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Topic:
It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Lovely-in-Orange
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
11/27/05 7:29pm
Subject:
It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
- Date Edited:
12/9/05 8:26pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Lovely-in-Orange
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Title: It’s Never Simple
Author: Lovely-in-Orange
Timeframe: IT (about 3 years post RotS)
Characters: OCs: “Lucky” Klivian (mother to Hobbie), Moriqar, Bursa, Ulin, Commander Javrell
Genre: Drama, Action, Challenge Response (2 parts)
Summary: A group of Imperial TIE Pilots must choose between carrying out a objectionable mission or facing the consequences of failure.
Notes: For the OC Dueling Circle Challenge #11: A common goal links a group of OCs, and in the midst of trying to achieve their goal, a great confrontation awaits them; something that has less to do with the quest and more to do with the things that reside in their hearts and minds.
Lieutenant Lucky Klivian had never liked the phrase “It will be a simple mission.” In her experience, they usually signified that the officer giving the briefing had no appreciation for the assortment of unexpected problems that always seemed to happen. Her tie squadron was stationed on an Attack Cruiser, or Star Destroyer as they were now being called (The Empire was big on intimidating names). While the troopers on the Destroyer were occupied with a planetary matter, a report had come in about a small smuggling ship that was spotted on the far side of the planet. She had been ordered to take a third of her squadron out here to disable or destroy the ship.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Bursa, one of the other pilots. “Did you have to do all these milk runs when you were a big-shot Republic pilot, Lucky?” Lucky hesitated to respond, usually she was never taken seriously when she pointed out that a milk run could easily result in a deadly attack by a wild tiger.
“She still is a big-shot pilot. Only the very best would be put in command of a pilot with my skills. Besides three, did you forget that class at the Academy called, Numerical designations are your friend in combat situations?” Lucky could easily picture the smug grin on her Alderaanian wingmate’s face. Moriqar had been studying math and statistics before he decided to become an Imperial pilot to pay off his gambling debts. Though he wasn’t the best pilot in the group, he been able to come up with some ingenious tactical plans that had gotten them out of tough situations in the past.
“Sorry about that, Mister Two big to fit into his pilot’s helmet.” Bursa’s attempts to be funny resulted in the usual round of groans from the other pilots.
Her voice sounding amused rather than stern, Lucky cut in to refocus the pilots’ attention to the mission. “That’s enough chatter. Four do you have any sign of our target?”
“Not yet. Wait, I think the ship matching that description is there at the fueling station.” Four, also known as Ulin replied. Despite being the son of a politician, Ulin tended to be the least talkative of the squadron.
Bursa’s tone shifted to be much more serious. “This is three, I confirm that. But if we spook them too much, they could easily blow up that station.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that so much as one of our own stray shots. Look where they’re at; it’s not an easy position for us to get to. One miss and KABOOM! Goodbye fueling station,” said Moriqar.
“With as close as we would have to get to fire, it might be goodbye us too.” Ulin responded anxiously.
“What are the chances of either happening, Two?” Lucky asked as she positioned her tie to get a better look at the station.
“I’d say about three to one of the station being destroyed and then about twenty to one of us getting caught in the blast.” Moriqar responded.
“Maybe the rest of us could get safely out of the way and just Mori, I mean, Two could move in close to fire,” Bursa suggested.
“I love you too, Three.”
“That doesn’t solve the problem of the civilians on that station. I’m not comfortable with that kind of risk over a small-time smuggler,” Lucky responded.
“Permission to contact the station? Maybe they can delay them somehow or evacuate?” Ulin asked.
“Good idea, Four. Let me know when you make contact.”
A distinctive beep sounded, letting her know her wingmate Moriqar was speaking to her on a private channel. “That may be more than a small-time smuggler. Remember Commander Javrell mentioned the records had it linked with some Separatist activities in the past. He won’t be happy if we don’t get them.”
Lucky responded on the same private frequency, “But even if we were still fighting the Clone Wars I wouldn’t take the risk. Something’s bound to go wrong. With my luck we’d probably end up destroying everyone but our target.”
That elicited a short burst of laughter from Moriqar. “You realize you have the worst nickname ever?” He stopped laughing and spoke more seriously, without a trace of his earlier bravado. “I’m not looking forward to a confrontation with Commander Javrell though. He kind of scares me.”
“I agree. On both counts. It’s never simple, is it?” Lucky switched back over to the general squad frequency. “Any luck reaching the station?”
“Negative, Lead.”
Bursa’s voice came in, sounding panicked. “My scanner’s showing another ship coming in fast. Heavily armed.”
“The other ship is pulling out of the station. If they’re working together we’ll be out-gunned,” added Ulin.
“Pull back out of range. Three call for reinforcements.” Lucky ordered as she changed her tie’s heading to move away from both smuggler ships.
“Opening a channel now, lead.” Bursa responded, adrenaline causing him to speak twice as fast as normal.
“The second ship is making no move to follow us. I bet they’ll be gone before help arrives,” said a rather unhappy Moriqar.
His prediction proved correct. Only a much larger group of tie fighters could hope to take on a pair of armed freighters. Perhaps she might have tried it, but something about the way the second ship flew told her that it was operated by a very experienced or gifted pilot. Facing them would be suicide. She didn't have to ask Moriqar for the odds to realize that. They would note the direction in which they entered hyperspace, but she knew Commander Javrell would still count the mission as a complete failure. Some of the Imperial officers she had encountered were not so very different than those she had served under the Old Republic. But she had a bad feeling about the impending confrontation with Javrell.
-----signature-----
Ties of Loyalty: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23926858/ - Imperials/OCs/Quinlan/Khaleen A Boy and His Droids: http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=20555406 Proud master to Rogue_Pilot_2347! 1st Runner-up - Ms. Star Wars 2007
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BrentusofGath
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
11/27/05 8:50pm
Subject:
RE: It¡¯s Never Simple - IT Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11 (Part 1/2)
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Good work! I can feel the atmosphere in this, and it's tense.
Can't wait for you to finish.
-----signature-----
In time or so I'm told, I'm just another soul for sale, oh well Feel it in my bones when you break my back, break it just to watch me bend Why'd you have to go and Let it Die? -Foo Fighters http://conscienceoftheking.blogspot.com/
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Lovely-in-Orange
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
11/27/05 11:22pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - IT Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11 (Part 2/2)
- Date Edited:
12/9/05 8:28pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Lovely-in-Orange
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Part 2 of 2
Back on board the Star Destroyer, the quartet of pilots made their way to Commander Javrell’s office. Each pilot was nervous and thoughtful as they mentally prepared for what to say to the Commander. Though Javrell was not in command of the Star Destroyer nor their squadron, they were expected to answer to him as the senior officer who had given them the mission.
Lucky ran her fingers through her straight, dark blond hair, regretting the lack of time to clean up or prepare for the debriefing. She had earned her rank as Lieutenant as well as the nickname, “Lucky” after surviving a particularly gruesome battle during the Clone Wars. She resigned, on honorable terms, not long before the war’s conclusion to begin a family. But her reputation as a Republic pilot had unfortunately caused her to be called back to duty a several months ago, leaving her with little time to spend with her husband and son. Politicians liked the idea of having Republic war heroes command squadrons. But officers like Javrell felt she had not adjusted to Imperial policies or earned her position.
She looked over at Moriqar who had been her wingmate for the past several months. Once she had teased him that he looked like he could be a cousin to the famous Senator Bail Organa. That was before she realized that his ego didn’t need any more inflating. But she had come to truly value his sense of humor. Like the others, she had watched him grow in the past months from a green pilot fresh from the academy into someone who she would trust with her life.
Bursa, a native of Pantolomin, was the most talented pilot of the three men. He was also the most nervous – at least when he wasn’t preoccupied with trying to outdo Moriqar.
Ulin was the youngest of the group. A capable pilot, but more reserved than the others in the squadron. Lucy was surprised that he was the first to speak up. “We’ll stand with you, Lucky,” he said. “You’ve always risked yourself for us. There’s no reason for you to be the only one punished.”
She shook her head in response. “Your agreeing with me won’t result in any less punishment for me. It will just mean that all of us are disciplined.”
Moriqar smiled good-naturedly, “If so they’ll probably just throw us in the brig for a few days. And that’s not always a bad thing. Ulin can work on those love letters he’s always sending to that girl he met on Carida.” Ulin’s pale complexion turned bright scarlet, which had his wingman, Bursa, pointing and laughing.
“And Bursa can work on telling jokes that aren’t quite so lame.”
Bursa stopped laughing and glared at Moriqar indignantly. “Hey!”
Moriqar spared a quick grin at him before continuing. “And I’ll have time to work out the great mysteries that have been plaguing scientists for years. Or at least maybe I can figure out which racer to bet on for the big Coruscant swoop race next month. You’re the only one who might have trouble because I’m not so sure that they let you have caf in the brig. But you can catch up on sleep at least.”
“It may be worse than that. There are more possible punishments than a few days in the Brig. I can’t allow…” She stopped, realizing they had reached Javrell’s office. They all grew quiet again and entered.
Javrell stood and moved from behind the desk as the pilots entered. He was taller than average and might have even been considered handsome if not for his typically stern expression. As it was, his pale blond hair, blue-grey eyes, and angular features gave him a forbidding look.
Wasting no time once the pilots were assembled and standing at attention, Javrell addressed Lucky. “Lieutenant Klivian, am I to understand that not only did you fail your mission, but you actually requested the aid of additional pilots during the mission?”
“That is correct. I ordered Flight Officer Ulin to call for reinforcement after a second ship arrived. Given the firepower of the two freighter ships, taking them on would have been unwise. I had hoped that reinforcements would have arrived before the ships entered hyperspace.”
“And yet you did not fire on the first ship immediately?”
“No, the ship was docked at a fueling station. We were working to come up with a solution that…” The Commander raised a hand for her to stop. Lucky did so, but she already was starting to feel flustered.
“It should have been a simple mission, at least for an officer of your reputation. But then, flying against droids does not have quite the same complexities as flying against pilots of the flesh and blood variety.”
“Well, actually flying against droids is sometimes even more complicated. I mean there are always so many of them and they have the organized attack patterns which can be really tricky. This one time, when I was flying against the Separatists, this big group of them came at us and….” She paused as she realized that the Commander was staring incredulously at her hands, which were moving about wildly to demonstrate the droid attack pattern. Bursa sniggered as she froze them in mid-air, earning him a sharp look from Javrell. Self-consciously, Klivian dropped her hands back to her sides in the proper Imperial stance. She had a bad tendency of making things worse when she was frustrated and nervous.
Before she could continue, Javrell spoke again. “You did not fail this mission due to the lack of piloting skills of any in this group. Indeed it seems that no one did much piloting at all. Did anyone even fire on the target?”
Klivian stiffened, which actually put her closer to what Javrell would probably consider the appropriate posture for an Imperial pilot when standing at attention. “You think that I would hesitate to fire on smugglers. That it wouldn’t be the same for me as firing on droid pilots.”
Moriqar lent his support, “But we would have destroyed more than the smugglers. Any explosion or stray shot near that refueling station would have killed all the civilians in the area. The probability of either happening was extremely high.”
Commander Javrell turned his head to look at the Alderaanian pilot and replied with disdain, “Yes, the occupants of a fueling station that did business with smugglers. An opportunity to make a point to others who might enable smugglers to commit such crimes.” A troubled look came over Moriqar’s dark features at this as he struggled to think of the proper response.
And yet where one pilot faltered, another stepped in. This time it was Ulin. “We don’t know that they even knew they were smugglers though. Certainly it would be bad for public image if we had killed civilians while after mere smugglers.”
Javrell smiled, though it was not a friendly smile. “I am not concerned with politics or public image, Officer Ulin. And if I were, I would worry more about how effective the Empire appears in being able to accomplish more simple missions.”
“But an explosion of the station could have killed all of us too,” Bursa pointed out. “If you had had more ties out there to start with we could have succeeded.”
If anything, Javrell looked pleased by the criticism Bursa offered, as it if helped to confirm his prior opinions of the pilots. He looked at each of the three men as he spoke again, “I assume then, that you are all in agreement with Lieutenant Klivian’s ‘leadership’ on this mission?” He managed to make ‘leadership’ sound like an insult.
Lucky was intensely proud and touched that her pilots were ready to stand beside her. And yet she could not allow it. She had bungled things enough both in the mission and in this debriefing. She stepped forward, instantly drawing the eyes of all present. “Commander, is it their place to judge my leadership? I made a judgment call and gave the orders that they followed quite well. And now they defend their squadron leader as is expected of any pilot.”
“Lucky…. Don’t….”A faint whisper came from behind her. She thought it was Moriqar’s voice, but she ignored it.
“It is not your place to punish them based on a disagreement you have with my judgment calls or with my qualifications.” She finished and waited for what seemed like an impossibly long time for him to respond.
“I tend to agree with you, Lieutenant. However, I would also not wish to ‘punish’ any of these talented young pilots by leaving them under the command of an officer who makes questionable judgment calls. I am putting in a request to have your squadron reassigned. With your record, I am certain that any Captain or Commander will be happy to add you to their roster. Perhaps with their guidance you might even learn to be an effective Imperial squadron leader and be given a command again.”
It took all the discipline she had to simply stand there and not say something that she would regret later. She had done what she thought was right. She knew in her heart that she would not have changed things to risk the lives of those she was charged to protect. And the other pilots had done what they thought was right in trying to defend her. And yet they had all lost. She had not expected things to go well, but this was worse than she imagined. A glance back at their faces told her that they too were shocked and upset.
Moriqar could not stay silent. “Maybe this is a little hasty. I really think a few days in the Brig would be more than enough to teach us all a lesson so that we would be perfect….”
“You are dismissed.” Commander Javrell returned to his desk, apparently uninterested in hearing further excuses. He had found his simple solution.
~~~
Note: This story forms a sort of prequel to a longer story, Ties of Loyalty, which I'll start in a week or two. That will include my OCs from here, the Twi'leks from my last challenge entry, and a few canon characters.
-----signature-----
Ties of Loyalty: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23926858/ - Imperials/OCs/Quinlan/Khaleen A Boy and His Droids: http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=20555406 Proud master to Rogue_Pilot_2347! 1st Runner-up - Ms. Star Wars 2007
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BrentusofGath
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
11/28/05 1:03am
Subject:
RE: It¡¯s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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He had found his simple solution.
Simple mind, simple solution. Makes sense to me.
I like the characters, good story. It all flowed nicely.
-----signature-----
In time or so I'm told, I'm just another soul for sale, oh well Feel it in my bones when you break my back, break it just to watch me bend Why'd you have to go and Let it Die? -Foo Fighters http://conscienceoftheking.blogspot.com/
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Zane-Marit
Registered:
Jul '03
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Date Posted:
11/28/05 8:36am
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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I like a good pilot story and this one fits the bill. I am really intrigued to see how you would have written an actual combat scene. PM me when you get the post up for the continuation to this.
I will watch your career with great interest...:)
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Check my BIO for links to my fics...
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ceridwen1977
Registered:
Jan '05
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Date Posted:
12/1/05 5:21am
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Wow a real sting in the tail... I liked the banter between the pilots they made a good group and I felt the sadness they would have at losing their commander 
-----signature-----
All things are subject to interpretation; whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth - Nietzsche
For truth is always strange; stranger than fiction - Lord Byron
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oqidaun
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/2/05 5:39pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Awesome taste of tastier things to come!
The group dynamic you've crafted is already quite strong. I like seeing the story from the perspective of Tie pilots.
Great job with a tough challenge!
“Sorry about that, Mister Two big to fit into his pilot’s helmet.” Bursa’s attempts to be funny resulted in the usual round of groans from the other pilots." That was great.
BRAVO!
Please keep me updated on what becomes of this story.
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Meredith_Kenobi
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/3/05 3:57pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Wow, cool story! I absolutely loved it! Could you maybe PM me when you start posting 'Ties of Loyalty'? I'd love to read it.
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Proud to be ZaraValinor's Padawan  Delighted to be brodiew's Master 
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correllian_ale
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
12/4/05 2:42pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Wow, cool entry. You hit the nail on the head with the team dynamics, and the idea of a female pilot in the early days of the Empire is also a great premise.
Add me to that yet to be written "Ties of Loyalty" PM list!
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Consider this my "throw back" jersey...  I govern my life around my own personal code of ethics, and I suggest that you do the same.
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
12/4/05 8:21pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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Now, how did you let me miss THIS former Padawan??? Naughty, naughty!  I LOVED it! What a great entry to the OC challenge! I'm so proud! I feel a little teary.  As if I had anything to do with your talent! HAH! 
Wonderful work!
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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Lovely-in-Orange
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
12/5/05 6:49pm
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
- Date Edited:
12/10/05 4:24pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Lovely-in-Orange
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BrentusofGath Thanks! I had fun making some new characters.
Zane-Marit Thank you, I'll let you know. The x-wing novels were what really got me into fanfic. So even though I haven't really done a lot of pilot-oriented fics, I've always wanted to.
ceridwen1977 Thanks, I'm glad the ending had an impact.
oqidaun Imperials are fun I have to admit. So many ethical dilemas when they have some good and/or honor. I'm glad you liked the bad joke too.
Meredith_Kenobi I'm glad you liked it!
correllian_ale Thanks! I like the idea of there being a gradual transition from the diverse Republic pilots (not counting the clones  ) to what we see in ANH.
VL Uhoh, I didn't mean to be sneaky!  Actually, I first came up with the main character in association with Vader so it must have been your influence! 
Note: I made a slight edit to change the name Olin to Ulin to avoid confusion with a cannon character.
-----signature-----
Ties of Loyalty: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23926858/ - Imperials/OCs/Quinlan/Khaleen A Boy and His Droids: http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=20555406 Proud master to Rogue_Pilot_2347! 1st Runner-up - Ms. Star Wars 2007
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MsLanna
Title: CR GSFF Central
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
5/25/06 8:35am
Subject:
RE: It’s Never Simple - Inter-Trilogy Imperial TIE Pilots - OC Dueling Challenge #11
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A wonderful story.
I enjoyed it very much, especially the part with Mr. Javrell  . Somehow I hope he got a comission on a Death Star. 
The interction between the squadron was very believable. Mesa likes banter.
So there will be a sequel....
*goes to sign up*
-----signature-----
Padawan owned by Corellian_Ale  Master of CloneCaptainRex. Proud FanFic Master of Darth_Sathanos Why so serious?  October 3rd - Ghent Day in the WNU!
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