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 18/9
	I'm glad to see Owen's friends finally came around and offered to help him. I understand their concern but if the shoe were on the other foot, they would absolutely expect him to help them out. I'm still concerned about the time elapsing but I think Owen and Cliegg are doing the right thing by getting all the help they can before heading out to attempt the rescue. Great update -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 11,018
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 9/20/07 6:11am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 18/9
	‘You won’t find much help out here,’ Pekka said. ‘Townsfolk don’t care much for the affairs of moisture farmers,’ How unfortunate. Even sadder is that so many friends refuse to help. Superb post yodas_waiter . -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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BigE Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 9/21/07 8:14am Subject: RE: Beneath the Shifting Dunes (Cliegg/Owen + OC's try to save Shmi, action/drama) Updated 18/9
	Okay, I'm all caught up. Intense scenes, y_w. The gathering of help is very detailed and realistic. Nice work. Now that the posse is all set the hunt begins. I can't wait. Add me to the PM list and get writin'! -----signature----- Not charging for Awesomeness. Gentlemen's Writing Guild 'Shipwrecked' challenge: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/30481486/r30519170/ psst: It's "crazy good", says a source.
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