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Author	Topic: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 5/2 - Chapter 16
Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 10/4/04 1:26pm Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - 10/3 - HOLY CRAP!!!
	Even seeking positive achievement can lead to a negative impact. So true, so right: Anakin in Episode Two showed that. He thinks he's better than Obi-wan and Mace Windu. When his strength was not enough, when he couldn't save his mother, Anakin blew a fuse. What he knew and what he could do was not enough. He was enraged. What could also happen in a similar scenario is dispair. Unable to do what is necessary, one is lost and has to resort to the easy way out of the situation. Perhaps worse. Shon can easily find himself down either path. Good shorty. ------------------ Jaxx? I've talked to him lately: he's still jet setting Europe. He was in England recently, raving about the castles. DANKERS! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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Whiskey in the Jar-Jar Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 10/5/04 4:27pm Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/5
	The biggest problem with Shon is his Imperial past even though no one else around him seems to think that. Part of his anxiety, I think, is what if someone on this trip dies at the hands of his family? Would his peers blame him, or would they not associate his father's atrocities with him? The answers will come in time...but for now... Nyphidonia The Castigator touched down on the redoubt’s landing platform, soon followed by a dozen zero-g troopers who’d detached earlier and had flown recon for the Assault Transport. Now, as they descended they returned to their berths on the sides of the ship, standing ready for any surprises from above or below. It was an exercise in boredom, however. In spite of the now-sprouting life on this planet, it was still for all intents and purposes a dead world. When the gangplank dropped and the cadre of stormtroopers emerged, escorting Terin Corvain and his son, they could have been blasting music out of the ship’s loudspeakers for all the world cared. Still, true to Imperial discipline, the Elite Troopers fanned out with blasters ready, creating a human channel down which father and son walked to the redoubt’s entrance. Neither one commented at seeing that the locking mechanism had been tampered with…a sloppy move on the part of those who’d come before them. Normally, one who would slice their way into an Imperial installation took painstakingly meticulous steps to cover any signs of tampering. Of course, they also probably never expected that someone would be following them… And was soon to come out ahead of the race. Once inside the redoubt, Jastro moved towards the main computer console and had it up and running quickly. He had no need for a Moff’s key since he knew all the back doors in the system to access the information he wanted. Within moments a small holo-projector emerged from the console and activated, revealing a middle-aged man dressed in what looked like an Imperial uniform. “Identify yourself,” spoke the man, his Basic slightly accented with a Bothan lilt. “Lieutenant Jastro Corvain of the Imperial Navy,” replied Jastro. “I only answer to one man,” the man said. “Now go back to the nursery, boy.” “Garm Lebanski sent me,” said Jastro, radiating a confidence that even took his father by surprise. “He was…killed during a planetary siege and bequeathed the knowledge of the project to me.” “To you?” The man stroked his chin. “You’re too young to know anything.” “I made it to Nyphidonia, didn’t I?” The man leaned in closer. “How do I know this isn’t some Rebel trick?” He’d betrayed his age with that remark. Even the more seasoned members of the Imperial Navy didn’t use that term for the New Republic. “You don’t have to believe me,” said Jastro. “But you should know that a group of people are on their way to you as we speak. They’ve run the gauntlet and will be there in a few days, and you won’t be able to stop them without me.” He inserted a data chip into the console and transmitted its contents to the man in the hologram. “This is one of Alpha Squad’s closest-kept secrets.” A schematic for what looked like battle armour appeared briefly on the screen. “How else would I have this unless by Lieutenant Lebanski?” The man seemed to think on that question for a while before answering. “How far have these people come?” he finally asked. “We believe they’ve made it to the planet Endrie,” replied the younger Corvain. “Which means they’ll be there in a matter of days.” “Given the little ‘surprise’ that was waiting for any intruders, I’d say they’ve been cut back even further,” said the man. His arm moved slightly and a series of coordinates appeared on the console screen. “Feed this into your navigational array and it will bring you to me in three days…then we can prepare a proper…reception for our guests.” Jastro relayed the coordinates to the Castigator. “Thank you,” he said. “We will see you in three days.” He cut the transmission and smiled. “Scientists,” he said. “So naïve.” “I take it he hasn’t been keeping up on current events?” asked Terin as Jastro rejoined him. “No,” said Jastro. “Communications can only be made from here, away from Republic and Imperial probes alike. He’s been cut off from just about everything…including the Vong war.” “I see,” said Terin. “This is a risky move, Jastro. If he sees through your ploy about Garm…” The ominous overtones in his father’s statement gave Jastro pause. He was right, of course; if indeed the leader of the Prometheus restoration project learned of Alpha Squad’s fate and of how his father had led them to their doom, it would take some fast talking and even faster shooting to ‘negotiate’ their way out of a potential death trap. Luckily, Jastro had taken a page from his father’s manual and had indeed come prepared. Nestled away in the cargo hold of the Castigator was something more than the mere schematic he’d beamed to the man in the hologram…something much more… * * * Where am I? How did I get here? What is this place? She awakened to find darkness surrounded her. She could see her own body…her hands and feet, but the surrounding darkness was impenetrable to her vision. She could sense nothing around her, as if she were standing on the only solid ground in some great dark ocean of nothingness. She moved to rub her eyes and marvelled at how heavy her hands felt. It was as if someone had tied weights to them…no…it was more like she had no real physical strength anymore. Her reflexes were dulled and she seemed unable to think clearly, as if even blinking her eyes was a long, thought-out process. With slow, plodding movements she made to stand, only to find that her legs could no longer bear her weight. She crashed down in a heap and sighed. She was unaccustomed to feeling this weak and it was fuelling her frustration. You need not bother. She turned her head towards the disembodied voice, but found that instead of it coming from one direction, it was coming from all over, as if the very darkness possessed this voice that was invading not only her ears, but her very mind. You are weakened because of your devotion to him. Your act of misplaced compassion has spelled not only your demise, but the demise of all those you supposedly hold dear to you. “Who…Who are you?” she asked softly. “What am I doing here?” As if in answer, the sound of approaching footsteps filled her ears. She turned this time, as the footsteps were definitely coming from a direction. The steady clop…clop…clop… of boots grew louder and louder, until… By fear or sheer force of will, she managed to stand as a figure emerged from the darkness…a figure seemingly the direct opposite of her in all ways. While she was weak, the figure before her stood strong and proud. Where she wore dishevelled robes and torn garments, her athletic body was covered in blue-black body armour that seemed alive to her. While her complexion was a pale blue-green, the one before her was bone-white and riddled with tattoos that seemed to pulsate with each heartbeat. “You…you’re…me,” she said, her eyes wide with shock. The figure laughed out loud…a chilling laugh that would have cooled a glass of water had one been present. “I…you? Obviously you extended yourself far beyond even your furthest limit if your brain is so addled.” The figure took a moment to admire her armour. “No, weakling, I am not you, but rather I am what you should have become. I am what your confused mind refused to accept all those years ago aboard the Worldship. Another day is all you needed…one final step to enter the Warrior’s Dream and take your place amongst the true rulers of the universe.” “The gods shunned you once,” the figure continued, “but in their mercy they are calling to you again, weakling. You have only accept what is happening and you will once again know the love of your kind.” “L…love?” “Yes,” the figure replied. “You are being called home…we are being called home. No more will we face controversy and prejudice. Instead of sneers and jokes, our adversaries will look upon us with fear and respect. I will do this for us…you need only rest here. I will come for you when the time is right.” The figure waved a gauntleted hand and the darkness seemed to fade somewhat. “We are resting right now,” she said. “But when we awaken you will be able to see and hear what is going on around us. You will bear witness as I put us back on the path that will lead us home…and to rest.” She could not refuse; she was too weak to even question this figure’s motives and methods. She had expended so much energy, though on what she couldn’t quite remember. Thinking was tough for her now…far too strenuous an activity in her current condition. Perhaps she should rest now and gather her strength to lend what assistance she could to the strange, mirror-like image that stood before her. Yes…rest was just what she needed. She knelt on the floor and soon curled up, her eyes closing and her breathing normal. She succumbed to the exhaustion she was feeling and was soon fast asleep. The other would wake her when the time was right…she could trust the stronger one for now. Of course, had she seen the evil grin that the figure’s mouth had just twisted into, she would not be thinking such things… -----signature----- Stranger in a Strange Land...REPOST http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29243158/p1/?0 Outcast - Podcast Novel http://outcastnovel.mevio.com
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 10/8/04 8:14am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/5
	It appears Feslira as we and the characters in this story know is no more! And now daddy-brother dearest is practically on the doorstep of success, while the heroes may have a new battle front to contend with within. It just doesn't get any easier.... FORWARD HO! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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Whiskey in the Jar-Jar Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 10/18/04 6:58am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18 - Date Edited: 10/18/04 6:58am (1 edits total) Edited By: Whiskey in the Jar-Jar
	Well, it's taken some time for the momentum to build in this little tale, but it's going to pick up pretty soon. I've actually been rather busy with some other projects, including a rewrite of one of my first Dalan stories. THe first three chapters are actually posted at TDG right now, as well as on another website. Well, let's finish this chapter up... Shon entered the sick bay of the Wild Karrde and was relieved to see that Ryn was awake. At sight of him he hesitated slightly, still unsure of his feelings. He still felt slightly ashamed that he was healthy and that all of his friends had been all but turned into Jedi paste at the hands of the Endrie sentinel. Yet, as Ryn spotted him and waved him over with a grin, Shon could sense no animosity towards him. If nothing else, Ryn was just glad to have someone to talk with. // You’ll have to forgive the telepathy, // projected Ryn, pointing at his jaw. // The knitters aren’t quite finished yet. // His lower jaw was encased in the same anti-grav patches as Anakin’s and a bone knitting compound was currently swirling through his bloodstream, finding and repairing faulty bones. “At least you’ll get bonus credit in telepathy class,” said Shon with a thin smile. “And maybe some marks in combat.” // Doubtful, // thought Ryn with a frown. // That thing got the drop on me before I could do anything. // “Your rad badges said it was hot in there,” said Shon. “Don’t know anyone who wouldn’t shake down in a place like that.” He paused for a bit. “That would have been distraction enough, I’d think.” // You’re right, // said Ryn. // Still, if nothing else it’s given me a chance to check out a theory I had. // He handed the datapad he was holding to Shon. // Take a look at this. // Shon took the pad and called up the last thing Ryn had been working on. It appeared to be a starmap…a woefully incomplete starmap but one nonetheless. On it were the nine star systems that comprised this great hunt for the Prometheus, from Kasveria Prime to the as-yet-unvisited world of Fallacry. // Notice the pattern the stars make? // Ryn asked. “Yeah, kinda like a shepherd’s crook,” said Shon, tracing the hook-like design with his index finger. “Guess they didn’t want to go too far into the unknown.” // Maybe, // said Ryn. // But look at the closest planet to Fallacry. // Shon tapped the pad a few times and his eyes grew wide. Endrie was not the closest planet to Fallacry, but rather it was… “Nyphidonia,” he breathed. “The newer operating system. The code I used to open the door. Oh, smeck.” // That’s what I thought, // said Ryn. // There’s someone out here, also looking for that ship. And I think… // “It’s my father,” said Shon numbly. “Or someone close to him.” He explained to Ryn about the redoubt’s security code on Nyphidonia and how right then his fears had crystallized into truth. “For all I know there could be a fleet waiting for us when we get there.” // It’d be a fleet of freighters and lesser ships, // said Ryn. // Imp Stars don’t just walk away from their patrols without a full investigation taking place. // “True, but an Assault Carrier can be more of a pain in the butt than a Star Destroyer,” commented Shon. There was no use arguing the point anymore; if they were sailing into a trap, then at least they would know it was a trap, which was the first step in disabling it. “Guess we won’t know until we get there,” he said. “I’m gonna go let Karrde ‘n’ Solo know about this if that’s all right.” // Just remember we share in the copyright, // said Ryn with a slight smile. Shon chuckled as he headed out of the sick bay to find Karrde and inform him of Ryn’s findings. * * * Two more days passed on this unknown world in relative silence. Rare were the times the crews of either ship ventured outside except to get a breath of fresh air or clear their minds. Strategies were formulated, calculated, evaluated, and ultimately scrapped in favour of a different plan of attack. During this time, those injured in the Endrie debacle were on the mend and were preparing themselves for the inevitable battle to come. Anakin and Jacen had both recovered enough that they were now battling at full strength once more, and Ryn was showing a surprising increase in his resolve. In five sparring matches between him and Shon, the former had won three in a row much to his friend’s surprise. The only two who had yet to recover from the ordeal were Borjin and Feslira, who were still secured in the Wild Karrde’s sick bay. Neither had even awakened since being brought aboard the ship, and Feslira was now secured with binders as per Tahiri’s wishes. Anakin could sense Borjin’s presence through the Force and knew he was merely trying to regain his strength. Feslira, on the other hand, had all but dropped from the Force altogether and her Master feared that the Vong personality embedded deep within Feslira was now in control. If that were the case, the best they could do for now was to restrain her until they could reach Naboo and employ more sophisticated forms of therapy for her. Shada was also up and about, much to Karrde’s relief. The crew of the Wild Karrde had erupted in laughter and applause when she returned to the bridge. The cheering intensified when Karrde had tried to express his relief in a neutral manner, only to have Shada cup his face in her hands, lean in close and say “Just shut up and kiss me, boss.” Having nearly everyone on the mend did a lot to help galvanize the resolve of this little expedition. With Ryn’s discovery of the Nyphidonia/Fallacry connection and Shon’s admission about the potential threat waiting for them, it seemed to spur everyone on, driving them to find a solution to this seemingly hopeless situation. Finally, on the third day, the plans had been made and the crews assigned. Han, Leia, Lando, Jaina, and Shon would be in the Falcon while the remainder would stay aboard the Wild Karrde. Ryn would be in charge of finding a way into the gargantuan, while Shada worked with the Jedi to find ways to combat what could be waiting for them. All had agreed that it was the radiation stigma that had caught the raiding party off-guard on Endrie, and that this time it would be different. They’d been surprised that first time, and now they were ready for anything. The two ships departed the as-yet unnamed world and soon returned to the cold infinite of space. Once free of the planet’s gravitational and magnetic fields, both crews began their calculations for the hyperspace jump to the Fallacry system. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind now that something akin to a living nightmare was waiting for them on that remote world…something that, if activated, could spell the end of all the former Galactic Alliance had fought so hard for against the Vong. One way or the other…the Prometheus…the bringer of Fire…had to be stopped. No matter the cost… -----signature----- Stranger in a Strange Land...REPOST http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29243158/p1/?0 Outcast - Podcast Novel http://outcastnovel.mevio.com
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Grand_Admiral_Jaxx Registered: Dec '00	Date Posted: 10/20/04 6:31am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	Hola! Just wanted to drop a line...I'm in London at the moment, and I'm reaching the halfway point of my journey! About a month and a half left in London, then I do a bit more traveling. I'll be back December 20th, and I'll catch up on everything for good! I was scanning for PMs and I figured I'd just skim over, see how far behind I was, and I noticed your "Jaxx sighting" bit, so I thought I'd pop in real quick --Jaxx -----signature----- This is the way the world ends. This is the way the world ends. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but with a whimper. --TS Eliot
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 10/21/04 7:30am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	And we have another Jaxx sighting: just as important as Bigfoot, much more important than Rosanne, but just under Elvis (Sorry, guy, can't top them all). Now that our merry band (Waitaparsec....that would be an ultra cool name for a rock band! They can dress as Hobbits: get it....'Merry' Band) is mending and seems to know that bad guys are dead ahead, perhaps they can tuck Fes somewhere, come up with a winning plan, and get to the ship of their nightmares and wipe it all out..... But that would be boring. COMPLICATE US, OL' DRUNKEN ONE! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 11/7/04 5:21pm Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	FORWARD! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 11/9/04 11:04am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	Okay, I've just spent the entire morning playing catch up. I had almost forgotten how much I love this story Whiskey. I really missed Dalan, Triel and everyone, but still think they all need a good kick in the pants. I promise I'll do my best not to stay away so long. -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Whiskey in the Jar-Jar Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 11/9/04 11:15am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHH! :stares at screen :blinks :stares again :reaches for drink but realizes he doesn't have one. HOLY CRAP! I GOT ONE BACK! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Was that over the top? I can never tell :P Welcome back, Mouse. Been a looooooooong time. Glad to see you're back amongst the land of the living. Well, while I'm doing my best to deliver on this latest part, it's been a tough slog with writers block, real life, and just not enough time in the evening to do any writing (can't do it at work in my spare time anymore ) I'm actually getting ready to post another installment either tonight or tomorrow, so hang in there. -----signature----- Stranger in a Strange Land...REPOST http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29243158/p1/?0 Outcast - Podcast Novel http://outcastnovel.mevio.com
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 11/17/04 9:23am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	Hang in there! ALWAYS hang in there. If you post it, they will come (back). FORWARD! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 11/18/04 5:28am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 10/18
	I'm still here looking for a post! After playing catch-up, I plan on hanging in there! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Whiskey in the Jar-Jar Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 11/20/04 8:47pm Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 11/19 - Chapter 15
	SorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorry I should have posted at least once by now...been tied up with too many other things as of late. (Ok, was I trolling for more return readers? Hmmm :P ) I now reward your patience with...another one. :Now waits for the gods of iffiness to smite him... Chapter 15 – Power’s Extent Azar stood outside the Invid Hive, doing what the Guardian would have called ‘clearing his head.’ Since his return from the scouting mission, the Enforcer had been feeling not quite right, and was now prone to hours of solitude, shunning the company of his peers and contenting himself with his own thoughts and the ever-present essence of the Queen. However, his recent sortie from the Hive had revealed the fallibility of the Queen’s power, hadn’t it? He remembered clearly the moment his thoughts of the Hive were overpowered by that…that…thing in the ground. It was as if a part of him had suddenly been stripped away, leaving him as vulnerable as a Stage One Invid with no nutrient fluid around. The sensation had been altogether unsettling and the Enforcer was having a hard time trying to categorize the feeling. About the closest description he could come up for it was a simple one, but the ramifications of this feeling were indeed far-reaching. Fear…he actually felt fear. He’d come to terms with the loss of his two wingmates rather quickly, as Enforcers do, but the knowledge that against the Hated Ones the Queen’s voice might not be there to guide him filled him with uncertainty. What if the Keeper was right, and that this world should be abandoned to the Hated Ones? Where would they go? What could they leave behind? The Holy Flower in the possession of a mortal enemy was akin to a sin most grievous and any Invid would gladly lay down their life to prevent that from happening, wouldn’t they? As he walked around, he noticed two more Enforcers milling about outside. He recognized them as Mazar and Lizar, two of the survivors from the scouting mission. In one sense he felt relief that he wasn’t the only one feeling the need to be outside and away from the thoughts of others. Out of respect for this need, he made no move to engage them in conversation, instead finding his own little area where he could contemplate. His oath to the Keeper a few days before, when he’d pledged to fight alongside the Guardian against the Hated Ones had been true, but he now wondered at the strength of this enemy force. To hear the Guardian tell it, the Hated Ones’ hive was far larger and more heavily defended than anyone could have imagined. How could a handful of armed Invid possibly prevail against something like that? It would take an army to mount such an assault. No…it would take more than that…it would take a horde. Azar was by no means old, but this world had been the only one he knew. The Holy Flower grew here and sustained he and his comrades. For the Hated Ones to come and intrude here so rudely, sending out that creature to cloud the minds of the Invid was more than rude...it was…an act of war. This was his home…this was the home of the Invid. How DARE the Hated Ones come here and lay claim. This was not their world, and they had no right to be here. They had to be driven off; why didn’t the Queen see this? Why would she not commit the necessary resources to driving these intruders from their land? Frustration now plagued the Enforcer. Like the Keeper, he now saw the desperation of the situation and grew angered at the Queen’s lack of activity. Yet, what could he do? He was part of the One Mind and dared not speak out against the Queen. A mere thought from her would end him and silence any and all hopes of defending this planet against the Hated Ones. Only the One could reason with the Queen and not fear death. Perhaps, if she succeeded in returning the Keeper here, they could both appeal the Queen to take this threat seriously. Movement caught Azar’s attention, and he noticed Mazar walking further away from the Hive. He watched as his fellow Enforcer walked several dozen meters away before stopping. Azar wondered momentarily if Mazar’s thoughts were in greater distress than his own. He then noticed Lizar doing the same thing, but walking off in a different direction. Curious and a bit concerned, Azar started moving towards Lizar but was soon distracted by the sounds of approaching aircraft. He looked skyward and saw two shapes coming into view. One of them he recognized instantly: The 9-meter tall Royal Command Battloid belonging to Shaylear. The other ship, though, he did not recognize and could only conclude belonged the Guardian and her Keeper. He gazed up at the large freighter as it made its way towards the Hive. He wondered at the condition of the ship, for it looked like it had been in far too many battles to be even capable of flight. “Perhaps the Keeper should spend less time cleaning his weapons and more time cleaning his transport,” he said. * * * Dalan yawned as he manoeuvred the Tiger’s Paw towards the Invid Hive. It had been a long night but one he had definitely needed. After nearly killing Shaylear, Dalan and the Invid tigress had spent the night talking. He had explained to her the current situation in the galaxy, and how the Yuuzhan Vong had come oh so close to dominating all civilization in their mad quest for power. He also talked a lot about Naboo and its people, and how he had come to know Triel and raise her as his own daughter. Memories of that part caused Dalan to tighten his grip on the controls. If Triel had learned one thing about her ‘father,’ it was his uncanny ability to go off half-cocked and to jump to conclusions. More often than not, those conclusions were the wrong ones and the tiger often found himself eating a fair bit of humble pie afterwards. To make things right with Triel, he would be strapping on the feed bag for quite a while, he figured. “You can land on the far side of the Hive,” came Shaylear’s voice over the communicator. “There are hidden landing pads that will move your ship into an underground hangar.” “Thanks,” said Dalan. He slowed his ship’s velocity and let the immense Hive pass underneath him before beginning his descent. Once he was clear, he switched the ship’s drive system from ion engine to repulsorlifts. The ship lurched as gravity now had it in its grasp. Remembering he was running with 1/3 less power than normal, he idled up the devices to slow his descent. He’d still land rather rudely, but at least it would be one he could walk away from. Much to his chagrin and to the added pain of his already bruised tailbone, the Tiger’s Paw landed rather harshly on the soft ground. A few meters away, Shaylear’s mecha touched down with a near-angelic delicacy by comparison. He powered down as quickly as he could to avoid any more circuits blowing out, but was still too slow to prevent the explosive demise of yet another auxiliary panel. He shook his head, marvelling at the amount of punishment a YT-class freighter could take before being destroyed. He reminded himself to talk to Han about that when he returned home. Assuming of course he and Triel did return home… The docking pad began to move as soon as the tiger had exited his ship. He really didn’t need to look back to know just where his ship was to be stored. His knowledge of Invid Hive schematics told him this particular configuration of hive had a rather large, hollow foundation under the ground where larger transports like the Aiga that had first brought him here were stored. As well, there was a fully functional repair bay and weapons stockpile. He wondered absently if the Queen would find it in her good graces to perhaps repair his ship while it was berthed here. He watched Shaylear extract herself from her mecha just before it descended. He recalled just how determined she’d been to convince her mother to defend this world against the Vong and smirked slightly. The real Shiana would have pursued the same goal with as much fervour and determination as Shaylear was. It was scary, knowing that his own thoughts of this white tigress had created such a perfect Invid clone. He thought of his wedding ring back home at the Academy and for the first time began to wonder at the choices he’d made… Dalan’s thoughts were interrupted (thankfully) by an approaching Enforcer. He could see it was Azar judging from his familiar gait and posture. Immediately he pushed aside his wandering thoughts and approached the Enforcer. “It is good that you two have returned,” said the Invid in his usual stilted speech. He looked at Dalan. “You have chosen…to remain, Keeper?” “Yes,” said Dalan calmly. “Shaylear thinks the Queen’ll change her mind based on your scouting mission. Speaking of which…” He looked around. “Where’s Triel?” Azar’s hesitation gave Dalan pause. “The Guardian went further than the rest of us,” he said slowly. “When she returned to us it appeared she had been in some form of conflict.” “Conflict?” The paternal instinct kicked in, making the tiger nervous, angry, and concerned at the same time. “What do you mean?” His voice was short and pensive now. “She did not say anything upon our return,” said Azar, “but I suspect she had fought the Hated Ones.” At that, Dalan felt his heart stop in his chest, forced to stop by an icy hand that now clenched it. His brain tried and tried again to grasp what the Enforcer had said but despite the truth in the words, he still couldn’t believe it… Triel had taken on the Yuuzhan Vong…alone… “Where is she?” His panic was only moderately hidden from everyone. “The Queen has prepared a place for her,” replied Azar. “A nutrient pool bereft of the Holy Flower’s essence. She will not need the device that keeps her alive in there.” “A sterile room,” said Dalan, vocalizing the translation of Azar’s whole-hearted attempt at a description. “I need to see her.” He turned to Shaylear. “I really need to see her.” The tigress nodded and the two moved towards the Hive’s entrance with Azar following close behind. Before entering the complex, however, the Enforcer turned back to check on his two comrades. They were still exactly where they’d been before. For some reason, this unnerved Azar greatly. While he had similar feelings to Mazar and Lizar, he still felt his connection to the One and to the Queen. In spite of the growing void in his mind, he chose to remain loyal to his kin. As for his comrades, though…that seemed to be another story… -----signature----- Stranger in a Strange Land...REPOST http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29243158/p1/?0 Outcast - Podcast Novel http://outcastnovel.mevio.com
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mouse2 Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 11/22/04 7:07am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 11/19 - Chapter 15
	As for his comrades, though…that seemed to be another story… I haven't decided if that's a good or a bad thing... They seem to be starting to think for themselves, but I have a bad feeling that the other two may take it to extremes. Hooray! It looks like Dalan got that slap upside the head he really needed. Let's just hope he gets the spology right. Not iffy at all!! -----signature----- Want to know what ANTAR and TLST are? Visit Hell's Chance! http://www.hellschancecantina.com Proud Master to Lola64! I've gone into lurking mode... If you need me feel free to PM me...
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 12/3/04 9:43am Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 11/19 - Chapter 15
	Azar sounds like he's taking that first step towards free will. Either the Queen's hold of him is wanning, or matters have evolved. NOW Dalen's got to get his tiger on with Triel hurt. And don't feel bad about posting: I just went on a hiatus recently because of comp problems. We all need a little time off sometimes. -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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Casper_Knightshade Registered: Oct '00	Date Posted: 12/17/04 6:57pm Subject: RE: Stranger in a Strange Land - Part 7 - Our Time Has Come - UPDATE 11/19 - Chapter 15
	SHUT THE PUCK UP! -----signature----- Did You Honestly Think It Was Over.... http://www.geocities.com/thesithhunters/home.html --------------------- Dethklok! Dethklok! Dethklok! DETHKLOK!
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