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Author	Topic: Blue Sun Down: A SW/Firefly XO--Winner, Best Crossover, 2008 Fanfic Awards
dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 5/21 6:19pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/18/2008
	“It was fought primarily between armies of robots we called Droids, and a vast army of clones. They called it the Army of One, since they were all clones of a single individual. Granted, there were a few officers who volunteered for service, but primarily only the Jedi and the clones fought. Whole worlds burned to cinders, and yet all the people of the galaxy fell back in cowardice and let the Jedi and clones fight. And when Palpatine turned the clones on the Jedi—the one group with the moral courage to lead—it left a galaxy full of sheep under the control of one man. No one stood up to him, Inara. No one had the courage to stand up and say, ‘This is wrong!’ Those few who tried were cut down. Yet, I think if something like that happened here, men like Mal would stand up, and they should shout, ‘This is wrong’ even if it meant their lives. And that’s why I stayed here. And would have died in peace here, if not for the Vong.” What a great description of what happened. Sheep to the slaughter and just a few rebels to fight. I loved that Book wants to marry Inara and Mal. You did a great job with the Vong, too, with all their ships. Wonderful. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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L0B0 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 5/22 4:47am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/18/2008
	Very interesting story you have going here Marrs. I have never heard of this 'Firefly' program before, but I really like what you are doing with the characters in this story. As a matter of fact, after reading your other excellent x-overs & because I am also a fan of Joss Whedon, I decided to read this one as well. I'm glad I did, as this is quite entertaining and original. Please add me to the PM list. -----signature----- Check your Six! ---> http://www.talonintelligencesquadron.com/index.htm * Mando'ad draar digu... * Self Appointed FADA Acolyte
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TigerofRobare Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 5/23 11:32am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/18/2008
	I'm loving this story. Everything is seanlessly and perfectly melded together. -----signature----- Darth Hipster--Vader becomes a hippie!: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27316525&brd=10476 Tu ne cede malis--Do not give in to evil, but procede against it ever more boldly. UMass-Amherst class of 2011!
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Darth_Marrs Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 5/26 3:30pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/18/2008
	Hello, friends. I hope everyone has enjoyed their three-day weekend. I suppose you can say why this post is a day late. But here we go! Callista_gseran—I wanted to get a touch of humanity in amongst the horrors. I’m glad it worked for you. Gracesolo—Gotta keep up! It’s taking off, only to come crashing to the end here in the next handful of chapters. Yes, loyal readers, we’re approaching the end. But hopefully it will make everything worth while. Thank you for the kind words! Golden_Jedi—That’s hilarious. At least you can translate it. Sadly my attempts at learning a second language were laughable. Laine_Skywalker—I’m glad you liked it. And you’re welcome for the PMs! Independence1776—You’re absolutely right, and some hard choices are coming very quickly! VaderLVR64—Thank you! cggunnersmate—No problem, glad to have you back. Kevin_Solo—Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad the story is still working for you. There is definitely some sad in this story, but I try to end on a high note. Dianethx—I always did have a problem with a war being fought by droids and clones. It was as if there was nothing for the people to fight for. No wonder Palpatine was able to take over. LOBO—Firefly was one of the finest sci-fi shows ever shown on TV. For about 10 episodes. Then they made a movie and killed everyone. Still, I’m glad you’re enjoying the story. I’ll be glad to add you to the list, but just to let you know my last PM to you got rejected because of “Five or more unread PMs”. I’m not sure why, Darth Drachonus has the same problem and I don’t know what the solution is. TigerofRobare—Thank you, I’m glad you’re still enjoying it! -----signature----- "Spock!" "Yes Captain!" "Be one with the horse." "Yes, Captain." Gods of Dark and Light Legacy of the Red Sun Heaven Falls: A Jedi On Earth Blue Sun Down
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Darth_Marrs Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 5/26 3:42pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/18/2008
	Things are quickly coming to a head. Only a few more chapters to go! Chapter Twenty-Two: Heaven Is Falling River lay snugly in the arms of her lover and dreamed. In her dream, Book stood before her reading from his Blue Catholic Bible in a loud, strong voice. “‘At the king’s command, the men who falsely accused Daniel were brought forth and thrown into the lion’s den, along with their wives and children. And even before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.’” Behind him, massive human hands seemed to sweep across a blood-red sky. People piled in the palm of the hands, hundreds of thousands, all nude, like twisted images from a Hieronymus Bosch painting. The massive hands pushed them to the edge of cliff that seemed to form out of clouds, and people began calling to the surface below. They screamed and moaned as they fell, forming a chilling chorus and counterpoint to the Shepherd’s words. Waiting for them were Praetorite Vong, thousands of them, with their living staffs held up like pitch-forks and their strange bone-spurs protruding from their heads like devil horns. Book ignored the carnage behind him and continued reading. “‘…must fear and revere the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed; his dominion will never end.” Behind Book, people began to fall through the skies. Somehow, though she was far from them, in her dreams she saw their faces clearly. Her mother, brother, all the friends she had as a young girl. She saw Jayne and Mal and Inara and Kaylee and the others falling as well. They called and reached for her as they fell, but she could do nothing. The blood-red sky grew black, and she heard an old voice cackling even as Book continued to read. “‘And there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large, iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.” Behind the Shepherd, one of the massive pale hands came down and slammed against the Earth, crushing both Vong and the victims of the Vong. The surface shook and cracked apart. “‘…As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”’ A river of green light flowed from between the hands and struck the surface of the planet. Lost souls cried out, both those of the enemy and those of the victims, as the ground caught fire. Still, Book stood unscathed. He stared at her and let the Bible fall from his hands though he continued reciting. “‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” The green fire engulfed Book. River watched helplessly as his skin was flayed away from his body, and then all was lost in the fire. Only the massive hands and the darkness remained. From the midst of the darkness, a single point of light emerged. River realized, startled, that it was a lightsaber. A single green lightsaber, holding back the darkness and the pale hands. That is when River woke up, and realized the end was coming. * * * “The Vong have begun moving in force,” Defense Minister Valorum said. “We believe our strategic strikes slowed them down, but there was never a hope of us stopping them. We know that now.” “What’s the situation?” Mal asked the holographic image of the minister. The whole crew gathered in the galley where Mal placed the holonet receiver. “We have lost the entire First, Second, Fifth and Sixth Fleets. We are now concentrating solely on civilian evacuations and pulling back to the inner most core worlds. We can’t fight them—the best we can hope for is to flee from them.” “What do the enemy numbers look like?” Vos asked. “It’s difficult to say, Master Jedi. However, they attacked forty moons and worlds in a single strike and took every one despite our attempts to hold them.” Valorum looked old, and very, very tired. “I understand the civilian losses have been unimaginable. Whole worlds are being sacrificed.” “Is there nothing we can do?” Inara asked. “Pick up as many refugees as you can, and get them to Londinum,” Valorum said. “Because your ship has been hyperspace enabled, you’ll be able to make more runs than any but our top military ships.” “And where is Blue Sun in all this?” Book asked. “I don’t know,” Valorum admitted. “They have their own fleet of ships, but we haven’t had contact with them. They are no longer attempting to coordinate efforts with us. And be warned, Captain, they are still after you.” “Always good to hear I’m wanted,” Mal said. “Greenleaf is where we are currently trying to evacuate as many civilians as possible,” Valorum said. “They’re that far core-ward?” Wash said. “They will be shortly,” Valorum said. “I know it is out of place here, Captain, but I truly hope that the Force is with you in your efforts.” “I appreciate the sentiment, Minister,” Mal said. The image disappeared. Mal stepped forward and turned to face the crew. “Well, I don’t see a lot of options here. We save who we can.” The others nodded their assent in silence. As the meeting broke up, River looked down at her dome-like stomach. It had been almost eight months now—32 weeks. She could see a bulge in her skin as her daughter kicked aggressively. The atmosphere touched the child in the Force as surely as it did through her mother’s blood. Vos noticed River lingering and turned to kneel down. “What troubles you?” River looked up and could not hide the tears. “I dreamed this morning.” Her hand sought his, and he held onto her desperate grip. “It’s coming. I’m not sure we’re going to have enough time.” “We’ll make time,” Vos said. They arrived at Greenleaf three days later, but they were late. The Vong were already there. Two massive, rocky ships stood just off the planetary horizon while fighters darted at will across the planet. The fleet of Alliance ships there to evacuate citizens fought valiantly. All effort to hide Galactic technology had been abandoned. The Alliance ships deflected plasma bursts with shields, and in addition to missiles and torpedoes threw bolts of green turbolasers at the enemy. Mal knew the moment he saw the exchange that it was not going to be enough. “Looks like the evacuation point is at Petersville,” Wash said. “Alliance ground forces are trying to hold a delaying action for the civilians.” He looked up at Mal. “Not sure how long they’re going to hold out. Do we go?” Mal looked around the bridge at his crew. “With the new power plant and scrubbers, we could save a good number of people.” “We have to go,” Book said. “I’ll stay behind if it means saving people.” All eyes turned to him, and everyone there knew he meant it. “Probably won’t come to that,” the captain said. “Go, Wash. Contact the Alliance cruisers with our new ID and let them know we’re coming to help in the evacuation.” “Shields are up, we’re going in,” Wash said. “I’ll be in engineering,” Kaylee said. “I’ll be in my bunk,” Jayne announced. “Not this time, Jayne,” Mal said. “Zoe, take Loverboy there down with Book and Afolabi to the hatch. Grab Inara too. Go armed. Those folks are gonna wanna be on board come hell or high water. We get over a hundred-fifty, one-seventy five on this boat, we’re not takin’ off.” Zoe nodded. “Got it. Come on, boys.” Vos took his position at weapons and looked back at River. She sat in a second navigation chair while the others left the bridge. Almost immediately they were engaged by a pair of Vong fighters. Vos opened up with laser cannons, only to have his shots somehow sucked into nothingness. “Their shields,” the Jedi muttered. His fingers flew over the controls as Wash spun and dipped and rose through the billows of explosions and the contrails of smoke that marked the no-man’s land between the two fleets. The ship shuddered violently. “Sorry, that was one of ours,” Wash muttered. Vos fired again, and Mal noticed the laser cannons fired much faster than before, but seemed to do less. One of the fighters Wash managed to get behind veered as little pelts of red energy struck. At that instant Vos fired the heavy torbolasers, the fighter disappeared. “Their shields react to any energy with the same response,” the Jedi said. “If we vary energy levels, we can exhaust the shielding without depleting our weapons.” Mal nodded and then looked as a pair of Alliance fighters erupted in flame. “I wonder if the Alliance knows that?” Vos’s fingers flew over the console as he sent out the message. “They do now.” They hit the atmosphere at nearly full speed. The shock of impact was enough to almost knock them from their seats. Mal muttered a Chinese curse while Wash just held on while flying on the edge of his seat. “There’s Petersville!” he said. The city was burning in a hundred places. Greenleaf was not a core world, but rested on the edge and was thoroughly civilized. The capital city was easily five million strong, and took up the majority of a valley resting between two flat-topped mesas ranges. Coming up the wide river that made the valley and provided power and water to the city were massive, lumbering beasts that seemed to be spewing fire from long snouts. “Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si,” Mal whispered. “What are those things?” “Whatever they are, the Alliance tanks aren’t doing too much to them,” Wash noted. They saw a line of Alliance tanks firing rapidly at the strange creatures even as they backed up toward the city. The artillery and tank shells exploded without apparent effect against the fire-breathing monstrosities. “Let’s see if they like turbolaser fire,” Vos muttered. He aimed and fired a burse of five shots on the fire-breather nearest the city. The green bolts sank into the creature. It seemed almost to suck into itself like a hot-air balloon for a moment before it exploded violently. The explosion was so strong the firebreather next to it stumbled against the blast and fell side-ways into a smoldering forest of burnt tree-trunks. They waited for an explosion from the second one. Instead, its long, gangling legs shuffled, and then lifted its bulbous body back to its incredible height. Serenity continued past the line of tanks to the city. They could see what had to be the enemy infantry tearing through the outer edges of the city while the defenders continued to fall back. Finally they saw an Alliance shuttle lifting off from a field near the capital and knew that was where they had to go. “This is Alliance control to Shadow Valley. We received your offer of assistance. We’ve lit field 23 for your landing. Look for the green flares.” Mal picked up the hand-held. “Alliance control, we roger. We estimate we can carry up to 175 max. Repeat, 175 max.” “Roger, Shadow Valley. That’s better than our shuttles. We’re getting pounded and will have to withdraw shortly. We’re glad you’re here.” “We’re not,” Mal said. “But we’ll do what we can.” “Acknowledged.” Wash had already found the green flare and was bringing the ship down. Mal turned and ran for the docking hold with Vos a step behind, while River stayed in her seat. Wash turned his seat as soon as they landed and looked at her. “So, any names for the baby?” he asked. She grinned weakly. “I was thinking ‘Bad Timing’ or ‘Unfortunate’ myself. Maybe ‘Bitter.’” “Hmm, happy names,” Wash said. “You could name her ‘Woe is me.’ Woeisme. That could work.” River chuckled, and then fell still. “Wash?” “Yeah?” “Make love to your wife tonight. And every night.” She paused in consideration of another thought. “I have to pee.” Wash’s jaw dropped as River ponderously picked herself up out of the chair and left the bridge. Outside, chaos ruled the day. Mal stepped down the ramp and felt as if he were under assault. Crowds of thousands charged the hastily erected fence surrounding the capital building. Lines of Alliance soldiers stood with weapons at the ready as they tried desperately to control the influx of refugees. As Mal stood watching, a huge ball of plasma seared through the sky and struck half a mile away. The shockwave of hot air made the people scream even louder as ash and debris started to rain down on them. Zoe was already on the ground talking with one of the Alliance soldiers. A moment later, a line of the refugees started moving toward the ship. Afolabi, Book and Inara stood in a line motioning people up the ramp. They came quickly; the smell of their fear was astringent and as strong as the smoke of the burning city. “Come in and go to the back of the hold!” Mal ordered. “No large luggage. There’s not going to be any spare room, so don’t bother hogging any of it. Pick a spot and sit your butts down!” Vos arrived too, and also began directing people into the ship. Mal noticed that around the Jedi the fear seemed to dissipate a little, as if somehow he were calming them with his strange power. Mal realized this was probably exactly what Vos was doing. He heard a distant scream and looked up. In the pale blue sky, he could see what looked like a puff of cauliflower. It lasted only a moment, but he knew what it meant. In confirmation, an Alliance officer came running up the ramp. “Captain!” “Yeah?” “We’re pulling out,” the officer said. He was in his early forties, with unusually long black hair and a small goatee. “Mind if I catch a ride?” “Only if you don’t mind sitting on the floor with the rest.” The officer shrugged. “I’ll take what I can get.” He then turned and also assisted in getting the terrified refugees in the ship. Mal eyed the floor with narrow eyes as another huge ball of plasma came down. This came down closer, and the heat and shock of the explosion was enough to steal his breath for a moment. “That’s it,” Mal called. “Any more, we’re not lifting off!” Immediately those in the front of the line starting yelling in terror and pushing against the Alliance soldiers restraining them. Some offered money, others offered their own children. Mal shook his head and waived for Zoe and Jayne to back onto the ramp. Across the field, Mal saw Alliance soldiers running away from the fence toward the last shuttles on the surface. On the other side of the fence stood tens of thousands, a crowd so thick he could not see its end. “They’re all gonna die,” Zoe said as the ramp started to lift. “Yes they are,” Mal said blackly. He grabbed the intercom hand piece. “Wash, get us up.” “We’re as heavy as River is,” the pilot said. “And we’ve got people crawling on top of the ship.” “They’re fall off eventually,” Mal said darkly. “Lift off.” He eyed the refugees. “Zoe, I want you and Jayne armed and on the steps. These people need to stay in the hold.” He started toward the stairs when someone in the crowd screamed. Mal looked up just in time to see a man flying over the crowd toward him with a large, viciously-curved knife. Almost at the same moment, a flying lightsaber soared through the air and sliced cleanly through the attacker’s middle. The saber turned in mid-air like a boomerange and returned to the hand that threw it. Ignoring the screams of those around him, Vos calmly stepped out from the crowd and knelt down next to the man. “What in the ‘verse is this?” Mal demanded. Vos stared at the dead man for a long time, before he reached out and touched a spot by his nose. Instantly the man’s skin peeled back to expose the scarred, sloping features of a Praetorite Vong. “I couldn’t sense this one in the Force,” Vos explained. Mal nodded. “Good thing, too.” Mal turned to the crowd and singled out two of the nearest men. “You two, make yourselves useful and throw this Vong trash out the air lock.” The men looked squeamish, but the angry glint in Mal’s eye and the utter command in his voice overwhelmed their hesitation, and they did as asked. Everything looked like it was going to calm down when the ship rocked violently and everyone screamed again. Mal started running up the stairs with Vos a step behind. He paused before the top and looked down into the thickly packed crowd. “Listen up!” he shouted. “We got a lot of fire between us and the black. You sit down, you shut up, and let us do our jobs and try and save you. Do not get up on these stairs. If you do, we will shoot you. We ain’t here to be thanked or be your friends. We’re here to do a job.” He turned and continued toward the command deck. Space beyond looked unpleasant. “The Vong are shooting down the shuttles,” Wash noted. The last Alliance cruiser was out-gassing all over. Each plume of lost atmosphere evidenced itself by a tongue of flame that lasted only as long as the air feeding it. However, it continued firing at the fighters around it in a last ditch effort to save the shuttles. “I’ll give these Alliance folk credit,” Mal said softly. “They’re fightin’ a good fight.” Plasma struck their shields. Wash spun the ship in a corkscrew. Vos immediately resumed his seat and started firing at the Vong fighters that darted by them. The ship shuddered again. “Loosing shields,” Wash said. “How long ‘til we can jump?” Mal asked. “Ten seconds,” Wash said. “We got bugs coming in,” Vos noted. Mal grabbed the com. “Kayle, we got locusts. Electrify the hull.” The ship shook even more violently. “That shot got through,” Wash said. “We’ve got hull damage. We’re loosing air.” “Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze,” Mal cursed. “Where?” “EVA hatch top deck,” Wash said. The captain ran down to the gantry as Wash spun to avoid another series of hits. The ship rocked again. “That just hit our port thruster.” “We’ve cleared the well,” Vos said. “Then we’re gone!” Wash hit the switch, and Serenity burst into hyperspace. -----signature----- "Spock!" "Yes Captain!" "Be one with the horse." "Yes, Captain." Gods of Dark and Light Legacy of the Red Sun Heaven Falls: A Jedi On Earth Blue Sun Down
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Golden_Jedi Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 5/26 5:23pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	“That’s it,” Mal called. “Any more, we’re not lifting off!” Immediately those in the front of the line starting yelling in terror and pushing against the Alliance soldiers restraining them. Some offered money, others offered their own children. Mal shook his head and waived for Zoe and Jayne to back onto the ramp. Across the field, Mal saw Alliance soldiers running away from the fence toward the last shuttles on the surface. On the other side of the fence stood tens of thousands, a crowd so thick he could not see its end. “They’re all gonna die,” Zoe said as the ramp started to lift. “Yes they are,” Mal said blackly. He grabbed the intercom hand piece. “Wash, get us up.” “We’re as heavy as River is,” the pilot said. “And we’ve got people crawling on top of the ship.” “They’re fall off eventually,” Mal said darkly. “Lift off.” Terrible, yet wonderfully written scene... -----signature----- The country is that place where chickens walk around uncooked - Julio Cortázar Unexpected Blossom http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28693266 Sailing Little Boats http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28747916
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TigerofRobare Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 5/26 11:59pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	It's always hard to remember that there are limits, that you can't save everyone. You did great. That was a wonderful chapter. -----signature----- Darth Hipster--Vader becomes a hippie!: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27316525&brd=10476 Tu ne cede malis--Do not give in to evil, but procede against it ever more boldly. UMass-Amherst class of 2011!
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VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager Digging out from Fay Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 5/27 5:56am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	Yet another powerful and moving chapter. Loved this bit of lightness in the midst of everything else. Wash had already found the green flare and was bringing the ship down. Mal turned and ran for the docking hold with Vos a step behind, while River stayed in her seat. Wash turned his seat as soon as they landed and looked at her. “So, any names for the baby?” he asked. She grinned weakly. “I was thinking ‘Bad Timing’ or ‘Unfortunate’ myself. Maybe ‘Bitter.’” “Hmm, happy names,” Wash said. “You could name her ‘Woe is me.’ Woeisme. That could work.” River chuckled, and then fell still. “Wash?” “Yeah?” “Make love to your wife tonight. And every night.” She paused in consideration of another thought. “I have to pee.” -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. They call me NANA Vader. At least she doesn't lack confidence...
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 5/27 9:13am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	The dream was really scary. I assume it's a portend of things to come. This just keeps getting sadder and sadder. The Vong are relentless and the Alliance doesn't seem to be able to do anything about it. Immediately those in the front of the line starting yelling in terror and pushing against the Alliance soldiers restraining them. Some offered money, others offered their own children. Mal shook his head and waived for Zoe and Jayne to back onto the ramp. Across the field, Mal saw Alliance soldiers running away from the fence toward the last shuttles on the surface. On the other side of the fence stood tens of thousands, a crowd so thick he could not see its end. “They’re all gonna die,” Zoe said as the ramp started to lift. “Yes they are,” Mal said blackly. He grabbed the intercom hand piece. “Wash, get us up.” “We’re as heavy as River is,” the pilot said. “And we’ve got people crawling on top of the ship.” “They’re fall off eventually,” Mal said darkly. “Lift off.” How horrible. Great job. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 6/28/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
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L0B0 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 5/27 10:01am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	That was harsh. The Vong are teh devil, and I don't like them. Not even a little. At least our heroes rescued some folks and made it out alive. For now... Interesting dream/vision sequence with River, that was quite ominous and foreboding. I also liked the mention of 'Bitter' among possible names for the baby. BTW, I think I know what's going on with the PMs. I'll send you one to explain it so as not to clutter up the story thread. -----signature----- Check your Six! ---> http://www.talonintelligencesquadron.com/index.htm * Mando'ad draar digu... * Self Appointed FADA Acolyte
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callista_gseran Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 5/27 4:17pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	Awesome chapter, another edge-of-your-seat panic thing you know? Great Job! -----signature----- Callista Gseran Adoptee of Dev_Binks
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Thumper09 Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 5/30 10:23am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	Boy, you weren't kidding when you said things would be going downhill! I'm caught up on the last two posts now, and I was extremely impressed with this last chapter in particular. You did an excellent job with the panic and desperation of the refugees trying to get on the ship, and with Mal for making the hard choices when he needed to. That was quite a dark dream that River had. I'd be scared too if I'd dreamt something like that, especially knowing what's in store. Things are looking pretty bleak for the galaxy. Keep up the great work! -Thumper -----signature----- "Like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method." -Karen Eiffel The Way--Imperial pilot OCs, OT: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28104637 OC X-wing fics: http://www.coronasquadron.com/corona.html
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Kevin_Solo Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 5/30 11:45am Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	We start with River having a nightmare...again. A lot of things from the Book of Revelations there. Waiting for them were Praetorite Vong, thousands of them, with their living staffs held up like pitch-forks and their strange bone-spurs protruding from their heads like devil horns. They make even Palpatine look nice. So Jesus is going to come back carrying a lightsaber, is he? “‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” The green fire engulfed Book. River watched helplessly as his skin was flayed away from his body, and then all was lost in the fire. Only the massive hands and the darkness remained. From the midst of the darkness, a single point of light emerged. River realized, startled, that it was a lightsaber. A single green lightsaber, holding back the darkness and the pale hands. That is when River woke up, and realized the end was coming. It could have been worse. She could have been having a nightmare about Freddy Krueger! The Vong appear to be having it all their own way. “It’s difficult to say, Master Jedi. However, they attacked forty moons and worlds in a single strike and took every one despite our attempts to hold them.” Valorum looked old, and very, very tired. “I understand the civilian losses have been unimaginable. Whole worlds are being sacrificed.” “Is there nothing we can do?” Inara asked. “Pick up as many refugees as you can, and get them to Londinum,” Valorum said. “Because your ship has been hyperspace enabled, you’ll be able to make more runs than any but our top military ships.” The Serenity's crew try to take as many civilians as possible from Greenleaf, but can only take a small number: “Not this time, Jayne,” Mal said. “Zoe, take Loverboy there down with Book and Afolabi to the hatch. Grab Inara too. Go armed. Those folks are gonna wanna be on board come hell or high water. We get over a hundred-fifty, one-seventy five on this boat, we’re not takin’ off.” Zoe nodded. “Got it. Come on, boys.” \| \| Coming up the wide river that made the valley and provided power and water to the city were massive, lumbering beasts that seemed to be spewing fire from long snouts. “Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si,” Mal whispered. “What are those things?” “Whatever they are, the Alliance tanks aren’t doing too much to them,” Wash noted. They saw a line of Alliance tanks firing rapidly at the strange creatures even as they backed up toward the city. The artillery and tank shells exploded without apparent effect against the fire-breathing monstrosities. “Let’s see if they like turbolaser fire,” Vos muttered. He aimed and fired a burse of five shots on the fire-breather nearest the city. The green bolts sank into the creature. It seemed almost to suck into itself like a hot-air balloon for a moment before it exploded violently. The explosion was so strong the firebreather next to it stumbled against the blast and fell side-ways into a smoldering forest of burnt tree-trunks. They waited for an explosion from the second one. Instead, its long, gangling legs shuffled, and then lifted its bulbous body back to its incredible height. Serenity continued past the line of tanks to the city. They could see what had to be the enemy infantry tearing through the outer edges of the city while the defenders continued to fall back. Finally they saw an Alliance shuttle lifting off from a field near the capital and knew that was where they had to go. \| \| “That’s it,” Mal called. “Any more, we’re not lifting off!” Immediately those in the front of the line starting yelling in terror and pushing against the Alliance soldiers restraining them. Some offered money, others offered their own children. Mal shook his head and waived for Zoe and Jayne to back onto the ramp. Across the field, Mal saw Alliance soldiers running away from the fence toward the last shuttles on the surface. On the other side of the fence stood tens of thousands, a crowd so thick he could not see its end. “They’re all gonna die,” Zoe said as the ramp started to lift. “Yes they are,” Mal said blackly. He grabbed the intercom hand piece. “Wash, get us up.” “We’re as heavy as River is,” the pilot said. “And we’ve got people crawling on top of the ship.” “They’re fall off eventually,” Mal said darkly. “Lift off.” He eyed the refugees. “Zoe, I want you and Jayne armed and on the steps. These people need to stay in the hold.” Very, very sad!! Those Vong make Darth Vader look nice and cuddly by comparison. Some humour to lighten up the darkness: She grinned weakly. “I was thinking ‘Bad Timing’ or ‘Unfortunate’ myself. Maybe ‘Bitter.’” “Hmm, happy names,” Wash said. “You could name her ‘Woe is me.’ Woeisme. That could work.” River chuckled, and then fell still. “Wash?” “Yeah?” “Make love to your wife tonight. And every night.” She paused in consideration of another thought. “I have to pee.” Wash’s jaw dropped as River ponderously picked herself up out of the chair and left the bridge. Nice! Very well written, Darth_Marrs, particularly River's nightmare.
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Darth_Marrs Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 6/1 6:27pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	Golden_Jedi—Thank you. That was one of the harder chapters for me to write. I’m glad it worked for you. TigerofRobare—You’re right, and luckily Mal is one of those who knows you can’t save everyone. Thanks for the great feedback. VaderLVR64—Thank you. That passage was actually very important. Dianethx—It is indeed. These last few chapters flowed quickly, but even I was depressed. But I promise everyone that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. LOBO—They are quite devilish, to be sure. Callista_gseran—Thank you. Definitely some panic coming. I hope you continue to hang on for the ride! Thumper09—No, I wasn’t kidding, and it’s not done yet. Thanks for the feedback. The dream was definitely harrowing, and incredibly prophetic. Kevin_Solo—The Book of Revelations--best Book in the house for really scary end-of-world dreams. Not sure that was Jesus she saw, although I’m certain there is a Campbellian influence. As for Krueger—She’s a Jedi now. She would’ve kicked his a$$. Thanks for the feedback! -----signature----- "Spock!" "Yes Captain!" "Be one with the horse." "Yes, Captain." Gods of Dark and Light Legacy of the Red Sun Heaven Falls: A Jedi On Earth Blue Sun Down
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Darth_Marrs Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 6/1 6:28pm Subject: RE: Blue Sun Down: A Star Wars/Firefly Crossover --Updated 5/26/2008
	Chapter Twenty-Three: The Dark Side Kaylee took off her EVA helmet and then bent over and vomited on the deck plating. Simon was there by her side, an arm draped around her EVA suit. “It’s okay,” he whispered to her. “That much fun, eh?” Mal said. “I hate going EVA,” Kaylee finally managed to say as she pulled herself out of the suit with desperate speed. “I just don’t got no stomach for it.” “I can see that,” Mal said. “You got it fixed?” Kaylee wiped her lip on her grease-stained forearm and nodded. “Good girl,” the captain said. He pulled a small wooden box from behind his back. “These are the last. You earned them.” He didn’t need to say what they were, and Kaylee didn’t need to look. She merely nodded and accepted the gift. Mal walked back through the galley until he stood on the gantry looking down at the people below. He stood beside Zoe and Vos while Jayne, Book and Afolabi kept an eye out on them from one level down. “We’re another day out from Londinum,” he said to Zoe. “We’re ‘bout out of food already.” “We counted a hundred and eighty-two people,” Zoe said. “Scrubbers are straining.” “Yeah, I can smell it. Open the hatches to the shuttles and turn their scrubbers on too.” “Already done,” Zoe said. Mal looked over at Vos. “And what’re you thinking, oh Great and Wise one?” Vos knew the captain well enough after the last eight months to smile at the prod. “That the Dark Side clouds everything.” “That mean you don’t know squat more’n the rest of us?” “Pretty much,” Vos admitted. Mal nodded and stepped down to the first flight over the bay. “All right, listen up,” he yelled. “My name is Captain Mal Reynolds. This is my boat. We’re not Alliance. We’re moving you because it’s the right thing to do. But we ain’t military, and that’s a problem.” He took a deep breath. “Your breakfast this morning used up pretty much all my stores. We ain’t got no more food. Our air scrubbers were built for max occupancy of 175. We count a hundred eighty-two of you plus my crew. So in case any of you were thinking about doing any jumping jacks, I’d encourage you to do otherwise.” That managed to elicit a few chuckles. “Here’s how it is, people. We’re a day out from Londinum. No food, no water, but we’re only a day out. Whole ‘verse is hard up, but you’re better off than those poor souls we left behind. So be patient, don’t bother complaining ‘cause we’re just as hungry and thirsty as you are. And know we’ll get you to Londinum in one piece.” The people said nothing, but their eyes followed Mal back up the steps. It was a girl, maybe ten, toward the back, who spoke first. “Thank you, Sir!” Mal paused as more thanks came from the crowd. He smiled briefly, felt his cheeks go red, and continued up the stairs. “Now I’m all teary-eyed,” he said to no one in a cold voice that belied the fact that he was, in fact, teary-eyed. * * * Londinum was not the same world they left. The planet was surrounded by massive weapons platforms and ships of every description. The nearby moon bristled with weaponry visible even from Serenity’s re-entry trajectory. Thousands of small civilian ships huddled in closely-lumped orbits that gave the planet an artificial ring. The crew said nothing as planetary control cleared them for re-entry and landing at one of the man refugee camps. Wash followed the path and brought them down through the atmosphere and flew over the cityscapes until they reached a city that did not exist when they first arrived. It was a city of tents and small modular units stacked five high where the land allowed. The field stretched for kilometers, with one entire patch dedicated to the landing and offloading of ships. Wash saw a man with directional batons and followed those instructions until he came to a quick landing. Mal was on the deck of the cargo hold by the time the ramp dropped down. Instantly a line of five Alliance soldiers met him. He squashed his gut reaction and instead nodded to them. They returned the nod and started guiding people out of the ship to a series of processing stations. The last to leave was the officer they picked up on Greenleaf. The man offered a hand. “Thank you for your help, Captain. I have to admit, you’re not what I expected.” Mal blinked. “What were you expecting?” The man smiled. “Hard to say.” He walked off the ship. A moment later, Mal felt Vos standing beside him. “That man is Blue Sun,” the Jedi said. Mal blinked. “What, now?” “He was one of the contractors who transported me into this system. George or something like that, I think his name was. We’ve been identified.” “Why didn’t you kill him?” “He posed no threat,” Vos said. “He’d already sent his signal while on Greenleaf. Killing him would have further upset the passengers, and they were at the limit as it was.” Before Mal could order them to lift off, Walsingham suddenly appeared with a cadre of soldiers. “Well ain’t this just a fit of good timing,” the captain said. “What do you want?” “Minister Valorum asked that you and your crew come to his office. It is very important.” “Blue Sun knows we’re here,” Mal said. “What if we say no?” “Then your ship will be fired upon in orbit,” Walsingham said. “You do not refuse a request from the Minister. A car is waiting for us.” “I’ll go get the others,” Vos said. He turned and paused when he saw River coming ponderously down the stairs. She looked more pale than normal and he noticed a slight shaking in her hand. When he felt for her Force presence, he noticed she had her shields clamped down tight. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Pregnant,” was all she said. “Yes.” Walsingham’s large hovervan once more took them to the Parliament Building, and once more they found themselves under guard walking down a long hallway. When they finally reached Valorum’s office, they found the minister reading intently. He was pale and thinner than the last time they saw him, with dark rings under his eyes. “Captain, guests, please come in,” he said in his sonorous voice. The crew shuffled in. Once they were seated, the minister and former Chancellor of the Galactic Republic sighed. “I’ve lost.” “Lost what?” Mal asked. Valorum tossed the paper he was reading on the desk. “You. Your whole society. The Vong have taken every world in the system. This report is from our forces of Sihnon. It has fallen. Londinum is next. They should be here in a matter of hours.” Mal felt his heart skip a beat. “What’ll you do?” he asked. Valorum reached in his desk and removed a black square about the size of Mal’s hand. “Master Vos will know what do to with this. It’s a galactic map of coordinates for planets and hyperspace lanes. With a hyperspace-enabled ship, you can flee anywhere in the galaxy you want. Your ship has already been re-provisioned and then sealed until your return.” His shoulders slumped. “For your help, that is all I have to offer you.” “What about all these people?” Zoe demanded, her eyes flashing. “Doomed,” Valorum said. “Like me. The best you can hope for is…” A distant explosion interrupted him. “Surely they haven’t arrived yet!” A moment later Walsingham ran through the door and closed it behind him. “Blue Sun agents are attacking the capital,” he said. “They are accompanied by soldiers in unknown white armor carrying blasters.” Mal noticed how Valorum and Vos exchanged looks. “The Empire has arrived,” Vos said. “His Dark Jedi is here as well.” “Palpatine is interceding directly then,” Valorum said. He slumped in his seat. “It was only a matter of time, I suppose.” “If it saves the people, maybe it’s for the best,” Book said. “Better alive under an Empire than dead before the Vong.” “You’re assuming the Empire can stop them,” Vos said. “I’m not even sure of that.” “We have to go, now!” Walsingham said. The whole group hurried through the other door of the office into the command center. Mal felt his stomach drop when he saw it was completely empty. All the screens were still on, but held nothing but static. Was it really that bad? Had the end come so quickly? Valorum led the way with Walsingham by his side. They reached the far door of the command center. The Operative opened the door and Valorum stepped forward. River and Vos both felt the surge of dark-side energy, but it was too late. A blade of red energy sliced effortlessly through the minister’s chest. Valorum said nothing as he fell first to his knees, and then lifelessly to the floor. Walsingham responded with trained speed and effectiveness, but then fell as well—one piece of him by the minister, the other to the floor nearby. “River, you’ve changed,” the man calling himself Bane said as he stepped calmly into the command center. “I can feel the baby. She wants to be born. Have your contractions started yet?” Everyone turned and stared at River’s pale face. “Yes,” she admitted. “Delicious. My master wanted you so badly, River. But the Force tells him the child will be better. I shall be elevated if I bring that child to him. He’ll destroy his current apprentice and escalate me.” He looked at the others with a sneer. “Give me the mother and child, and the rest of you can go free.” Quinlan Vos stepped forward. “Come and take her,” he said. Bane’s eyes narrowed. “To kill a Jedi would truly prove my worth in my master’s eyes.” Through the Force, Vos felt the odd shift as Bane’s playful banter sank into the cold machine-like warrior. “Back up,” Mal ordered. They started backing up, only to stop when River cried out. The captain stared incredulously. “You meant to tell me that huh choo-shang tza-jiao duh tzang-huo was telling it right? That baby’s coming?” “River,” Simon said urgently. “It’s not time yet. You’re only at thirty-two weeks.” “Thirty-three now,” River said. Behind them, a red lightsaber flashed against a blue and a green one as Bane and Vos fought. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.” Words failed as a new contraction came. “River, how far apart are the contractions?” Simon asked. Ignoring the others, he reached under River’s dress. “My God, you’re water must have broken before we even left the ship. You’re almost fully dilated. Why didn’t you tell us?” “Because it wouldn’t matter,” River said. “She has to be born. If she’s not born, we’ll all die!” An explosion drew their attention to the duel. Vos kicked Bane across the floor into one of the many static-filled monitors. The dark-sider rolled quickly to his feet and threw a bolt of blue force lightning at Vos, who easily intercepted it and shot it right back at the startled Bane. “I think that boy’s going to get his ass kicked,” Mal muttered. “Doc, what can we do?” “Back up and give me some room,” Simon said. He looked up, and Mal, Kaylee and the rest saw terror on his face for the first time. “It’s coming too fast. The baby is coming too fast!” Bane screamed from across the room as he flew through the air at Vos. The Jedi rolled away and engaged the dark-sider with both blades. Simon put his hand on River’s sweaty forehead. “Mei-mei, don’t force this! Don’t hurt yourself!” She smiled up at him through her pain. She grabbed his hand and kissed his fingers. “You saved me, Simon,” she whispered. “You saved me. Now I’m going to save you all. She has to come out. The Darkness is coming. She has to be born.” Simon looked up at the people who had become his family over the past year, until finally his eyes fell on Kaylee. She nodded imperceptibly. “Everyone get on that side,” she said. Inara knelt down beside him. “I’ve midwifed before,” she said. Simon merely nodded as he flipped River’s dress over her bulging stomach and ripped away her soaking undergarment. “She’s already breeching,” Simon whispered in awe. The whole building shuddered under another series of explosions as Parliamentary guards and Alliance soldiers tried to defend the capital against this new threat. Jedi master and dark side disciple fought viciously through the command center, one fueled by determination, the other by rage and hate. And River Tam screamed. “Push, River!” Simon urged. “It hurts!” River said as she grabbed Kaylee’s and Inara’s hands. “The baby is coming now,” Simon said. “I can see her hair. You have to push now!” Across the floor, Bane grinned darkly. “My ascension is arriving. Does it bother you, Jedi, that you will never see your little girl grow up?” “Does it bother you that Palpatine will never elevate you? I know from Count Dooku what Darth Sidious seeks in his apprentice. The Dark Side is strong with you, but you will never been Sith.” “We shall see!” Bane roared as he dashed forward. It was the moment Vos had been waiting for. Throughout the duel he gauged not just Bane’s speed and strength, but also his mind. He fought with grace and speed, and there was no denying his power. But his youth betrayed him, and his rage made him reckless. As the young man soared through the air, Vos called on his own Dark Side power and unleashed a torrent of Force lightning that caught Bane in mid-leap. The young dark sider screamed as the power ripped through his body. He continued forward and fell on weakened legs just as Vos spun his sabers. There were no last words or dramatic epithets. One moment Bane lived, the next he did not. The man’s head rolled away as his body collapsed where it landed. The Jedi master took a deep breath before he sighed, hooked his sabers to his belt, and ran for River. -----signature----- "Spock!" "Yes Captain!" "Be one with the horse." "Yes, Captain." Gods of Dark and Light Legacy of the Red Sun Heaven Falls: A Jedi On Earth Blue Sun Down
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