Author Topic: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24)
Idrelle_Miocovani  8992 posts
Registered: Feb '05
50898_NaNo 13
Date Posted: 6/17/08 7:09pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OC Project, OT era, completed 6/17
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww! love

Awwwwwwwwwwww! love

Awwww.... okay, I'll stop now. tongue Cayin is adorable. Lovely name too. wink


Chase kept his hands folded together over most of his face to hide the huge smile he couldn't wipe from his expression. It was an enormous effort to sound even mostly neutral and natural. "Nothing. Nothing's wrong."


laugh laugh

Well, Thumper, it's been an awesome, thrilling ride. I love this fic and I love the ending -- very fitting (sucks that we don't get to see CodeBlue again tongue ). Wonderful job -- I enjoyed every moment! grin

 

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Nat is my new Muse. Yes, you may have one of those flowy Greek-robe things you say you can't spell. tongue
This Time Around: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2
DarthIshtar's Padawan
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Trika_Kenobi  9463 posts
Registered: Nov '99
46133_Talon Squad
Date Posted: 6/17/08 7:21pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OC Project, OT era, completed 6/17
LOL. And so Chase gets away with it! He's still a mess, but ah! I wouldn't have wanted this ending any other way! tongue

Super job, Thumper. I've already mentioned to you how much I love your work, and I'm just super happy that I happened to click on the link in your signature that day! What a ride! I'm interested in your outtakes in your next post, and of course, anything else you happen to pen in the future, keep me in mind for a PM. I'll be there in a heartbeat!

Thanks for the adventure! You've got a serious fan here! grin

Trika

 

-----signature-----
My Uncle Sam sends me places... the "going OCONUS lol" is here!
Current Location: Iraq

Don't bother running. You won't get far enough.
http://www.TalonIntelligenceSquadron.com
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MsLanna  15988 posts
Title: CR GSFF Central =
Offizieller Burger Brater

Registered: Jul '05
6538_Imperial Seal
Date Posted: 6/20/08 2:17am Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OC Project, OT era, completed 6/17
W00t! shock
applause
Great penultimate chapter. applause
Loved th lightheartedness of the beginning. Chase is still such a nice guy - somewhere. And his plans are sound. Good for him to have found such a trustworthy hacker...


Lataise would kill him if she ever found out Chase had been subtly encouraging Cayin to be nocturnal.

Chase! shame_on_you
Once you start manipulating people you never stop, huh? tongue
But he's such a proud daddy. love

So it worked!
Darn it, Chase you did it. But what a b-word you were to achieve it.
Not sure whether to be happy or not. silly

 

-----signature-----
"You will kill yourself trying to live up to their expectations."
"That's okay for me."
Cuyir adate jate, bal droten ori'dush
Proud Master and buir'ika of Commander_Ducky. grin
My New Title: Lords and Ladies of the Empire tongue
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Thumper09  1057 posts
Registered: Dec '01
14731_X-Wings
Date Posted: 6/24/08 7:03pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual - Date Edited: 8/9/08 8:23pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Thumper09
Idri: LOL, thanks! "Cayin" is modified from the name "Kayin", which means "long-awaited child" and fits the Bartons' situation. It seems like the type of name they would pick.

With all the money he just got from making Chase's program, CodeBlue is now able to pay off his debts and leave Etti IV if he so desires. I imagine he'll pop up somewhere else now with no debts hanging over his head to restrain him, LOL. Thanks so much for commenting and reading!

Trika: Yeah, I don't think Chase will ever truly recover from being such a mess. On the one hand, he accomplished his goal so he doesn't need (in his mind) to continue being like that, but on the other hand he also knows now that he's capable of doing some pretty nasty things and getting away with it. I'm not sure what that knowledge will do to him in the long run.

No problem, I can PM you with any new stories. happy One of the things I want to do down the road is write about the effects of Chase's virus from a Rebel pilot POV. Someday...

Thanks again for everything, and also for reading and replying!

MsLanna: All the money CodeBlue got out of the deal certainly helped his trustworthiness level. wink

Once you start manipulating people you never stop, huh?

LOL! You know, I never even thought about that, but it totally fits. wink

Yeah, he's completely wrapped around Cayin's finger, but he wouldn't want it any other way. Not knowing whether to be happy at Chase's success or not is one of the things I was aiming for here, so I'm very glad to read that. grin Thanks for replying and reading!

----------

As many of you know, the FanFic Awards season is upon us. This story is qualified for Best Drama and also Best OC, Male (Chase) in the Saga era. It totally blew me away to see the nominations, not to mention getting qualified, so thanks to all those who nominated it! hugs If anyone has any suggestions for where I should take the excerpts from for either of these categories, please PM me. I'll welcome any and all help and ideas.

And now here's my miscellaneous wrap-up post with "special bonus features." tongue

-------------

The Way Bonus Features

Concept Artwork

I did a quick sketch (well, quick for me) of Chase on the landing rack with his TIE and posted it here. I thought monochromatic colors would be good for inking, but I quickly learned that black on black on black is currently beyond my ability level with ink. tongue Plus I couldn't get the facial likeness down well from the reference picture I used, but that's always been hard for me, especially when the drawing is as small as it is. The sketch has some noticeable problems, but maybe I'll redo it down the road when I've learned more about inking.

My Fireburner Squadron emblem concept started out really well in my head but then didn't translate into Photoshop like I'd hoped it would, so... nothing on that front now.

----------------

Outtakes

One of my favorite special features on DVDs are outtakes and blooper reels: actors improvising and joking around, mishaps on the set, etc. Sometimes I can picture something similar happening with my characters over the course of a story, especially when the characters get out of control. These are just weird, goofy little things I've imagined while trying to picture a scene and are meant for nothing more than amusement purposes. Most are not in-character for the specific situation or would otherwise have been detrimental, which is why they're not in the real story.

I admit I had the most fun with the one from Chapter Fourteen.

***

Chapter One

Leaving Craci IV for their combat tour


The small base was a flurry of activity the next morning. Landspeeders loaded down with people and crates wound through the crowds of personnel and droids on foot. Some people were riding the native Cracian thumper workbeasts through the activity more quickly than landspeeders could manage, and others led pack thumpers to various destinations to unload their burdens.

Even though he was standing at ground zero of the chaos just outside the operations building, Chase didn't notice any of it; he was too busy going for a new record on the longest hug he had ever given his wife. Lataise was all too happy to assist him in that record-breaking attempt. Chase didn't even know how long they had been standing there close together with their arms wrapped around each other. All he knew was that he never wanted to let go.

Suddenly Lataise quickly pulled back. Confused, Chase opened his mouth to ask her what was wrong, but before he could get one word out he felt hot breath blowing on the back of his neck and something nibbling on his flightsuit collar. An instant later something large and rough and wet came in contact with the back of his neck and moved from there over his cheek and then over his ear. Chase flinched, yelped in disgust and quickly jumped away.

Turning around, he saw Radek laughing while he held the reins of a slobbering Cracian thumper. "Aww, do you like Chase?" Radek asked the thumper. "Did he taste good?" He handed the reins back to another Imperial and said, "Thanks, Corporal." Finally Radek turned back to Chase. "I figured that would get your attention, Lover Boy. Come on, we're waiting on you! Hurry up! I want to get off the ground!"

*****

Then there was nothing to do but wait for the commander to be ready and give the order to launch.

"I can't wait," Radek transmitted over a private comm frequency from his own TIE.

"So I've noticed," Chase replied.

"You think the commander will mind if I don't wait for him and just launch now?"

"I'm sure he won't," Chase said. "In fact, I bet he'll see it as showing extra initiative. You know he loves that. Give it a try."

"But...wait, what?"

*******

Chapter Two

Encountering a suspicious Y-wing while on patrol with
Nashtah's fleet

Chase couldn't tell from the sensor readings if this was a Rebel Y-wing or if it was a Y-wing owned by any number of raiding groups or even planetary defense forces. Anything legitimate shouldn't be cozied up hiding out here on this moon, though. He watched his sensor readings carefully, making note of the turret position, the energy levels, and anything out of the ordinary.

The energy levels stopped increasing, but they did not decrease either. A static-filled reply came over the open frequency and asked, "And why shouldn't I think an Imperial is going to shoot me even if I do comply?"

Chase thought about that for a minute. "Hey, that's a good idea. It hadn't even occurred to me. Maybe I'll have to give that a try. Thanks."

******

Chapter Four

After Chase's deep-space rescue


The first thing Chase became aware of was the disgusting taste of bacta in his mouth.

It brought him back to consciousness more effectively than any audible chrono alarm could have. He squeezed his eyes shut harder, grimaced and opened his mouth to get that taste out of--

"Chaaaase..."

He recognized his name. He thought he recognized the voice, but it was sounding deeper and more sinister than it usually did.

"Chaaaase..."

Chase opened his eyes, hoping to clear the fog and confusion in his head. It was hard to see: it was dark with only an eerie red glow casting any light whatsoever. Then he noticed Radek sitting beside the bed.

Radek was bathed in red light that cast shadows at the most unnerving angles. One side of his face was soaked in blood, and his uniform was marred with what seemed in the dim light to be a gaping chest wound. He grinned evilly and spoke in the deep voice again. "Hello, Chase. It's about time you finally died so you could join the rest of us. Welcome to hell!"

Chase felt the blood drain from his face as he gaped at his wingman in silence. He'd known he was dead, but this was not at all where he had wanted to end up.

After a few moments, Radek started laughing. "Aw, damn it! I can't keep a straight face anymore with you staring in horror at me like that! After all I went through to set up this prank, you could at least have let me draw it out longer and enjoy it!" Still snickering, Radek got up and turned on the lights, and that's when Chase noticed he was in a medbay. In the better lighting he could tell that Radek's "injuries" were fake.

Chase narrowed his eyes to slits as he glared at his wingman. "Radek, come here. Let me show you what a real gaping chest wound looks like."

*****

Chapter Fourteen

"See? Isn't she amazing?" Chase Barton said proudly. It was his first day back, and he had been systematically tracking down each Fireburner as they filtered into the briefing room. Lieutenant Panas was his latest victim, and Chase was holding one of dozens of holos of his three-week-old daughter, Cayin, right in front of him so he could see it. "She's got her mother's eyes and my nose. She's strong, too. She's going to grow up to be a fighter, but she looks so adorable sleeping in her little hat, doesn't she? She's perfect."

Panas squinted at the holo. "I don't know, Chase. She doesn't look a thing like you. Are you sure she's yours?"

Radek pushed his way into the small group before Chase could indignantly respond. "More baby holos, huh?" Radek asked. "Cute kid. Proof that it's not yours." Then he snickered and turned to Lt. Panas. "You know what? Fast forward fifteen or sixteen years. I would hate to be the teenaged boy who first tries to take Chase's daughter on a date. Can you imagine that?" Radek formed his hand into a makeshift blaster, pulled it from an imaginary holster, scowled and tried to mimic Chase's voice. "'Sit down, boy. You think you're good enough to date my daughter? You better think again. I need to find out some things about you first. Let me go get the interrogation droid I bought from Surplus--I was in the Imperial Navy as a TIE pilot back before you were even in diapers, you know, and have killed more men than you've met--and we'll have a little chat. Don't give me that crying about missing your 1930 dinner reservation. You should be more worried about if you'll survive until then. If you do, then maybe I'll give you a chance. In that case, you two can be a little late for dinner.'"

----------------

PM Updates Storyboard

I hope Face doesn't mind that I'm blatantly and shamelessly stealing his idea to post the PM Updates. angel

It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with the PM updates, and I finally decided on the e-mail format. My one hard-and-fast rule was that none of the "e-mails" could come from Chase. The whole story was from his POV, and the PM e-mails were my chance to poke around at things from a different perspective.

Here are all the PM updates I sent. The Imperial signature was at the end of every one, but I'm only going to put it on the first one here.

---
(2/26 update)

TO: 1/321st Fireburner Squadron Personnel (321st Imperial Fighter Group), Legis Bay Imperial Naval Base
FROM: Commander Tabb Wiantance
SUBJECT: Upcoming Deployment

Everyone,

This is a reminder that you need to have all of your completed forms on file before we leave on deployment. In other words, if you don't have them done by tomorrow the consequences will not be pretty. I still have not received the DY56397 and PLN7011 forms from some of you (you know who you are), and the LAPM&S group is reporting a lack of T-90-41UN forms from this squadron, as well as NN-88-1017A and UH-14-361C forms. Don't forget that you need a PH-32-015N form done before you can start on the NN-88-1017A. The amount of paperwork is nothing new, and you all know better than to have incomplete work so close to the deadline. By the Way, the forms library can be found on the network here.

Commander Wiantance

------
This message and any attachments is the intellectual property of the Galactic Empire, and is intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Sending of this information by any means to an unauthorized person or alien, without prior written approval from Imperial Intelligence, is prohibited. If you have received this message in error or no longer wish to receive updates, advise the sender immediately and action will be taken.

-------------------------

(3/4 update)

TO: Fikri, Kaj H. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: What are they thinking?!

I can't believe we've only got five short weeks out here. 25 measley days. It's depressing just looking at that number. What's the point of sending us out here for such a short time? By the time we hit our stride, it'll be time to go. I thought the Empire was supposed to like efficiency.

Hey, maybe I should tell the commander that idea and try to convince him to extend our tour. Volunteering to keep us in combat longer should make him look good to his superiors, shouldn't it? Win-win situation. Maybe that's The Way to keep us out here where there's actually something exciting going on. I'll never understand how Chase can like it back at the base. He must be crazy.

I've got a patrol coming up soon, and I'll meet you in the mess hall for lunch afterward unless we run into some Rebels we can tangle with. I hope we do. That's the only thing that can make these 25 days better (well, that and a duty tour extension).

Radek

--------------------------

(3/11 update)

TO: Fikri, Kaj H. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re[6]: Wait'll I tell you what happened!

I can't believe you're saying all that! Well, even if you agree with Chase, most of the squadron agrees with me--he should've just shot that Y-wing right away and been done with it. Isn't that The Way they taught us to act in training? Huh?

And besides, you--wait...damn, I just got a message from the commander about all this debating going on. He sent it to the whole squadron so I'm sure you got it too.

I'll drop off that holonovel today.

Radek

---------------------------

(3/18 update)

TO: NAVY-NASHTAH-ALL
FROM: NASHTAH-COMMAND
SUBJECT: Damage reports
IMPORTANCE: High

All units,

We need a complete damage report so we can best determine The Way to proceed. Group leaders are to compile the reports from their subordinates as per standard procedure and report to Briefing Room 7-D-571 at 1200h today.

Nashtah Command

---------------------------

(3/23 update)

TO: 1/321st Fireburner Squadron Personnel, 321st IFG
FROM: Wiantance, Tabb J. CMDR 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Equipment Reminder

Everyone,

We'll be arriving in Cracian space in roughly another two days, barring any unexpected developments. Make sure you have all of your nonessential personal effects packed and ready to be crated NLT 1600 GST tomorrow. This will allow the support personnel time to crate your bags for transport down to the base. Any other equipment you may be using that is not required for flight needs to be returned to its responsible group. For those pilots still on medical leave and/or who will be taking the transport down to the base, your flight equipment will need to be packed if it isn't already. Make sure that it is by 1600 tomorrow as well. Document 45T-JP-0 shows The Way to properly prepare it for packing.

Commander Wiantance

--------------------------------

(4/2 update)

TO: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Medical Center Automated Scheduling System
SUBJECT: Appointment Reminder

Lieutenant,

This is a reminder of your scheduled appointment at the Legis Bay INB Medical Center tomorrow at 0730, Wing B, Room 4780C. This is a follow-up exam to determine your progress. Depending on the results the doctor will discuss The Way to proceed with your various medical and career options.

CZ-319
Secretarial Droid assigned to LBINB Medical Center

---------------------------

(4/8 update)

TO: Mostyn, Ambrose, Troiken Planetary Authority
CC: CZ-402 Secretarial Droid, 321 IFG
FROM: Wiantance, Tabb J. CMDR 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Missing Ship Investigation

Investigator Mostyn,

My XO and I have been looking into your request. One of my pilots, Lieutenant Barton, had filed a standard report indicating he had recent contact with the missing ship Tight Beam. We'll arrange it so that you can speak with him and an Imperial Legal representative. Our secretarial droid, CZ-402, will coordinate a schedule for this with you and will also send you information on The Way to be cleared for limited access to the base.

We will help in any way we can regarding this matter.

Commander Tabb Wiantance

--------------------------------

(4/15 update)

TO: Mostyn, Ambrose, Troiken Planetary Authority
FROM: Wiantance, Tabb J. CMDR 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re[4]: Missing Ship Investigation

Investigator Mostyn,

In response to your last question: certainly, if there is anything else you need to speak to us or Lieutenant Barton about, we will do what we can to accommodate you. We will also let you know if we find anything of interest to this investigation during any of our local system patrols. We hope your team is able to locate Tight Beam, and our thoughts are with the family of the missing captain.

Again, if you need anything else, you know The Way to reach us.

Commander Tabb Wiantance

---------------------------

(4/22 update)

TO: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: CZ-402 Secretarial Droid, 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Reminder for tomorrow

Lieutenant Deror,

The XO requested I send you this reminder. While Lieutenant Barton takes a day of leave tomorrow, you'll be working instead with Lieutenant Daetwyler. Commander Wiantance believes this will be a good opportunity to evaluate The Way you fly and work independent of your regular wingman.

Thank you for your time, sir.

Respectfully,

CZ-402
Secretarial Droid assigned to Fireburner Squadron, 321st Imperial Fighter Group

------------------------------------

(4/28 update)

TO: Androit, Mel J. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re: New flying evaluations

Yeah, I heard the commander was thinking of doing those flight reviews for the whole squadron now. He had Daetwyler do it with me when Chase was out that day last week. Who knows, maybe I was the test case if you're scheduled for one now too.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's not much in The Way of an evaluation. Daetwyler pretty much acted as if he was the subordinate (I'd love to comment on that more, but I can't do it on this account) and let me go through the day as if I was in charge. It was sort of fun, actually, once we got past the first awkward hour. I'm sure yours will be very similar.

Radek

--------------------------------------

(5/7 update)

TO: Androit, Mel J. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re: Wanted: One Life, Contact LtJG Deror

Yeah, go ahead. You can laugh all you want at how excited I've been recently over getting to finally do ship inspections, but I'm telling ya, that's The Way to a promotion! You can whine and complain 'til you're blue in the face about how boring they are and how you have better things to do with your precious time, and when I'm a full lieutenant I'll just laugh at all you losers and order you to do twice as many ship inspections per week! And leave Chase out of this. He's going out of his way to help me, which makes him a tons better wingman than you'd ever be.

Radek

-----------------------------------------

(5/13 update)

TO: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Androit, Mel J. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re[2]: Wanted: One Life, Contact LtJG Deror


Oh, come on, Radek. You? Getting promoted before the rest of us? I almost snorted caf through my nose when I read that. You wouldn't know The Way to lead a blind mooka, let alone an actual sentient human, if it walked up and bit you in the [CENSORED BY IMPERIAL SERVER - REPORTED TO I.T.]. Barton must be a sucker for hard-luck cases or insurmountable odds if he's trying to help you as much as you say he is.

"Melon"

---------------------------------

(5/29 update)

TO: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Androit, Mel J. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Re: Just wondering...

What? Just recently you were going on and on about how perfectly wonderful Barton was and how he was such a great guy to be helping you with your fast-track-to-promotion ship inspections. And now you're asking me if I've also noticed if he's been acting unusual? That's quite a turnaround for you. No, I haven't noticed anything strange about Barton other than his willingness to help you out so much. But we don't exactly go out drinking after getting off duty either. Whassa matter, Radek? Scared your perfect wingman is turning into The Wayward wingman?

"Melon"

----------------------------------

(6/4 update)

TO: Wiantance, Tabb J. CMDR 321 IFG
FROM: Jahreiss, Kelran S. LTCMDR 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Lt. Barton

Sir,

Just to keep you up to speed. I've gotten a report that something negative may be happening with Lt. Barton's behavior. I'll find out what's going on and hopefully find The Way to solve it ASAP.

K. Jahreiss

-----------------------------------

(6/11 update)

TO: Wiantance, Tabb J. CMDR 321 IFG
FROM: Jahreiss, Kelran S. LTCMDR 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Update - LtJG. Barton

Sir,

I just heard back from Sgt. Gilran from Anchor Island Naval Base. As you'll recall, he helped us out by agreeing to pose as the captain of a transport that we had Lt. Barton check out while on patrol due to "incomplete paperwork". The sergeant said both Lt. Barton and Lt. Deror were respectful and courteous all The Way, and they did everything properly during the boarding and inspection. He saw no odd behavior from Lt. Barton.

That was my only remaining concern--that Lt. Barton may have had some unresolved stress and difficulties and guilt leading back to the unfortunate disappearance of the ship Tight Beam. I figured any problems like that would have come out most strongly during a ship inspection. However, everything seems to be fine with him. Sgt. Gilran complimented the actions and demeanors of both pilots in his report.

K. Jahreiss

-----------------------------------

(6/17 update)

TO: Androit, Mel J. LtJG 321 IFG
FROM: Deror, Radek N. LtJG 321 IFG
SUBJECT: Check this over
ATTACHMENTS: damage_report.ied

Okay, so I just finished. Here's the rough draft of the report the commanders told me to write up detailing the "damage" done at Interdictor's during Chase's promotion party. Check it over and let me know if I missed anything. Since you were more involved with the... ahem... damage than I was (I swear, what were you guys thinking?! Hell, I was drunk at the time and even I knew that smashball is not an indoor sport, and especially not while inside a bar and using random Army personnel as the goalboard! Now you guys got me in trouble for how I set up the party. Thanks a lot, vacuum-for-brains. So you get to help clean up your mess.) then you might know of something I didn't catch. Also let me know what you think about The Way I suggested the responsible people help pay for the damages. I was rather proud of myself for that. I hope you like cleaning mynock carcasses off of capship hulls.

I need this back by COB today. Okay? Okay.

Radek

-----------------------------------

(6/24 update)

The Way
DVD Special Features Menu

Optional commentary with author Thumper09 On *Off
Optional commentary with Chase Barton, Radek Deror and Yhunia "CodeBlue" Vient On *Off
Featurette: "Swarms of Tin Mosquitoes: Inside the Imperial TIE Fighter"
Interactive Feature: "The Craci System Explored"
French Audio Track (Dolby 5.1)
German Audio Track (Dolby 5.1)
Deleted Scenes
Concept Artwork
Outtakes
PM Updates Storyboard
Soundtrack Listing
The OC Project: Making of The Way
Return to Main Menu


----------------

Soundtrack Listing

The theme song for this story is "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down. I don't think I'll ever be able to find a song that fits better than that one does.

Story titles are hit-or-miss for me. I either know the title of a story right away or I have to wrack my brain for it. This one was a brain-wracker. I wanted a title that had something to do with navigation, but nothing was working. Then one day I was listening to a song I really like, "The Way" by Fastball. The song itself has absolutely nothing to do with the story, but that's when the lightbulb came on and made me think, 'Hey, that title works!' It's more abstract than my titles generally are, but I like it since it has both a navigation meaning as well as a "method" meaning that both fit.

Parts of Chapter Seven were inspired by the song "You'll Find Me" by Diamond Rio.

----------------

The OC Project: Making of The Way

The OC Project is an activity that began in the Essential Guide to OCs thread. It went through a few different steps, and everyone was welcome to participate (and still can, AFAIK). The first step was to create a brand-new OC, write a short bio for him/her and then post it in the thread. I decided to make a sympathetic Imperial, and since I love writing about fighter pilots, that's what he became. Chase is the OC I made for the Project, and if you want to see his original biography you can go here. Scroll down until you find my post with it. Pretty much everything in that bio is still the same. The few changes I made since then include giving Lataise a different occupation and adjusting Chase's rank to better align with what I could find of Imperial Naval ranks (which was a pain! Every source I found listed different ranks... grr...). I didn't really have a chance to show his pack rat mentality. I also decided that Chase and Lataise couldn't have really dated that way, but I'm still working out those details. The rest of the bio and background are still valid.

A little while after we did the bios, Ale divulged his master plan for the OC Project:
OCDatabaseSock posted:
The initial intention of the OC Project was to use multi-threads in the Resource boards for this endevour. We started here, then we were going to be involved in several writing excersises to help develop the characters. After a bit, we'd each have the assignment of writing a very life changing or traumatic event in the OC's life.

Then I would spring it on you that the OC created was to be turned into a villan or otherwise member of the underworld, and we would have a challenge to write a story featuring your new "baddie" for Face's Seedy-Sider Thread. It was an attempt to get all of you involved in writng a villian or "seedy-sider" that could act as a protagonist, and be a character people could get behind, despite their nasty ways.

(snip) If you are interested in seeing this event through, I encourage you to take that OC, and craft a story telling about a life changing event that caused them to go over the edge and fall off the path of the good and narrow.

Then put together a story about your new bad-to-the-bone OC. Do they steal candy from babies? Do they have a unquenchable need to master the galaxy? Do they just wanna' drop this spice shipment before being boarded by an Imperial frigate? It's up to you. Hopefully it'll lead to you finding a nice little place in the galaxy for your nasty little guy (or gal) and post here and in Seedy Side Thread!


I decided to do a longer story that combined both of the story prompts (life-changing event and seedy side aftermath). So faced with this new assignment of turning my brand-new goody-goody OC bad, I started figuring out how to do that. Most of the brainstorming and outlining took place while I was flying home for Christmas. It amused me that I was spending time during the season of peace and goodwill trying to determine what evil things I could make this poor character do and why. And boy, it was danged hard for various reasons. The details in Chase's bio, particularly the navigational skills strength, eventually generated the plot.

You can decide for yourself if the "sympathetic, protagonist villain" worked here or not. tongue Since Chase never left the Empire I'm not convinced it's a true Seedy Side fic, but this is the closest I've ever gotten to one. I tried to get some seedy elements in there at least. wink

The first page of the Essential Guide lists the different stories that have been posted as a result of the OC Project so far (last post above the reserved ones). I encourage you all to go take a look at them, as there have been some great responses. happy

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And that's all I have. Thanks again to everyone who managed to make it this far. You're awesome, and I appreciate it so much. grin

-Thumper

 

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"Like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method." -Karen Eiffel, _Stranger Than Fiction_
"Adamantine"--Rebel OC vig http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/30390799
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Trika_Kenobi  9463 posts
Registered: Nov '99
46133_Talon Squad
Date Posted: 6/25/08 5:41pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
Wow, Thumper! Well done! I really like that picture, too... I didn't know that you drew stuff! This is all a wonderful journey through your experience in Chase's tale, and going through the bits and pieces again was wonderful. Again, let me know whenever you're writing anything new, and, of course, remember the call of the Talons. mischief Thank you for this amazing journey!

 

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My Uncle Sam sends me places... the "going OCONUS lol" is here!
Current Location: Iraq

Don't bother running. You won't get far enough.
http://www.TalonIntelligenceSquadron.com
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Idrelle_Miocovani  8992 posts
Registered: Feb '05
50898_NaNo 13
Date Posted: 6/26/08 10:51pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
Awww, brilliant little extras, Thumper! I loved the blooper reel. shock And the PM updates are priceless. grin

Thanks for the birthday wishes! hugs

 

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Nat is my new Muse. Yes, you may have one of those flowy Greek-robe things you say you can't spell. tongue
This Time Around: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2
DarthIshtar's Padawan
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bobafett15  89 posts
Registered: Jun '08
16485_Wedge Antilles
Date Posted: 6/27/08 6:45am Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
Excalent! Really like stuff about the Imperial Navy. That whole thing with the "Ijoined to fight Rebel's, not baby sit some wimpy planet" was reallygood. U join the Military to kill people and break things, not much else. LoL. Can't wait for more.

 

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Verd ori'shya beskar'gam
a warrior is more than ones armour
my bio page, with full stories list-http://boards.theforce.net/ASP/user.asp?usr=bobafett15
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Thumper09  1057 posts
Registered: Dec '01
14731_X-Wings
Date Posted: 6/30/08 5:32pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
Trika: Well, I try to draw stuff. My success rate varies, LOL. wink I'm glad you enjoyed this, and thanks for the comments! I've made progress with the Talons, and you'll be seeing a post from me on that very soon. grin

Idri: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed them. grin

bobafett15: Thanks for the compliments. happy I know a few people who joined the military for other reasons. wink Unfortunately, the story is complete so there won't be any more coming. Thanks for reading and replying!

-Thumper

 

-----signature-----
"Like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method." -Karen Eiffel, _Stranger Than Fiction_
"Adamantine"--Rebel OC vig http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/30390799
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The_Face  5502 posts
Title: Ex-Manager
Registered: Feb '03
48821_11 - Wraith Squadron
Date Posted: 7/13/08 12:34pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
"Yes, you are. You're acting all weird, especially...well, especially yesterday. This evening was less weird but still weird. What's going on?"

"You're so wonderfully articulate, you know that?"


laugh

It really strikes me how this fic gets into all the effects of Chase’s actions, particularly his relationships with Lataise and Radek. For every decision he makes, there’s a consequence. wink

Radek's smirk got bigger. "We're fine. No one gets near me when I drive my speeder this way because they try to avoid me and give me lots of room. It's actually safer."

Chase made a mental note to never allow Radek to drive his child anywhere. He'd already been crossed off the babysitting list long ago.


1) Great philosophy. 2) laugh laugh

Cool special features. grin The update PMs were great throughout.

Brilliant finish to a wonderful fic! I’ve loved reading this. It may not have taken Chase all the way to villainhood, but it certainly added loads of gray morality and deep questions to his existence. It always bugs me when you see a character (usually a Jedi) turn to the “Dark Side” in mere moments, and turn back around just as quickly. It’s not an on-off switch; it’s a series of bad decisions building on bad decisions. And this fic did a great job following the dominos as they send Chase down a different path, and how he resists them (and doesn’t) once he’s gotten them going. I don’t know if I’m making sense, but that’s what it seemed like to me. tongue

Again, awesome work! applause applause I’d love it if you PMed me when you start another story.

 

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"Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia."
- E.L. Doctorow
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Thumper09  1057 posts
Registered: Dec '01
14731_X-Wings
Date Posted: 7/17/08 5:12pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24), Award Qual
Decision.

Consequence.

wink

I enjoy exploring character interactions, and Lataise and Radek seemed like the two who would be the most likely to notice that Chase was off-kilter (and also the two most likely to cause problems for him as a result tongue ). I would've liked to go deeper into the interactions with his other squadmates, but the story was getting too long for that.

What you said about the turn to the "Dark Side" makes sense to me, and I agree with everything you wrote. happy In my mind, large personality or morality shifts in characters (for good or for bad) can be sort of like an avalanche that gets started with a couple pebbles hitting a couple more pebbles until half the hillside is falling and nothing is going to stop it. ("The avalanche has already started. It's too late for the pebbles to vote." -Kosh, Babylon 5. Kosh rocks. tongue ) Going the reverse direction should usually require something comparable to get it started as well. My own best friend and worst enemy is my own momentum. I'm very happy to hear that the domino effect worked in this fic. grin The OC Project™ helped a lot with trying to figure out how to set up those dominos and have them fall.

Thanks for the compliments, the review, and reading, Face! I don't have a spiffy MJS-dubbed name for an any-story-PM-list, but you'll be on it just the same. wink

-Thumper

 

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"Like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method." -Karen Eiffel, _Stranger Than Fiction_
"Adamantine"--Rebel OC vig http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/30390799
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Danaan  479 posts
Registered: Apr '08
22838_Luke
Date Posted: 9/10/08 12:33pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24)
Ok, so I know I'm way late and all, but I was lurking this story during the summer and then Darth Real Life got in the way (no pun intended) and prevented me from finishing it - which I knew I had to - until just now.

Great story applause

Of course, some of us are dissappointed that Chase didn't get arrested devil

All the same, as one who studies the topic professionally, I have to say that you succeeded very well with portraying what can happen to individuals who serve dictatorships even when they start out with the best of intentions.

After all, even if the ending was a "happy" one, the relationship between him and Adilink remains locked into a perpetrator-victim one, which must do nasty things to even Chase's psyche in the long run.

'Nuf ramblings, I'll be looking out to more from this author for sure!
coffee

 

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Star Wars Episode 1: The Old Order - novellized on request (In progress) http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=29250109&brd=10476
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Thumper09  1057 posts
Registered: Dec '01
14731_X-Wings
Date Posted: 9/17/08 4:37pm Subject: RE: The Way -- Imperial TIE Pilots, OCs, OT, complete 6/17 (extras 6/24)
Thanks for the reply, Danaan!

Considering the nature of the project this story was written for, I'm glad to hear there are mixed reactions from readers on whether or not Chase should have gotten away with what he did. happy

And you're right, I think everything affected Chase on a deeper level than he probably realizes, and he has definitely changed (in the long-term as well) for having done what he did.

Thanks for reading! grin

-Thumper

 

-----signature-----
"Like anything worth writing, it came inexplicably and without method." -Karen Eiffel, _Stranger Than Fiction_
"Adamantine"--Rebel OC vig http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/30390799
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