Star Wars OPEN Elite League Limmie

IC: Gark S’rily
Ylesia

With Patti Meter now in the fold, the Senator War Room was on to the next pick. Euceron was now on the clock with three consecutive first-round picks, and was taking forever to get them in. This gave the beings in the room to figure out what to do with the second-round pick.

“I think we could go defense here again,” Dirxx said. “There are plenty of options left on the board. We have the leverage of this first pick to dip into the defense pool again.”

“I agree,” Gark said. “But we really don’t need any more players for the big club. We’re mostly looking for Thyferra now.”

“What about Shen Shyall?” Me’lin asked. The Shistavanen’s numbers came up on the screen. “She will bring a lot of muscle to the back line.”

“Interesting,” Dirxx said. “Adding some meat to the defense could help. You saw what the three of us were able to do back in the day,” he said to Gark, referring to “The Wall”.

“All I meant is that we don’t need immediate help,” Gark said. “Hopefully the trades I made will be enough for now.”

“What if we trade the pick?” Pam Korthe said.

“Trade? That’s risky,” Telena Perrette, the Selonian, said. “Adding another defender to call up when necessary might be the smartest move.”

“Depends on what we can get in exchange for it,” Gark said. “I’m going to put out a call on the Trading Block and see who bites.” He typed in a few things on his datapad and sent off a message to the rest of the teams on the Team Chat feature. “And now we wait.”

“So, about Shyall,” Dirxx said. “She and Ghoul are both on the board. We could take both of them, and then also have Meels and Bratter. That would give us a lot of muscle off the bench for the defense. We could play speed and finesse with the starters, and bring in the bruisers as necessary.”

“I agree,” Gark said. “Shyall will likely be our pick if we don’t trade it away. And I’m not sure we should; most teams won’t give us fair value at this point. Picks are precious these days.”

“But if we don’t take Shyall, we could always go offense,” Pam said. “Not like I think we should, but it’s worth taking a quick look at their ranks.”

“No one stands out,” Telena commented. “Besides, I think defense is more of the issue right now.”

“She’s right,” Gark said. “Defense is our priority right now. We can look to offense in the third round, if not free agency.”

Then the datapad buzzed, and Gark picked it up. An offer had come in. He looked at it, but decided that it wasn’t worth the return. He declined it and moved on. “Hm, not quite what we wanted,” he said.

“I think we should go with Shyall,” Gark said. “Any objections if she’s still available?”

No one shook their heads. Shyall was going to be their pick. The Force were going to gain a new half back with which they could improve their defense and hopefully provide more solid prospects for the Senator defense in the coming seasons. At least if she was still on the board when the second round began.

Then the datapad buzzed once again, stopping Gark in his tracks. He hadn’t been expecting another offer, if this is what the message was about. He looked at the screen, and frowned. He definitely hadn’t expected another offer, especially not one like this.

“What’s the plan?” Londy Whiste asked.

“Ralltiir sent us a trade offer,” Gark said.

“For this next pick?” Pam asked.

“Yeah. They want our second-rounder.”

“For what in return?” Dirxx inquired.

“Choice of prospect full backs . . .” Gark said.

“That’s it?” Telena asked dejectedly.

“And . . . I don’t believe it . . .” Gark looked back up at everyone. “They’re offering us Ye’ves’toung.”

A few jaws dropped in the room. “Seriously?” Izzi Polakaya, the midfielder and captain, asked.

“Not making this up,” Gark said. So the Starkillers were willing to send over an All-Star midfielder, plus a young full back, in exchange for a pick? Wow, that hadn’t been expected.

Euceron was finally ready to make their picks. Golbert, Baelidy, and Rokee were now off the board with their picks, costing the Senators a chance to make a play at the top-rated midfielder, a utility back, or the Helmsman nominee forward. But at least not all was lost.

“We’re still in the clear here if we want to take Shyall,” Dirxx said.

“But this offer intrigues me,” Gark said. “We could get another All-Star here, plus a bulky prospect if we take Robacca . . .”

“So we basically get a wash on Shyall for Robacca, plus a star midfielder? The Starkillers must be desperate,” Pam observed. “They really want that pick, and are willing to give up a lot for it. You saw how Ye’ves’toung torched us this season. Getting her on our side would be nice, especially since we’re rebuilding.”

“What about Farfell?” Gark asked. “Do we sit her for another year or two in the minors?”

“We need to put our best foot forward. If that means taking this deal and getting a stud middie, do it,” Pam said.

When the Rydonni Prime Monarchs made their pick of Severine, the Hapan midfielder, Gark frowned. The team had been looking at her for a third-round option, to reunite the new rookie with former Royal College of Hapes teammate Arienne Farfell. The two had been dominant in college, and having them together would have been a major coup, especially that late in the Draft. But it was not to be.

Then Vesper Lynd revealed her identity to the audience, which shocked everyone except Gark.

“Didn’t see that coming,” Dirxx Horstse commented.

“Amateur,” Gark said.

“What? She’s cheated death, and showed up like this . . .” Dirxx said, but Gark cut him off.

“Wearing masks and turning out the power in a venue is a trifle, merely an annoyance,” Gark said. “Besides, I’ve cheated death a few times, if you all remember. If she’s up to something, and I think she is, then it’s ludicrous to reveal your identity to everyone like this to gain a bit of press. Staying low to achieve an objective is one thing, but to make an entrance like this, in a mask, mind you, and then show the galaxy that you’re a drama queen? Not a smart play by her.”

No one in the room could refute the Bothan, because he was the expert in such things. Whatever Lynd was up to, Gark had been there first. He knew a thing or two about masks and covert operations. But they didn’t have any time to stew on that, because the Senators were once again on the clock for the second round.

“Shyall or the trade?” Gark asked everyone.

“Trade,” Pam said.

“On the fence,” Izzi commented.

“Trade,” Londy said.

Dirxx hesitated for a moment. “Trade.”

“Pick,” Telena added.

“Trade,” Allie Orchetrada said.

“Whatever works best,” Me’lin said.

“Alright, we’ll take it,” Gark said. He punched out a quick message to Martin Vigo with the Starkillers that he would accept the trade. A minute later, the Commissioner went up to the podium. "Gentlebeings, before we begin the second round of the 277 Draft," Fenrir said, coming up to the podium, "The Coruscant Senators have traded the ninth overall pick in the 277 Elite League Limmie Draft to the Ralltiir Starkillers in exchange for Ye’ves’toung and Robacca."

“There’s no going back now,” Dirxx said.

"With that pick, the Starkillers select Shen Shyall, Half Back, Druckenwell Technical University.”

“Curses, the Starkillers were thinking the same way we were,” Pam said.

“But look at what we got in return,” Allie said. “I like this trade.”

“Just have to hope it doesn’t blow up in our face like last year’s big trade,” Gark said.

The second round continued fast and furious. Obviously the other teams knew who they wanted. It was seemingly only about ten minutes until the Senators were back on the clock. “Fast round,” Telena commented.

“And now we’re left with a choice,” Gark said. “I’m not sold with the goalies, middies, or forwards. So I see two options. Either we take the top defender left in Dekula, or we take Ghoul. No surprise that Mandalore will take him if we don’t; they have a fetish with Ord Sabaok.”

“Either one would be a stash pick,” Pam said. “No room for either on the Senator roster, unless they blow us away in camp.”

“Let’s take a look at the scouting reports,” Gark said. Both players’ intangibles came up. “Mac and Helena both scouted these players at my request, and they both say that Dekula is a good player. Mac thinks Ghoul is a little weak mentally, and Helena thinks he uses his bulk too much. Can be too aggressive at times. Dekula has some weaknesses, but Ord Mantell isn’t exactly a hotbed for college talent. The Big Board seemed to like her . . .”

“But that’s subjective,” Allie said.

“I think we should go with her,” Gark said. “Better ratings.”

“But Ghoul can play multiple half back positions, plus maybe slide over to full back,” Dirxx said. “Dekula looks to be just a Left Half. That’s a lot of specialization in this day and age where most prospects are flexible.”

“We need to make a pick,” Londy urged.

“Dekula looks like a smart player,” Me’lin said. “Academic All-Conference all four years, double major in Economics and Political Science of the Outer Rim.”

“Scored high on the Wonderlac test,” Gark added. “Ghoul . . . didn’t. Plus, I don’t want players who foul too much. Those cost us last year, and I didn’t like that. Besides, we got Robacca, who gives us some bulk. We’re going Dekula.” He sent in the message.

"With the seventeenth overall selection, the Coruscant Senators select Augustina Dekula, Left Half Back, University of Ord Mantell.”

The Twi’lek went down to the podium and then to the team table. “That’s a wrap, everyone,” Gark said. “No need to trade for another pick.”

“If I didn’t know you, I would think you were just trying to capitalize on drafting attractive female players,” Dirxx chided. “It’s a popular marketing strategy . . .”

“I took the best players available,” Gark said. “If we gain a few new male fans because of it, so be it. At least we gained a few more.”

“On to training camp, then,” Pam said.


“On to camp,” Gark agreed. Camp was going to be vital this year with so many new players. Gark wasn’t sure if he would be ready, but when did life every worry about that?

TAG: Runjedirun (for the trade), No One

 

IC: Martin Vigo

My initial reaction was to tell Trey Till there were more important things in life than Limmie. His judgment of Ty and Lucie’s timing for the arrival of their son was uncalled for. Fortunately I learned long ago not to let personal matters interfere with business. I kept quiet about the matter as our team collaborated and circled top prospects on the list of this year’s draftees.

We had an immediate need for a half back. Luckily there were plenty of those available this draft. Coruscant had possession of the first pick and was expected to pick up top prospect Patti Meter. Since the Senators had shown no interest in trading the pick and we agreed that we would lose more than we would gain in a trade anyway we were focusing on the remaining possibilities. Keli Sen had personally been to visit with all other prospects. She had spent countless hours watching them on tape and analyzing their skill sets. We were relying on her experience in the position to deliver us the best possible player for the position.

Sen was hopeful Shyall would fall to the 14th pick. Shortly after the draft began we got a call from Rydonni Prime. They were offering their first round pick for both of our second round picks. I took Sen and Till aside to see if this was something we should bite on. “Absolutely not,” Till stated firmly. “The Monarchs hold the 7th pick it’s not worth both of ours in the second round. We need those picks. Besides even if Shyall is picked up we have 3 other possible players on the board that will work in our system. I wouldn’t do it.”

I turned to Sen. “Do you think these other prospects will be good enough?” I asked her.

She nodded confidently. “It’s a deep draft in this position. I know you all need a half forward almost as badly. I would hold on to those picks and take our chances.” She said agreeing with Till. Patiently we waited as Agamar, Mandalore and Bakura made their picks. We watched as another half back and the top rated half forward were selected. In an interesting turn of events Euceron agreed to a trade with Rydonni Prime giving Euceron 3 strait picks in the first round. Shortly thereafter the Monarchs got back into the 1st round by trading Shae Bellweahter to Nar Shadda.

While we waited for Euceron to make those picks we got word that Coruscant was interested in trading for the 9th overall pick. “We could use that pick,” Till said speaking up.

“I thought you just said a good half back would be available when our pick comes up at number 14 pick.” I stated.

“That doesn’t mean an additional pick would be a bad thing,” Till said in clarification.

“Just what are you proposing?” Foress asked the head coach.

“Ye’ves’toung, she’s a solid midfielder. Coruscant might be interested. We have Hovechar and two solid back-ups. I say we offer Ye’ves’toung to Coruscant.”

“Are you insane?” Foress and Reeser asked almost in unison.

“We need the pick,” Till argued “Besides Ye’ves’toung has never lived up to being the first overall pick of a draft. Hovechar has outplayed her since the first time she took the field.”

“Just a minute,” Foress said cutting in. “Ye’ves’tong was my pick. I was in the war room. She was the best player available in that draft. And she’s always been a good player for us.”

“She was not the best option in that draft, Fortune was.” Till argued. “You were in a bind because Reeser got injured and retired at the end of the previous season. There were other decent midfielders in that draft though. You could have waited until the beginning of the second round, passing up on Fortune cost this team two picks last season.”

“You weren’t here to help make that decision; you don’t know what went into making those picks.”

“That’s right. I was paying for the mistakes half this team made.” Till said coldly. “I could have been there though; maybe you should have tried to help me.”

“I went to see you that first night.” Foress said raising his voice a notch louder. “You told me and I quote Go Away Coach.”

“I was angry, upset, confused and betrayed. I wasn’t thinking strait. You could have come back. You could have helped.”

“What was I supposed to think Trey? All reports leaking out about that incident pointed towards you being guilty. I had a team to coach, a championship to win.”

I grabbed a shoulder of each coach and pulled them over to the side of the room. “Till you wanted me to hire Foress, if you have a problem you need to work out with him. You are going to have to work it out on your own time. This is not your time.” I said quietly but firmly. “Now we have a decision to make. Do we want to make Coruscant an offer?”

“Yes,” Trey said firmly.

“We need to make a better offer then,” Foress said surprising both of us. “I say we add Sosar Driff or Roby to sweeten the deal. Neither of those players are going anywhere for our squad.” He advised.

“Sosar would be my suggestion,” Till replied “We just drafted Roby a year ago. We haven’t even given her a chance to prove herself.”

“I’m allowing you to put Ye’ves’toung on the block, your turn to give a little,” Foress shot back.

“They have about the same level of skill. I think we should let the Senators choose which player they want.” Reeser suggested. “Get our offer over to Coruscant now instead of arguing over something unnecessary.”

Everyone agreed and I called Coruscant with the offer. We were offering Ye’ves’toung and Sosar Driff or Roby for their 9th overall pick. Then the waiting game began. The Senators had to think about it and Euceron took every last minute available to them. Richard was quiet. He seemed to be absorbing the atmosphere, learning by observation. “If the Senators don’t like our offer why don’t they just turn us down?” He asked me after 30 minutes had passed with no response.

“Maybe they have other offers,” I said with a shrug. “Or they are waiting to see who is picked in the remainder of the first round before they get back to us.”

“Waiting makes me nervous,” he admitted.

“We are all a little anxious,” I confessed. “The important thing is not to let on to anyone else. Keep your cool. Always keep your cool,” I told him.

“Dad, what if the Senators don’t take the trade and word leaks that we put Ye’ves’toung on the block? She may not take that so well.” He said with a concerned tone.

“She knows her stocks been falling. Ever since Hovechar won Rookie of the Year she has been considered the second best midfielder on our squad. Besides we were going to bring Klick and Kong up for try-outs anyway. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone. If she finds out she was up for a trade and it doesn’t work out it should help light a fire for her to prove herself.”

“Maybe,” Richard conceded. “Or maybe she’ll put in less effort knowing she’s unwanted.”

“Doubtful,” I told him. “She needs to prove herself, she can always enter free agency in ’78 if she’s unhappy here, but she won’t go for much if she doesn’t put the effort in on our squad until the time comes.”

He nodded in agreement, and Euceron finally made a decision on those picks. Amazingly they didn’t take anyone we had been interested in. Immediately after Rydonni Prime made their pick we got word from Coruscant that they would take our offer. We were all smiles as we sent word that our pick would be Shen Shyall.

Two picks later the Mercs selected another halfback. Whether or not they had their eyes on Shyall ahead of Rodney White we would never know. Our trade probably worked out in our favor though. No other half forwards we selected before the 14th pick and we had our choice. We selected Morganthow. He would be competing with Tory and Sureysh for the final open spot on our roster.

With the 15th pick we had a decision to make. Either we needed a midfielder to replace the one we just traded, a goal tender to back up Teaspoon or help on the defensive end of the field. Not a single goal tender had been taken so far. We decided to let that opportunity wait. Hope they remained on the board for our final pick or perhaps go after one in free agency. Reeser wanted to replace our midfielder because she was now certain Tatooine would be losing one of their starters from last year. Till wanted a corner back.

“I need a corner back, more than you need a midfielder. I just found out Allin’s expecting a baby midseason he can’t be counted on,” Till told Reeser.

I bit back my own feelings on the matter as Reeser backed down. She had to hope there would be a decent midfielder on the board when our pick came up in the 3rd round. We selected Bo’gruth. It was the best choice for the Starkillers and we were here for the Starkillers. Not Tatooine. It turned out to be a solid decision. Midway through the 3rd round only one defensive player remained on the board. Midfielders and goaltenders were still plentiful.

Tag: Jedi Gunny

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Ralltiir Starkillers sign Bengi Zire (FB)
• Monarchs announce preseason schedule at Loronar Colonials, vs. Byblos Red Wings, and at Balmorra Blasters (all scores on April 27)

TAG: CPL_Macja Runjedirun

 

IC: Gark S’rily
Coruscant Team HQ, Outside the Press Room

“It’s time,” Me’lin S’rily said to her husband as she straightened the collar on his shirt. “Go make this organization proud.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“I will,” Gark replied. Today was going to be a huge day in the future of the organization. It was time that the fans got to meet their new players, the hopeful masses wanting to see their new champions who would hopefully drive the Senators to the Promised Land of the Galactic Cup Final. Me’lin let go of her grasp, and Gark walked through the curtain into the press room.

Immediately he was inundated with the flashing of Holo cameras and the sounds of bustling reporters trying to get the first glimpse of him as he entered the room. It was a packed house, he could tell as he stared to the back of the room. Many of the regular media members were here, but some faces he had never seen before were also here. This was a huge draw, so the media wanted to make sure they got prime coverage. Gark moved over to a podium that had been set up on the far side of the stage, and cleared his throat before beginning.

“I want to thank all of you for coming out here today for the presentation of the new Coruscant Senators,” he said. “I have been looking forward to this day ever since I made the first deal of the offseason, to be able to present these new players to everyone and give them a chance to get their feet wet here on Coruscant. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

I wanted to make a splash this offseason. I’d like to think I succeeded, potentially many times over. But a season isn’t won on paper. It is my goal to get this franchise back to the Galactic Cup Final, and to win it this time. We are long overdue for a title. It’s a lot of pressure, but I want everyone to know that I’ve done all I can to build this team back up again.

Now, to introduce the players, one by one.” He looked over to the curtain, as did the media members. “Come on out,” he said. A very attractive Hapan woman came out first, her blonde locks flowing and her white dress stunning. “Midfielder, and former All-Star with Hapes, Honey Ryder,” Gark said. Ryder took the seat nearest Gark at the press table, which had at least a dozen chairs jammed in tight behind it.

A Hapan with a long face was the next one out, wearing a dressy orange shirt and white skirt. “Corner back Domino Derval,” Gark said. Derval joined her former Hapes teammate at the far end of the table.

Next came a slightly tanned woman, her curly brown locks complimenting her attractive figure and smile. “Half back, and 270 All-Star, Jenna Leed,” Gark said. The flashbulbs went off furiously for this player; Leed was a bonafide star.

Now a Bith came out, looking slightly awkward in a tuxedo but trying to keep a straight face. Gark had seen that look before. “Goaltender, and 272 Galactic Cup-winning captain, Zeke Barbosa.” More flashbulbs. Barbosa was another major commodity, and a huge pickup to fill the void in goal for the Senators.

Now a Rodian came out. She had a rough-skin head, but still looked somewhat attractive by human standards. “Half back, and former All-Star, Rana Lel Dey,” Gark said. Lel Dey had been a nice pickup from Corellia, coming here in exchange for two development-level forwards. Not a bad trade.

“Half back, and Number One overall pick in this year’s Draft . . .” Gark said, but was drowned out by cheers from the small-time media members who figured that it was stupid not to let their emotions be known. “Patricia Meter.” The red-haired rookie came out to the table, her smile as wide as could be as she shone bright in her curvy black dress and heels.

A woman with shoulder-length brownish black hair came out next. “Corner back Michelle Doss,” Gark said. Doss had been a target of the Senators in her draft year, but Onderon had pounced in the first round and picked her up. She had talent.

Now a male Sullustan came out. “From Alsakan, corner back Kinn Numm,” Gark said. Numm wasn’t a great player, and would start on Thyferra. But he had some talent.

A Kiffar male came out, his face tattoos shining brightly in the room. “Corner forward Orrin Calcutt.”

A nice-looking human female. “Defensive back Luka Mellott.”

Out came an attractive blue-skinned Twi’lek. “Third-round pick from this year, half back Augustina Dekula.”

“Full back Robacca.” A shaggy-looking Wookiee came out onto the stage, but had to stand instead of sit. It was too bad, Gark thought. He didn’t want to leave a bad impression on the young prospect.

Back to the Senator hopefuls, Gark thought. The prior five would all start on Thyferra, who could use them after half their team had been picked apart for trade pieces.

“Midfielder, and 274 All-Star, Ye’ves’toung.” The Chiss woman came out in very traditional Chiss robes, which some of the press found interesting. Gark didn’t mind; whatever the players thought looked good they should wear. At least the new middie had the wherewithal to tie her hair back so as to be presentable for the cameras.

A dark-skinned man with an infectious smile came out in a blue sports coat. “Full back Bernie McAllister,” Gark said. McAllister sat down next to the Chiss. There was just one name left.

“And, last but not least, half forward Anya Amasova.” Amasova came out in a stunning white dress, and Gark had no doubt that some male members of the media here today, not to mention the audience watching, were instantly coming down with a crush for the Hapan forward. She winked to the cameras before sitting down next to McAllister, who gave her an interested look and nodded. She didn’t return the look, though.

“And that is your new class of players,” Gark said. Applause came from the audience. “Now, if the media members would like to start asking questions, they may do so.”

“Question for Ms. Leed,” said a reporter. “Well, I guess for Mr. Barbosa as well. After the sticky situation several years ago when the two of you had to play against each other, how does it feel to finally get to play on the same team in the Elite League?”

“It feels great,” Jenna commented. “Zeke’s a great goalie, and I’m a solid half back. We have a lot to offer this club. As for playing on the same team, it’s nothing new. We’ve been playing on the same team now for the past several years off the field, so it’s just a new chapter.”

“Basically what she said,” Zeke replied. “It’s gonna be fun.”

“Question for Ms. Ryder,” said another reporter. “You’re taking over the Hapan element of the midfield that for so long was held down by Alysha Romax. Do you feel pressure to live up to her legend?”

“I will do what I can,” Ryder said in an accented tone. “No promises, except that I want to make my own name here.”

“One for Mr. McAllister. How does it feel to be surrounded by gorgeous women right now?” asked a local media member. Gark wanted to laugh; this guy always asked funny questions.

McAllister nodded his head and smiled. “You have no idea how awesome this is, man,” he said. “I mean, so much beauty around me. It’s a dream come true. Didn’t get this on Fondor when I was playing there.”

“Will this pose a distraction?” Gark asked, a sly smirk on his face.

“Nah, man, this won’t be a distraction. I’ve got several months to get used to the presence of these fine ladies,” Bernie said with a raise of his eyebrows in a wry manner. “But, I look forward to playing with them this season. And to play for this team. I appreciate the opportunity to wear this uniform this year.”

“One for Ms. Amasova,” said a reporter. “I’m getting messages from my office that some fans are already calling for the organization to release a swimsuit calendar featuring the women on the team, with you as the main feature. What response do you have to this?”

“I am unsure whether to be flattered or disturbed,” Amasova said bluntly in her accented voice. “But they are mere distractions. I am here for Limmie, not to be a pin-up beauty queen.”

“Ms. . . . Ye’ves . . . do you prefer your full name, or a nickname?”

“Call me ‘Evest’,” the Chiss said.

“Fine. How does it feel to come into a midfield corps with a lot of experience?”

“I left a perfectly fine one on Ralltiir,” the Chiss said, “so this is going to be a bit of challenge. But I want to make a name for myself here. As for experience, it will make me work that much harder in camp to earn a starting job.”

“Question for Ms. Meter. Do you feel pressure to perform not just as the Number One overall pick, but also to keep up with the All-Stars around you?”

Meter just chuckled nervously. “Well, yeah, there’s a ton of pressure on my shoulders right now. This is a huge market, and I know the fans want to see me perform well. I’ll do what I can. As for keeping up with the All-Stars, I want to be like them someday. I want to be in that discussion. But for right now, I’ll learn as much as I can from their example, and try to become a better player.”

“Another question. Who do you consider as your inspiration for playing half back?”

“Hm . . . hard one . . .” Meter said. “Well, I tried to always blaze my own trail on the pitch, but I always looked up to Adanna Inviere. She always had those great instincts, could play on and off the ball, and always was in the right place. It’s too bad I won’t be able to ask her questions now that she isn’t with this organization anymore.”

“One for Ms. Lel Dey. How does it feel to be reunited with your former head coach, Telena Perrette, now the defensive coordinator?”

Lel Dey started to speak in Huttese, and a small droid translated for her. “It will be interesting. Telena and I have good chemistry together, and it will be nice to have her calling the plays.”

“One for Ms. Derval.” Gark was surprised to see the spread of the questions; at least one or two players weren’t taking the brunt of the questions. “The Senators were terrible last season at the corner back position. What can you bring to the table that will help turn things around this season?”

“I will play hard-nosed ball and do what I always did on Hapes. Play smart and hard,” Derval said.

“Another one for Mr. McAllister. Full back looks to be an open position battle this year, with converted half back Tank Bratter also vying for that starting spot. How do you think you match up?”

“Well, I don’t have anything on him in size, from what I hear,” McAllister commented. “But I have a shiftiness that he doesn’t, so we should have an interesting battle in camp.”

“Question for everyone, really. All of you, especially the former All-Stars, are coming from all corners of the galaxy, and the league. How difficult will it be to form chemistry when a lot of you are used to being the main playmakers on your old teams?”

Money question Gark thought to himself. This was something he wanted to know himself. How could these players get along?

“I’ll start,” Jenna said. “I was captain for a lot of years on Onderon, and thus I had to do a lot of the work, especially last year. While it will take some time getting used to, I’ll appreciate not having to do everything for once.”

“It will be difficult,” Honey said. “But I am sure we will make it work.”

“I don’t need to worry about it as long as everyone does their job so I can do mine,” Zeke commented.

Lel Dey started to speak, and it was quickly translated. “My teammates and I had good chemistry on Corellia, so I hope we can do the same here.”

“I’ve already played with an All-Star next to me, so I can handle it,” Ye’ves’toung remarked.

“I’m just happy to be here,” McAllister said, even though the question hadn’t been posed to him.

“So, Ms. Amasova, there are rumors that you might be moved over to full forward this season. How do you feel about doing something like that?”

“This is the first I have heard of that,” Amasova said, shooting Gark a dirty look. “If the organization wants me to switch positions, I would like to know ahead of time.”

Gark hadn’t thought of doing that. Perhaps it would work, since he had a few young forwards on Thyferra chomping at the bit, but that would be saved for later. He still had some things to attend to with the organization first.

“One for Ms. Meter. Which half back position do you feel most comfortable at?”

“Center Half, I guess. But I’m trying to be proficient at all three just in case.”

“Ms. Leed, your sister just won a Galactic Cup title. Does that put extra pressure on you to win one?”

“Of course it does,” Jenna said. She had missed getting to play with Jayla by one year, which sucked. “Jayla won’t let me hear the end of it, so I want to get back at her with a title.”

“Question for all of you. How will the move to a major market here affect what you feel you need to do to be successful on the pitch?”

“It will be a challenge,” Jenna commented. “Onderon was a very small market, even though we did pretty well for years there. So to see all of these beings who want us to do well . . . that’s going to be a challenge.”

“Nice move,” Lel Dey said through her translator. “Hopefully I will find some stability on this team without having to worry about the franchise being demoted.”

“Pressure to perform well,” Derval piped up. “Have to keep even with the incoming players.”

“Came from a similar market, so nothing new,” Ryder said.

“I welcome the attention,” Amasova said. “My chance to prove to the galaxy that I am a great player.”

“I’ve played on the big stage before, but it will take time to adjust for that every week,” Zeke said.

“Should be an easy transition,” Doss finally said.

“Just want to make the team,” Calcutt commented.

“I think I’m gonna like it here,” McAllister said as he looked around.

“Last question. Are the Senators going all the way this year?”

“If we play hard and do what we’re best at, I know we can win that title,” Jenna said.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted,” Patti said. “We play hard, and you never know. We might just bring that Cup here.”

“Tough question. Can we win it? Yes,” Zeke said. “But can we decree that we will? No. It’s a long season. We will have to stay tough and hope that everyone does their job. But on paper, I know we can do it.”

“It would be a dream come true,” McAllister said with a grin.

“If that is everything, I want to wrap this session up,” Gark said. All of the media members who had their hands up now lowered them. “I want to thank all of you for coming out here today. In a few months, we will begin training camp, so we shall see if these stories play out when everyone plays together for the first time. So, thank you, and we will see you Week Two at Senators Stadium.” With that, he left the podium, and the session was adjourned.

As he made his way down the row, Meter stopped him. “Hey, I want to thank you for taking me with that first pick,” she said.

“It was the logical pick. We needed a half back, and you have the credentials,” Gark said. “No question.”

“Puts a lot of pressure on me, but I think I can handle it,” the red-haired half back said.

“Well, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s understandable. Rookies are usually under mounds of pressure to perform,” Gark commented. “However, if you are interested, Christine Gamble has put together a training program for herself before camp. She’s off playing winter ball right now, but once that’s over, she’ll be hitting this program. If you want to join in, you should contact her. You never know; it might get you in the best shape you’ve ever been in before.”

“Thanks, I’ll look into that,” Meter said.

“And one more thing,” Gark said. “Don’t spend all of your money in one place. Be smart with your fame. I don’t want you flaming out because you partied too much or are bankrupt. Too many players go down that road. Keep a level head, and stay hungry.”

“I think Citadel taught me a few things about that,” Meter commented.

“Good. I speak for the fans when I say I’m looking forward to seeing what you can offer this franchise,” Gark said before walking away. Today was just the beginning of what he hoped would be a positive upwards trend. The fans wanted to see a winning team, so he had worked his ass off to build a star-studded one. Chemistry would be the biggest issue with this ballclub, and the Bothan knew that as he left the press room and walked down the hall.


TAG: No One
NOTE: I get it. There are a lot of links. Get over it.

 

IC: Martin Vigo

When I got home from the draft I found Bat up waiting for me. “Can we talk Dad?” He asked without getting up from the sofa he was curled up on in the front room of our home when I walked in the door.

“Of course,” I answered ignoring the late hour. I had been waiting and hoping that eventually he would open up about what had happened. I put down my travel bag and took a seat in a chair, “What’s on your mind?”

“A few things may come out at the trial this week. I want you to hear them from me first,” he said quietly as he sat up. The room was dim, almost dark I couldn’t be certain but he appeared to be shaking. I nodded and waited for him to continue. “I know I’ve allowed you to believe the shooting was a random act. At first I thought it was. I thought I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve known for a while now that wasn’t the case.”

“There was a young lady. I had given her a ride home from her job tending bar several nights a week since I took on my job driving a cab. She recognized me. From the start I believed she was interested in me more for your credits than anything I had to offer. But she was pretty, Dad. We got involved. I didn’t know she was married. She never told me that. Somehow her husband must have found out. It was he who pulled the trigger.”

As he told me the story he sat with folded hands, looking down at them. When he finished he just stared at the floor waiting for my reply. “You don’t have anything to be ashamed of,” I told him. “She never told you she was married.”

“What if I told you this all happened on company time?”

“I’d say that’s irresponsible of you,” I answered gently.

“I’m going to be called on to testify. His lawyers are going to argue that he acted out of love. They’re going to try and reduce his possible sentence. I kinda think they have case. I’m worried dad. I don’t want to relive that night. I’ve blocked it all out as best as possible and I’m doing okay. Having to tell that story scares me. And on top of that I have to be worried he’ll get off easy, be let out soon and possibly come after me again.”

“Those are valid concerns,” I said truthfully. “Do you know who he was with that night? Are you concerned that other man may be after you as well?”

Bat shook his head. “He was with his brother. I hadn’t even thought about that. I’m causing this family too much pain. Enough bad publicity has come to pass already and I’m sorry for what’s coming up in the next several weeks. As soon as it’s over I’m going to leave the planet. Lay low stay out of your life, I promise I won’t be a problem anymore.”

“Where will you go?” I asked curiously.

“Corellia, there’s a small college there. They have work study program, I’ll have to take out a loan to pay for most of my schooling, but I can pay it off after I graduate. Ty knows the place; he says it’s a good school. He also says the town is quiet and relatively off the map. No one there will know me. I need a fresh start, Dad. I hope you understand.”

I understood. I didn’t like it, but I understood. “We'll discuss who pays for it later. When do you think you’ll be leaving?” I asked.

“About a month, I hope. I want to be there for the start of the semester. I hate to ask, but can you hire me a lawyer. Someone who can get this testimony thing over with quickly, I’ll pay you back.” He paused for a moment, “Eventually.”

“I don’t know if a lawyer can move the trial any faster, I have several on staff though and they are all keeping an eye on this trial for me. I will have them advise us on what to expect.”

The next morning I broke to the news to his mother as gently as I could. “Are you going to be alright?” I asked her once I had finished.

She shrugged. “I knew they’d move out eventually,” she answered.

“If you start to feel lonely or upset in anyway tell me Maddie. I don’t want to see you get ill again.”

“Andres just bought a house down the street. He offered to pay me to watch Zoey during the season.” She said with a laugh. “There will be downtime, but I think she’ll still be keeping me plenty busy. Not to mention Tomas and Spencer they still have several years at home.”

“Lucie’s going to have a baby too,” I reminded her.

“Not sure Lucie has forgiven me for ruining her life yet. She may not want me helping raise her child.”

“You didn’t ruin Lucie’s life.” I told her firmly. “Lucie chose to walk out. She must have known I could have been persuaded to change my mind.” I shook my head. “There’s more to Lucie’s leaving then we know. I don’t know what she’s been keeping form us all these years, but she didn’t walk out of here just because we said we wouldn’t pay her way through dance school.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

---

We ended up having two of my best lawyers coach Bat through answering questions at the trial. The defense attacked his character, just as he knew they would. They tried to make their client look less guilty for shooting someone who had a checkered past and had a relationship with his wife. My lawyers worked with the prosecution to rebuild that reputation by bringing things up like the jobs he’d kept after his arrest and the funds he’d paid me back. The defendant did not get off easy. He was sentenced to 40 years before he would be eligible for parole. His brother received a much shorter sentence, only 10 years. He did not seem to be much of a threat to my son though. During his sentencing he apologized to our family, he seemed sincere.

In the end Bat came out of it just fine. Even though he didn’t have to be worried about a threat on his life, he had his heart set on going to school off world. He left for Corellia on schedule. I worried about him. I wouldn’t be surprised to get another call that he was in trouble again. I had no choice though. He had to succeed on his own or make his own mistakes. Zoey visited often, so even though we were down a few family members the house continued to hum.

The pre-season match-up between the Starkillers and the Lightning was approaching quickly. There were only a few days to go before the stadium would need to be ready for a capacity crowd, the first with limited parking available. I had a conference call with the public transport association in less than an hour and the boys were still not done eating breakfast. A new school term had just begun for Tomas and Spencer. Spencer seemed overly tired, I wasn’t sure it was healthy for someone who hadn’t even turned 14 yet to be drinking caf. “Were you up late studying so early in the semester?” I asked him.

“Lots of reading assignments, I have a paper due Friday and two quizzes.” He moaned.

“Perhaps you should drop one of your harder classes.” I suggested. “You are in no danger of not graduating without one advanced class.”

“I’m 3rd in my class right now,” he answered shaking his head vigorously. “The only chance I have of keeping my spot or moving up to 2 more slots is to take all advanced classes.”

Even Richard hadn’t graduated at the very top of his class. I admired Spencer’s drive, still I worried he was taking on too much. “If you start falling asleep in class I’m pulling you.” I told him. “There will be plenty of universities that will accept you if you fall to the 4th position.”

He rolled his eyes. “I can handle this.”

“What you can do,” I instructed “Is finish your breakfast, get in the speeder and show some respect when you are given advice.” He didn’t look up from his breakfast. I watched as he took his time eating a few small bites of fruit. “I also recommend you speak when you are spoken to.”

“Yes sir,” he replied as he pushed back his chair and quickly gathered his belongings.

Tomas was in a much brighter mood. He talked the whole way to school about the upcoming Limmie season. He was starting this year, he’d been assigned a good team, and this year he was not going to be the youngest on his squad. I got to the stadium with only minutes to spare before that conference call began.

The call was a headache. The board of public transportation was requesting I pay them a fee for all games that were played in Bankers Mansion that went past 22:00 local time. We only had two night games on the schedule, but they were sure to go past 22:00. The head of public transport was complaining that he would have to pay extra employees to run more trains than normally scheduled that late at night.

I argued that ticket holders are paying for their own transport. There were no free rides that I was aware of. I didn’t see why my franchise should have to spot extra credits to their organization. These trains would be full of paying customers. Was there really a need to make a profit from me on top of that?

Apparently there was. I argued on that call for hours. Eventually I negotiated the price down some. Still I had to agree to pay something or they threatened not to have enough necessary trains available to get spectators home in a timely manner. After the call finally ended I decided to take a walk down to the field and observe practice.

The upcoming friendly against Ylesia was to be used to decide on a final roster. Till was giving pointers to Bo’gruth and Shyall as they ran drills with our veteran defenders. When Bo’gruth stopped to wipe his brow mid play Till went off on him. “There is no stopping. This is the ELL, the offensive player you were blocking just scored 3 points,” he shouted. “Run it again,” he instructed as he re-set his chrono. Keli Sen had left one hole in our defense. Since her departure we had drafted two defenders and signed Bengi Zire on in free agency. Benji was probably going to fill that final roster slot. However if one of the rookies could prove themselves they may still be able to find a place on our starting line-up.

The defense had struggled last year. Till was open to moving beings around and he wasn’t afraid to bench anyone if it was in the best interest of our team. I could tell by Allin’s hustle on field and his appetite at our house recently that even his position was up for grabs.

At midfield the battle was on between Klick and Kong for the remaining starting position. Both women were fighting fiercely for that spot. Foress was running them up and down the field trying to see if either one of them could manage a steal from Hovechar. Neither was having much luck, until Klick found a weakness in Hovechar’s game very few other players in the league were able to expose. It would be interesting to see if she could do the same against the Lightning midfielders when it mattered.

There was one more battle taking place this weekend and that was for an offensive slot. Loren Jul was as much of a coach as a player. She was working with Sureysh and Morganthow. Either one had the opportunity to play that open half forward position if only they could prove themselves to be more worthy of the spot than Tory. Tory had been putting a lot of work in this off season though. He wanted his roster spot back and if either of the rookies wanted it they were going to have to make some big plays against Ylesia. I spent several hours watching practice, I felt confident about our team’s chances this year by the time I had to move on to tending other team business.

That afternoon I left early so I could take Tomas to Limmie practice. It was his first of the season. I wanted to meet his new coach, get a game schedule, watch the practice and just be a dad for an hour. When I got to the house I found both boys watching the holo. No wonder Spencer was up so late studying. He was wasting valuable daytime hours on the couch. “Turn that off,” I ordered. “You should be studying so you aren’t up all night.”

Spencer grabbed the remote. I assumed he was going to shut off the holo so I began to leave the room, instead of the click and silence I expected to hear as the set was powered down I heard the voices on the holo grow louder. I turned around and reminded myself that I never raised a hand at my children, even the pompous teenaged ones. I took the remote out of Spencer’s hand. Before I had the chance to turn off the holo though, I heard Mikil Wilspoon welcome us back to a popular sports debate program on HSN “Fair or foul”, he began. “All Star defensive back Ty Allin has announced that his wife Lucie is expecting a baby the same day the Starkillers are scheduled to play on Ryloth during week 3 of the regular season. If his wife has not had the baby before the team is scheduled to leave for said game he says he will not travel with the team.”

“Foul.” Toni answered. “The season is only 9 weeks long, 12 if you include the play-offs. That leaves you 40 weeks of a standard year open for events like this. Allin should know simple arithmetic and if he doesn’t I’m sure his wife does. She’s the daughter of the most successful man on that planet. Fruit doesn’t fall that far from the tree. Besides her mother had what, 6 children? I am sure she will have more, he can be there for the birth of one of those.”

“This isn’t just foul Tone, this outright stinks.” Mikil chimed in. “On top of possibly removing himself from an early match up and helping his team from sinking into another possible early hole. Ty has also deprived us of seeing his wife’s beautiful form cheering for him on the field this entire season. Timing people, congratulations on the baby, but the next one had better come during the off season.”

I shut off the set. “If this is bothering you, don’t watch it.” I told them.

“Does it bother you?” Spencer asked.

“If I didn’t know the circumstances surrounding Lucie’s pregnancy I may agree with what we just heard. Beings will always jump to conclusions. You both are a part of this family and I’m afraid the press is going to follow you most of your lives. Nearly every decision you make is going to be scrutinized by the public. From what college you go to, to whom you chose to marry. I don’t know if we are always going to be able to ignore it. You are going to have to try though.” I looked at Tomas and then Spencer. “This will blow over as soon as the baby arrives. About a month, I think we can handle it, do you?”

“That’s just it dad, I’ve read up on this,” Spencer said cautiously. “Lots of women lose babies early in pregnancy. I’m not sure why Lucie and Ty couldn’t have waited a few extra months to try again.”

“Wait until you get married, then you’ll understand. Now, get out your schoolwork and get busy. I better not see you watching any more holovision when I go through the security camera footage later on this evening.” I threatened. “Tomas go grab your gear we need to get you to Limmie practice.”

Tomas wanted to be moved up from midfield to forward. He wanted to score points, and all the glory that went with it. Truth was his speed and footwork made him a better candidate for the midfield position. We discussed it on the speeder ride over, I reminded him that Limmie was a team sport. Ty never scored points on defense, yet he had become a popular player in the league. With several All Star starts to prove it. I told him to discuss it with his coach. By the time practice ended he seemed satisfied with his position at midfield again. It probably had more to do with securing a starting position than anything else though.

We were lucky to have secured the friendly match up with Yelsia in our stadium. The new commissioner had announced he would be attending our home opener in person. It had now become a necessity to host this event just so I could evaluate how the limited parking and any other kinks may need to be worked out before his visit. Tomas, Spencer, Zoey, Lucie, my wife and I occupied the owner’s box. Zoey was excited about the baby is Lucie’s tummy, she was constantly asking when she could meet her baby cousin. Tomas and Spencer were eager to watch the game and see who would fill those final roster slots. I was watching traffic flow out of the public transport tubes and file into the stadium. Most seats were occupied before kick-off we seemed to be off to a smooth start.

Tag: @ no one

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Busy day for Senators, Mercs, and C-Bucs organizations
• Gunmap Forp (CB) returns to Mercs on new contract
• Senators sign Sas'quetch (FB) to undisclosed contract
• Mercs send Pella Lovenforth (FF) and Zovort (HB) to Senators for Robacca (FB)
• Morgan Renhorn (Human, Female, HF, Coruscant Polytechnic Institute) signed to an entry-level contract with Senators
• Buccaneers pick up Neffroq Vubbins (CB) off waivers with one year left on contract
• Buccaneers sign Rishal (LCF) and El-Enda Shamai (FF) as free agents
• Fiesta, Lyriss, and Zonka will compete at training camp for starting corner forward position with Miners. All three to get “significant playing time” in Coalition Memorial Game

---

Ylesia

"Gentlebeings...we have another trade," Fenrir announced, "The Euceron Storm trade the twenty-first overall selection of the 277 Elite League Draft to the Rydonni Prime Monarchs in exchange for Rydonni Prime's third round selection in the 278 Elite League Limmie Draft.

"And with that pick, the Monarchs select Vexa Jocle, Midfielder, Imperial College of Bastion.

"With the twenty-second overall pick, the Starkillers select Nina Odette, Full Forward, Druckenwell Technical University.

"With the twenty-third overall pick, the Monarchs select Jessie Dare, Midfielder, University of Agamar," Fenrir said.

"The Nar Shaddaa Smugglers are now on the clock."

---

Friendly scores! Bonus rolls to Bakura, Mando'ade, Ralltiir, and Rydonni Prime today without using up their banked bonus rolls for the start of the regular season.

Friendly Results
Ylesia Lightning at Ralltiir Starkillers (3-36)
Mando'ade Mercs at Bakura Miners (33-2)
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Loronar Colonials (2-4)
Byblos Red Wings at Rydonni Prime Monarchs (7-3)
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Balmorra Blasters (7-35)

TAG: Bardan_Jusik CPL_Macja jcgoble3 Jedi Gunny Rebecca_Daniels Runjedirun Vehn

 

IC: Falene Trieste



Falene’s ownership of the Miners was, all in all, the most out of the ordinary thing that happened to the team during the offseason. Once that had been put behind them, it was really the routine business of the Draft and the following training camp.

Cundertol had stood pat with his fourth position in each of the three rounds. He used all the picks and acquired no others. Once Penn had been brought in, contract talks ended with Zire, who had no trouble finding another job now with the Mercs. Though the talk had been that Valerii was going to move Zonka over to corner forward with the departure of Stormborn, Cundertol had found himself staring at the top offensive player and corner forward in the Draft for the second straight year and nabbed UBGC Cub Dorvan Fiesta and that threw everything into question. Valerii decided early in training camp that she was going to put both corner forward positions up for competition among the three. Lyriss as a starter last year was going to have an advantage over reserve Zonka and rookie Fiesta. The Miners’ draft picks had been rounded out by another Bak10 pick, Sutton Millard. Though she’d been high profile in her final year in college, she hadn’t performed well under the spotlight. Though she came to camp and was going to be on the friendly roster for the game against the Mercs, Falene was pretty sure that Millard was destined for assignment to a Premier League team for development for the season.

Falene had gotten to know Millard a little bit during training camp since they were running a lot of defensive drills together. Sutton was nice and her play wasn’t quite up there with the returning Miner players, so a year or two in the Premier League was going to be good for her from what Falene could see. She knew that Millard would be disappointed. You didn’t get to this level without being a competitor.

Then again, Horst Penn was an entirely different story. With little depth at the full back position, the Miners had no plan B other than trying to pull someone out of the Premier League and that didn’t always work so well. Penn was…well…not exactly the smartest guy. When he’d walked into the locker room at the Miners’ Hi’lo training facility, he’d spent a full ten minutes getting dressed in Aron Rodders’ locker stall. It had taken Rodders pointing out that there were name plates over every stall for Penn to realize the mistake.

“That would explain why all the jersey had the wrong number on them and the gear didn’t fit,” Penn said, smacking his forehead.

In response, Nelly Wizmark banged her head against her own locker at the supposed lynch pin of the Miners’ last line of defense. Falene herself was not encouraged by the look of things, but she said nothing. She was the owner now. Anything she said about personnel was going to get blown out of proportion—and Penn already seemed like he was a few Jawas short of a Sandcrawler.

Things had changed on the field. Penn was a hard worker. He ran everything at full speed. In fact, for training camp, Penn was almost playing too hard.

“Do you always run this fast?” Falene huffed and puffed to Penn during one break.

“Absolutely. Ultra mega super excellent awesome fast is my only speed,” Penn said, “It’s just like I read in a book once: this game is 75% speed, 25% will, 18% mental, and 3% math.”

Falene just looked up at the clear sky of the Bakuran island latitudes and tried to keep from physically biting her tongue.

Hulu had issued the defense their new playbook—which was a gargantuan beast that he made extensive modifications to every season in an effort to keep up the opposing offenses on their heels. Falene needed two to three weeks to begin to wrap her mind around these plays. The very next day after the playbook had been issued, Penn was telling the rest of the defense what they were doing wrong on the plays—and he was right.

The third day of this, Falene found Penn in the team dining room at the dorms. “How do you pick up the playbook so fast?” she asked, “That thing is more complicated than most Fondorian novels and you’ve already mastered it.”

“Aren’t you studying it all night?” Penn asked.

“No…I’m getting sleep,” Falene said, “You know, that thing where you black out for eight hours?”

“I know what sleep is,” Penn said, waving his hand, “Who doesn’t know what sleep is? Nah, I get that at other times.”

“I mean, I know it’s important to get the playbook memorized, I study it too, but seriously, how do you do it?” Falene said.

“I don’t know. I just do it. My high school coach told me, ‘Horst—you’re the stupidest being I’ve ever known, but you’re a hard worker. You learn this playbook, you do everything you can do, and maybe you’ll be a third string player and you’ll get to play like five minutes this season.’ Well, I showed him—I played seven minutes that season. Yeah, I know. That’s 45% better than he thought.”

“No, actually—” Falene started.

“I know, it’s more like 63%, but I didn’t want to brag,” Penn said, “Anyways, after the season ended I kept studying the playbook until training camp next year so that way I’d know all the plays. And then they changed the playbook! So I kept studying and studying and the coach said, ‘Horst—I don’t know how you did it, but you’ve learned these plays better than my best players already. You’re on varsity, son.’ And it was the greatest thing to happen to me in my life. Well…second greatest. Obviously being drafted was the greatest thing. Oh! I forgot that time I found five credits in the couch cushions. So like third greatest thing. Wait—fourth greatest. There was that sandwich I had last night that was pretty good. So definitely fourth greatest thing. Well—maybe fifth…”

That was when Falene realized that Horst Penn was a complete idiot—in everything except for limmie. And somehow Falene thought that was going to be okay.

The other big story of training camp was Alana’s pregnancy, which sidelined her for the early training camp. She’d been advised by her doctor not to travel to Hi’lo, so she remote conferenced in for everything she could like team meetings, video review, and things like that. In her absence, Aron was captain of the team, but Falene knew that she needed to step up and be a leader herself. After all, she was the owner of the team. It was only right. That was why she took time to get to know Penn and Millard, give Fiesta encouragement.

Speaking of which, the corner forward competition was fierce. Zonka, Lyriss, and Fiesta were playing their hearts out in camp to get one of those spots. Fiesta had been knocked by the HSN scouts, but HSN central recruiting had liked him. He came into camp with high expectations, but also plenty of doubters. The Xexto was good---having an extra set of arms didn’t hurt at all. Of course, his arm strength left a little something to be desired. Unlike a Besalisk, another player could force a turnover against Fiesta. However, Dorvan had speed on his side. If he could get himself moving and in the zone, you could barely even find the ball to track. It was frustrating Dalton Ward, who had not had the best freshman campaign with the Miners.

Zonka, the former Helmsman winner, was big, strong, and Falene thought would have been a starter on just about any other team, especially at Full Forward. However, he was stuck behind twelfth year veteran Aron Rodders who continued to be at the top of his game. He probably could have started at corner forward as well, but with two top corner forwards as his competition, it was a rough go. Falene could see that Zonka was frustrated by the situation.

“Don’t sweat it. Plenty of beings have had to wait for their time and then they’ve killed it,” Falene told Zonka at lunch one day.

“I know…but to go from the top of the game to looking at being just a reserve…it’s a hard fall to take,” Zonka said, “I just want to play.”

“If I couldn’t play, I’d be in the same place,” Falene said, “Just work as hard as you can here, study the plays, and control what you can control. If you do that, then at least you’ll know you’ve done everything you can and if you don’t make it then it’s not because you didn’t work hard enough.”

Zonka nodded. It wasn’t very comforting advice, but she thought that it might have helped a little bit.

When Alana came to training camp, she came pushing a stroller with a dark haired (though not without some auburn undertones in there) baby boy inside. Needless to say, every female on the Miners (and Horst Penn), wasted plenty of time that day cooing over the stroller at the tyke.

“Well, that’s one way to make sure you get a solo room in the dorms,” Morlan said, “Bring your own roommate.”

When it came to Alana’s play, it was clear that she was going to have to work hard to get back into shape for the season. She’d come to camp late and she was having to get back into playing shape after her pregnancy. It was clearly hard work for the captain, who hadn’t been able to do her offseason routine thanks to her pregnancy. Falene could see that Alana was laboring, frustrated at how things weren’t coming as easily as usual for her. Falene didn’t know what it was like to be where Alana was, but she knew that her teammate was pushing herself as hard as she could in practice. Falene never said anything other than a, “Good work,” to her captain at the end of the day. She knew that Glencross appreciated even that.

Even so, when the Coalition Memorial friendly rolled around, Valerii elected to declare Alana a healthy scratch. The announcement had been preceded by a closed door conversation between the captain and the coaching staff. Falene didn’t know what was said, but she imagined that Alana wasn’t happy about the decision—but she also understood.

Valerii had also decided that she was going to rotate corner forward combinations to find out how Lyriss, Zonka, and Fiesta did—and whether one combination had better chemistry than another.

“Let’s just play loose today, have some fun,” Valerii said before they hit the field, “We do that, we’ll look as good as new out there.”

---

After the game the Miners trudged back into the locker room. Valerii usually didn’t come into the locker room after a loss, but with the Coalition Memorial Game still to be followed by over a month of training camp, she didn’t adhere to her usual practice. This game had been as much a part of the training camp coaching process as it had been about having the annual grudge match with their cross-galaxy rivals—which was good because it had been worthless for the Miners at the latter.

“When I said that we were going to look as good as new, I didn’t mean we should look live we’ve never played limmie before!” Valerii said, “What was that?”

“That was the effect of continually rotating corner forwards,” Aron said, “We never developed a groove.”

“That might be true, but how the frak did we allow the Mercs to light up our defense like that?” Valerii turned her eyes towards Falene and Nelly.

“I don’t know,” Ward sighed, “They just had our number today.”

“Well today was terrible,” Valerii said, “Whatever the reason. And this is the last time we talk about excuses or who played when or who didn’t play—” seeing as the reserve-grade midfielder the Miners had put out in Alana’s place was in the locker room plus Glencross herself, Falene guessed that was going to be as close as Valerii got to referencing the terrible midfield play the Miners had turned in today, “—because our focus moving forward is now on getting better to start the regular season. Let this be a wakeup call for all of you. If this is what the Mercs do to us at home, then I don’t even want to see what the Smugglers are going to do to us on the road.

“Force, we’re going to need to bring some bodybags with us because they’re going to literally kill us there,” Valerii growled as she left.

Once the door swung shut, Glencross, who had been on the bench in team sweats and had come back into the locker room at the end of the game, said, “There’s always going to be one or two stinkers. Now’s the time to have them if it comes to it. Shake it off. We’ll work it out in the last part of camp and we’ll be ready for the Smugglers. We’ve got it.”

Doesn’t feel like it, Falene thought to herself, but she knew Alana was right. They had time to fix this and lots of practice. They’d get there. They had to get there.

TAG: Bardan_Jusik Vehn

 

GM Post
Ylesia

"With the twenty fourth and final selection in the 277 Elite League Limmie Draft," Fenrir said, "the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers select Fianna Ragnos, Half Back, UBTV.

"Gentlebeings, limmie fans, this concludes the 277 ELL Draft. Congratulations to all of our draftees. We look forward to seeing them in action on the pitch soon. Thank you all for coming, thank you Ylesia for being a fantastic venue. Good luck to all of our drafting teams. May your selections bring you great success and make the teams that didn't participate jealous so they join us next year," Fenrir said with a smile, "Until Opening Day, take care galaxy."

---

The following players are now eligible to be signed as undrafted free agents:

• Zed un Ded (Gungan, Female, Goalkeeper, Theed University)
• Lyle Kent (Human, Male, Goalkeeper, Coruscant Polytechnic Institute)
• Oola Ban [Oola'ban] (Twi'lek, Female, Goalkeeper, University of Agamar)
• George Wulson (Weequay, Male, Midfielder, University of Coruscant)
• Elora Ningo (Sullustan, Female, Midfielder, University of Agamar)
• Ropdor (Rodian, Male, Half Forward, The Ord Saboak University)
• Kris Bell (Zabrak, Male, Half Forward, The Ord Sabaok University)

TAG: Bardan_Jusik CPL_Macja jcgoble3 Jedi Gunny JM_1977 Rebecca_Daniels Runjedirun Tim Battershell Vehn

 

IC: Aay'han Vhett (NPC)
General Manager's office, Meshla Vhetin. During the 276-277 off season.

Vhett rubbed her bald head and looked with a frown at the buy'ce that sat upon her desk. She was using it as a flimsi weight at the moment, helping to keep things somewhat organized in the state of chaos that currently reigned there. She signed to herself, glad that there was no one else in the spartan office to see her brief moment of weakness. This had been a tumultuous off season, and she had done her best to keep the team's momentum from last season's 5-4 campaign going.

It had not been easy. The loss of the Hanson brothers had caused a complete review of the teams needs. That coupled with several other defensive players testing of the free agent waters had put the Mercs front office into scramble mode. They had managed to bring in a new stable of half backs through the draft that would compete with the young backups from last season. She was sure that Vizsla would favor the veterans, but you never knew where a rookie could break into the starting lineup. In any case, should they all pan out the Mercs defensive backfield should be set for years to come.

Of course their concentration on halfback had left them vulnerable at other positions. Vhett had managed to convince Gunman Forp, the Ishi Tib left cornerback to return to the team, but at the expense of giving him the two year contract he had wanted. She had only wanted to give him a one year extension, to keep her options open for next season, but the defender's agent had them over a barrel and she knew it. Vhett had been forced to concede. At Fullback she had tried to lure in the services of the former Miner, Bengi Zire, but he had gone to the Starkillers. Whether he had declined the Mercs offer due to their front office uncertainty, or because the Starkillers were closer to winning a Cup she didn't know. Shab, Ralltiir could have just offered a better contract than the Mercs had. These days so much of the game was just about the money. In any case it had left Vhett in a quandary as to how to fill the backup fullback spot.

She had tested the waters with bringing Sas'quetch back into the fold, but had been told that the Wookiee was close to signing with the Senators. That suited her just fine, she hadn't really wanted Sas'quetch back though it looked like she was running out of options. No one on the Crusader's defense was ready to make the jump to the ELL, though several of their forwards were poised to make that step. Looking at the depth charts she made a quick determination of who was expendable and who was not and started making some calls It was the Senators, now replete with depth at Fullback, who finally bit.

The trade was consummated quickly, each team had something the other wanted and in the end Vhett acquired a new fullback who had gone in the second round of last season's draft. In return she gave up two undrafted players from that same draft. Zovort had briefly been looked at as a viable call up with the retirement of the Hansons, and Lovenforth had played meaningful minutes with the Mercs when Lieznam had gone down with injury last year, but neither was seen as a vital part of the team going forward. It had been an easy trade to make. Of course now the defense seemed to be just as young and inexperienced as the offense, she was afraid that the Mercs would have a tough year ahead of them as growing pains set in. But in a few years, if things worked out, they would be a formidable team. Of course she no longer had to worry about that.

Shortly after the draft the Mercs long talked about sale had finally gone through and been approved by the league. Vhett hadn't been pleased with the arrangement her husband had made, but she couldn't argue it. He had taken a new team from the PLL to the ELL in the span of just a few years. The startup costs had been high, but the selling price had been exorbitant. The Mand'alor had made a huge profit on his sale, and had even managed to retain 10% of the team as well as the Meshla Vhetin itself. The lease the new owner had signed would ensure that he made a profit there too. Still Vhett knew that with a new majority owner that changes would be coming, and soon enough they did.

Earlier that day she had been called into a meeting with Ms. Felps in the boardroom. Vhett had to admire the woman, she had kept herself in spectacular shape (she looked like she could still be a dancer) and was spending her late husband's fortune wisely, investing it in a sure thing like the Mercs, but there was something about the aruetii that she just didn't trust. The fact that she was there with a short rotund human who she had never seen reinforced that feelings.

"Ah...Ms. Vhett. Good to see you," her new twi'lek boss had started. Vhett had gritted her teeth under her bucket at that. Working for this insufferable aruetii was going to be problematic at best. Felps fixed that problem for her with her next statement though. "Sadly, the team will no longer require your services as the GM." she indicated the fat man. "Chuck here will be replacing you, and as I am sure will be bringing in his own staff to replace most of your people as well." Chuck, as she called him, smiled sheepishly. He looked almost embarrassed and awe struck at the same time.

"Please show him around and begin the transition process. I expect you to be gone by the time training camp starts," and with that she was dismissed.

Vhett hadn't liked it, but as a former mercenary she also knew that sometimes one had to take orders from shabla di'kute. She had gone about setting up Chuck in his new role, firmly convinced that he had no idea what he was doing or what he was getting himself into. She was leaving the team in a state of rebuilding, but she felt that the future had looked bright. Now she wasn't so sure.

---

GM APPROVED




Name: Charles "Chuck" Bonaven
Species: Human
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Position: Human
Homeworld: Tatooine

The former Assistant to the Assistant General Manager of the Corellia Rebels has been hired to fill the vacant spot left by the firing of Aay'han Vhett following "the turmoil" of the 276-277 off season. Brought in to implement the new Mercs "team concept" he has been tasked by ownership with overhauling the team's roster and way of doing business in order to achieve ownership's ultimate goal.

History: Chuck never was an athlete, but he always loved sports and even in High School always rooted for the home teams. Unable to make even the JV teams, he turned to analytics and became the statistician for both the bolo-ball and zoom-ball squads. In college he continued on this tradition as he progressed towards his business degree from the University of Theed. His work there was noticed, and after graduation he was hired on by the University to work in their athletic department. There his duties included interacting with scouts and professional executives from both the ELL and PLL who were impressed by his eye for the game, and especially for the players in it. Eventually he was offered a position with the Corellia Rebels as a team scout.

Leaving the college game behind he went to live on the road, scouring the galaxy for players at the collegiate level as well as in the back yards of players on back water worlds where he hoped other scouts would have missed less obvious talent. He had his share of successes and failures as a scout, but eventually life on the road became too much for him. Still his experience was useful to the rebels who promoted him up through the ranks, where he eventually found himself as the assistant to the assistant GM of the team. He had hopes and aspirations of eventually being promoted to an assistant GM there, though he knew his prospects of ever becoming a GM were slim, so he was surprised to get the call from the Mercs to be their new General Manager. He jumped at the unprecedented opportunity, but after realizing what his role truly was he now regrets that he ever did...

---

IC: Adenn Vizsla (NPC)
Mercs training camp, MandalMotors field, Concordia. Prior to the 277 season.

Vizsla rubbed his bald head and looked with a frown at the players on the field going through their warm up drills. All of the players had reported to camp now, and Vizsla had to admit that there was some reason for optimism going into the next season. Vhett was gone, but she had restocked the roster with young talent before she had left. It was now Vizsla's job top mold that talent into a playoff meshgeroya squad. On offesne things looked set. Lieznam had put on some weight, and hopefully wouldn't be as subject to injury with the pounding he was sure to take again. The offense was still young, but they had a good season under their belts now. They knew the system and would hopefully be ready to take the next step together as a unit. Having a veteran presence in Daryc anchoring them should help them get through whatever "sophomore slumps" the young players found themselves in. he expected them to take a step huge step forward this season.

Sadly he couldn't say the same for the state of the defense. The loss of the Hanson brothers had hit them hard. Now the defense too was a young unit, one that still had to find itself and gel if they were going to be effective. But they were highly talented. He expected to go through his period of highs and lows with them this season, if the highs outweighed the lows they could be a playoff contender. If not? Well he hoped that the new front office would be understanding when it came time to renew his contract at season's end.

The only thing Vhett had left undone when she had left was finding Vizsla a new midfielder. Darkrider hadn't wanted to return given the uncertain state of the team, and no one at Concordia was ready yet. He had been pestering her to bring in an undrafted rookie free agent to fill a back up role while he promoted either Gozer or Joris (probably Gozer he thought) to a starter's role opposite team captain Argo Mor'kesh. But she had left before any deals had been done, and the new GM hadn't returned his calls regarding a new midfielder. So it was that one of the backup spots there was still unfilled at the beginning of camp. The team could certainly go with just one backup middie, but Vizsla would have preferred two.

The loud roaring of a speeder bike approaching the facility shook him from his thoughts. He grimaced, it seemed like the bike's arrival had distracted everyone from what they were doing. It was then that he recognized the being who slowly dismounted the back of the bike, grasping the driver's forearm and shaking hand sin the traditional Mandalorian fashion. The dismounted man approached Vizsla. "Arick Vau, you look like osik," the head coach said to the former Merc, shaking his head slowly. It wasn't hyperbole either. Vau really did look the worse for wear. No armor, disheveled with a rather...eccentric new haircut. It looked like he had just gotten out of prison. Still he at least looked to be in preseason shape. "What the hell league you been playing in son?"

Vau looked passed the coach, the 100 yard stare of a combat veteran easily recognizable. "Kessel Penal."

"How the shab did you end up there?"

Vau cracked a smile now, "stole a speeder." Vizsla returned the smile as Vau handed him a copy of his contract. The Mercs had a new midfielder, and a full roster once again.

OOC: And now to my new PC...

---

IC: Charles "Chuck" Bonaven
Mehsla Vhetin, Keldabe, mandalore, Following the Coalition Memorial game.


"Damn." the word rolled off the twi'le'ks tongue as she met privately with her new GM. "Damn?" he questioned. "I thought they looked pretty good out there. Sure they Miners weren't exactly at full strength, but we were running things pretty vanilla out there too. The Miners were a playoff team last season, and they hate our guts. I think a 29 point drubbing is just the start we need!"

Felps shook her head slightly, her lekuu swayed provocatively. "Chuck, Chuck, Chuck. Pre-season wins don't count. Besides, it didn't really fit with our new team philosophy."

Bonaven let out a nervous chuckle at that, pulling at his collar slightly. "I thought winning was winning..." he trailed off as she gave him a cold look. "So uhhh....Just what is our new team philosophy?"

"I simply want the team to help me move to Nubia."

Chuck was incredulous. "umm you know these Mandos like to blow stuff up for fun and stealing anything that isn't bolted down...are you sure you want them moving your valuables?

The owner rolled her eyes at that and sighed. "I've never liked Mandalore, and who can blame me? The weather is lousy, their cities are cesspits and worst of all the place is inhabited by Mandalorians."

Chuck still couldn't believe what he was hearing. She had just bought the team and now she was trying to move it? "You uhhhh. You can't just move a team on a whim."

She stared him down now. "It's hardly a whim. Nubia has offered to build us a new stadium, 620,000 capacity, 4500 V.I.P. boxes, and no rent for the first five million at the gate. Plus a 87 million credit media guarantee; 45 percent of the concession gross, all of the parking and they pick up the stadium operations costs. No other franchise in limmie can match that deal."

"So...why not just start the team up there?"

"Charles. Don't be so naive. A start up team has so little chance at being promoted to the ELL quickly, and the Nubians want an ELL team now. I can give them that."

"But...we have a lease with Taab and the stadium..." he trailed off as she produced a copy of said document. "The lease says we have the right to move if our attendance falls below six million for the year. Paragraph 4000, line 17." He took the contract from her reading over the sections she had outlined. "We piss off the fans enough and we should be able to manage that. If not this season, then the next."

Chuck still wasn't convinced, this was a terrible idea. Just what had he gotten himself in to here? He tried another tack, but she was undeterred. "The League will never let us move."

"Of course they will, the League has had so many problems with these savages, I'm surprised they're still in the league. The new commissioner will play ball, and the other team owners will be glad to be rid of the Mandalorians."

"Yeah and what about the Mandos? They are going to go nuts if we move." He looked at her earnestly now, hoping she would understand the gravity of what he was saying. "They'll kill you."

"That is why we won't tell them until it is already done."

TAG: No One.

OOC: This season obviously inspired by the events depicted in the greatest sports documentary of all time. Major League.

 

IC: Christine Gamble
Taanab

Christine rubbed the sweat off her forehead with a towel, trying to keep tabs on the perspiration that was rolling down her face. She had just finished a long-distance training run, one that she hoped would be a good start to the day. It was Day 15 of the new training regimen, and she was already starting to wonder why she had started it in the first place. But she had to get back in shape, had to make sure her knee was good to go once training camp began. So far so good; it didn’t bother her yet, so hopefully things were looking up on that front.

Ava Killenger finally ran up and stopped, her breathing ragged. “How did you beat me by at least thirty seconds?” the young forward asked.

“It’s pure skill, Ava. Keep that in mind,” Christine replied as she rubbed off more sweat from her face. They were training here on Taanab because it was out of the way. Hopefully no one would recognize and bombard them with questions here; besides, the plains and forests were nice to look at, and the people thus far had been friendly.

“You’re just lucky,” Ava said as she took a swig of her water.

“Where’s the rook?” Christine asked, looking back.

“I don’t know. Maybe we left her in our dust,” Ava commented.

Then Patti Meter came in and stopped behind the older players. “Here I am,” she announced. “Had to stop and admire the scenery.”

“You’re such a nerd,” Christine said.

“Hey, when you come from a military planet like Anaxes, you appreciate nature a little more,” Patti said.

“Hey Ava, where’s your boyfriend?” Christine asked, changing the subject.

Ava blushed bright red. “Levi’s not my boyfriend, and two, I didn’t ask him to come along, you did.”

“You just hate to admit that you have a crush on him,” Christine mocked. “We can see right through you.”

“Give it up,” Ava said, shaking her head in disbelief. Levi Corner, the Thyferra midfielder, finally joined up with them.

“Am I too slow?” he asked sheepishly.

“Nah, you’re right on time to hear us pester your girlfriend,” Christine said with a wry smile.

“I have . . . a girlfriend?” Levi asked. Apparently this was news to him.

“Look, Christine, give it up,” Ava said. “Levi and I are teammates only. Nothing more than that.”

“What she said,” Levi commented.

“I’m sure you’ll change your tunes eventually,” Christine said, that same look still on her face. “So, rook, how’s it feeling to be part of the ‘Christine Gamble Get-Ripped-Quick Training Program’? You do realize that this is the testing ground for my new workout regimen that I will someday sell to the masses.”

“It’s a lot of work, I admit,” Meter said. “But it’s a good workout. I want to go into camp showing everyone that I deserve to start.”

“Well, then it’s a job well done so far,” Christine crowed. “Now, if our fifth member would arrive, we could move on to the next step of the training.”

Ganlin Costa, the Kiffar full forward, finally showed up, so the five could continue. Now it was on to Limmie practice, so Christine had set up a small goalpost by placing a bar between two trees.

“Are we supposed to be in this field?” Ava asked.

“I paid the owner some rent money, so we should be fine,” the third-year corner said. “He said we could use this small portion of the field as much as we need to for the rest of the program.”

The next hour was spent working on all facets of the game. Christine wanted Ava and Ganlin to try and get around her in one-on-one matchups, mostly to see if her knee would take the pressure. It seemed to work fine, but she didn’t want to overdo it. Then she sat down and watched Ava take on Patti in the same drill. Then Levi joined in, and all five players got their chances to work on footwork and evasion of an opposing player. They then sat down on the field to take a break.

“Come on, Ava, you have to admit that Levi’s pretty hot when he’s all sweated up,” Christine said.

“Would you leave that alone?” Ava inquired, not interested in continuing this line of thought.

“I’m just trying to help you out as a friend, all right?” Christine asked. “Look, I could be rude and not help you in your dating life, but you don’t want me to help. What am I supposed to do? I’m your wingwoman, the one being you know you can trust on that front.”

“Look, Christine, I get all that. But it’s just that . . . I’m not feeling the same way you are about this,” Ava commented. “Levi’s sweet, but not what I’m really looking for.”

“How do you know what you’re looking for in a guy if you don’t get to know them a little better?” Christine asked.

“Just drop it,” Ava said.

“Fine. But I’ll keep nagging you about it.”

“You do realize that I’m not bothering you about going out with Thulius Jomas,” Ava countered.

“I’m over him,” Christine said. “But I think Ganlin’s kinda nice. Seems friendly.”

“You can do whatever you want on that front,” Ava said. “I really don’t care.”

“You should,” Christine said. “You really should.”

“Let’s just get back to work,” Ava said as she stood up.

“On to pushups!” Christine announced. “Drop and give me twenty!”

They all did their pushups, and then it was on to more exercises. It was a lot of work for all involved, but if it meant gaining a leg up going into camp, then it was well-worth the pain.

And then Ava realized that they weren’t alone. “Has that guy been there the whole time?” she pointed out. Everyone looked. A young male, about their age, was leaning against a fence and just watching.

“I think so,” Christine said. “I didn’t say anything in fear that we might start something, or get distracted.” But Patti went over to talk to the kid, who in her opinion seemed very well-grounded.

When the rookie returned to the huddle, Christine grilled her. “What is he doing here?” she asked.

“Obviously seems to know we’re here,” Patti said. “Recognized me, anyways.”

“What does he want?”

“Just watching, I guess. Seemed nice,” the rookie commented.

“Luckily we’re not using the playbook. Can’t have anyone see something from there,” Christine said.

“Just let it go,” Ava chided. “So what if a farmer is watching us? It’s not like everyone else is watching.”

“It’s just . . . I don’t know . . . feels weird,” Christine said.

That night, the five players returned to their lodging, which was just a barn off the property of a farmer’s home. It wasn’t fancy, but they were trying to keep a low profile.

“You think we’ll be ready for camp?” Ava asked as she slipped into her sleeping bag.

“We should be,” Christine remarked. “We all have something to prove, even the rookies. You want to show the team why they reinstated you, the rook has to show that she deserves to start, and I need to prove to myself that the knee is fine. Camp is going to be another adventure, but I guess after these first two years I’ve pretty much seen everything in that regard.”

“Never say an absolute, because you know it can come back to haunt you,” Ava said.

“Like you and Levi getting together?”

“Not like that. Like saying you’ve seen and done everything.”

“I just hope I have,” Christine said. “Because I hope that I’ve seen the only injury I ever will sustain in my career. It’s derailed me once before. I can’t let that happen again.”

“At least this season you’re not going to have to do everything,” Ava commented. “You’ve got me on the team, or at least I hope you do.”

“You won’t reach that status until you and Levi go steady,” Christine said.


“Frak off,” Ava said as she rolled over to ignore Christine. The corner back just smiled at her joke. But her worries were true. She hoped that this workout regimen was getting her in shape, because camp wasn’t too far off. Would her knee handle the pressure? Unlike earlier injuries in her career, this one was going to be difficult to come back from mentally. Physically she was likely fine, but getting over the mental anxiety about potentially re-injuring that ligament was the main opposition here. As she settled into her sleeping bag, she knew that the road to the 277 Season was still a long one, and that she would have to be ready for challenges every step of the way.

TAG: No One

 

GM Post

HSN Morning Headlines

• Mando'ade Mercs sold to Ra'kel Felps former twi'lek dancing girl and heir to the Felps fortune.
• Mando'ade Mercs fire Aay'han Vhett as General Manager and hire Charles "Chuck" Bonaven, former assistant to the assistant General Manager of the Corellia Rebels to replace her.
• Rumors abound that head coach Adenn Vizsla to be let go as new front office team looks for "their guy" to lead the Mercs into the future
• Nar Shaddaa Smugglers sign Jeoffery Bootmaker (Human, Male, Cambrielle College, Left Corner Forward) to League-minimum entry level contract

TAG: Bardan_Jusik Vehn

 

GM Post

What We Learned: Preseason Edition

Guys, guys, guys, guys (and gals). This is important.

THE COMMISSIONER. He’s like super cool. All the ladies in the office are swooning over him. And some of the dudes. Call us hypnotized, mesmerized, or just plain in love. But this is going to be a great season. We can feel it.

P.S. Commissioner, feel free to stop by some time. We’ll hide the interns so you don’t have to waste time with them. The Setarcos Rhemes Broom Closet can fit all the interns. We swear. We stuffed them in their when we got bored during the offseason. Even Jay the Whipid fits in there.

Agamar Packers – Let’s see…half forward, full forward, corner forward…we’ve got it! The Packers are beefing up on defense for this season!

Bakura Miners – So the Glencross-less Miners get destroyed at home by the Mercs. Shrewdly played Alana. Clearly she’s going to win the Salbukk by sitting out the entire season and proving exactly how terrible the Miners would be without her.

Chandrila Patriots – Do you know what we want to see? Reina Kether in the same room with Commissioner Lokensgaard. Seriously ELL. Sell tickets to it.

Coruscant Senators – We have a live feed of the Senators’ roster, direct from Coruscant: http://wapgroups.com/pics/SCI-FI-ADDICT/dAb4UeQ2SUqwj0b9D3Ck.gif

Euceron Storm – The Storm’s three first round picks are clear proof that they have no intention of just blowing over after three straight Skywalker Conference Final appearances. Get it? “Storm”? “Blowing over”? I know, we’re so hilarious.

Hapes Consortium Buccaneers – The humans on the staff had to ask the non-human staff, but yes, we can confirm that the new non-Hapan Buccaneers are indeed gorgeous too.

Mando’ade Mercs – So we really want to write a lot of puns about how the Mercs really killed the Miners on the field, but without the Manda’lor in charge, it’s just not as fun anymore.

Nar Shaddaa Smugglers – By making exactly one draft pick, and that one being the last pick of the entire draft, Kaitlyn Vehn just basically spiked the bolo-ball and did her goal dance in front of the entire league. Ten franchise championships has a habit of doing that to you.

Ralltiir Starkillers – If I were Gwynn Reeser, I would thank my lucky stars that the Starkillers organization saved her from the Rebels. If you thought the ELL version of that team was laughable, imagine what the Premier League version is going to look like.

Rydonni Prime Monarchs – Remember Vesper Lynd of the last three years? You know, the one who was so hungry for a championship? Well now she’s had a taste. We’re expecting her to look like a rabid vornskr on the field this season.

Ryloth Rough Riders – Because the Rough Riders replaced the Rebels, does that mean that we now have to not care about Ryloth’s performance this season? Wait…what’s that…we just got a note from our boss: “Yes you do.” Well that solves that!

Ylesia Lightning – After a first round collapse, the Lightning made some roster moves for the first time in a few seasons. Might the Lightning actually be serious about winning for a change and willing to give Kasin the supporting cast she needs to go all the way again? THANK YOU MAKER! YOU HEARD OUR PRAYERS!

TAG: Bardan_Jusik CPL_Macja jcgoble3 Jedi Gunny JM_1977 Rebecca_Daniels Runjedirun Tim Battershell Vehn

 

IC: Falene Trieste
Six Boroughs Stadium, Nar Shaddaa
Pregame



The stadium was empty. The pregame warm ups hadn’t even begun and the gates to Six Boroughs were still shut. Falene had little doubt that the Crew was milling about outside, waiting to get to their seats, to see an event that had happened only nine times before in the history of their franchise.

They had come to watch that championship banner rise, to see the light glisten off the stones of their championship games, to see the last two Galactic Cup champions battle it out in their house.

Falene had not gotten fully dressed in her game gear, instead wearing just her undershirt, game shorts, knee high socks, and cleats. One year ago she had been on the other side of this equation—about to acknowledge an amazing season during which she had barely looked back, a Commissioner’s Trophy, a championship. Now she would stand on the field and watch as one of the Miners’ biggest rivals went through the pomp and circumstance. She would watch them get theirs.

In the Silver Age (the term, at least on Bakura, was catching on), the Smugglers and Miners had been fierce rivals—but there wasn’t the same edge for Falene in this game. Maybe it was because her aunt had once owned the team. The Smugglers were not a team to blindly hate. That was Coruscant. The Smugglers were a team to hate and respect at the same time.

Falene looked up at the banners already in the rafters. Nine of them already. Ten by the end of the night. Beyond them were the stars of the galaxy that would watch this game. Stars that shone with different brightness depending on where in the galaxy she was, but the same stars all the same. Maybe not exactly the same stars, but there were some similar points up there scattered throughout.

What had those stars seen? Had they been watching when Rhia Grames had been buried beneath this field? Had they been watching when Kaitlyn Vehn had torn down the Old Lady with as much haste as possible to get this stadium built? Had they been watching as Miners had battled and won? Battled and lost? Yes, they had.

Falene turned back and headed to the locker room. The quiet solitude of the stadium would soon be broken and Falene preferred to not be here when it happened. She would rather remember it as it was and keep that with her. She would need a small quiet inside her to win today.

---

The Miners came down the tunnel, the stadium already quaking slightly as they walked. The Crew was ready for today. This was their moment. This was their declaration of continued limmie supremacy. This was number ten.

Glencross was back in the lineup. They had sorely missed her in the friendly against the Mercs. Lyriss had retained his starting position at corner forward. In a tight decision, it was decided Fiesta would start opposite him. Valerii had made it known that she wouldn’t hesitate to rotate Zonka in if she felt she needed to. The corner forward situation was anything but solid, but at least Valerii had options.

“If we’re not getting drunk on bad whiskey by the end of the night, I’m going to be a very unhappy camper,” Niskat called out from behind Falene, referring to the Old Whiskey Trophy that was the prize at stake, not to mention a 1-0 start on the season. If anyone could appreciate the importance of the non-conference schedule, it was this iteration of the Miners who had a mediocre 2-3 conference record but still slipped into the playoffs.

“Time to rain on their parade,” Ward said somewhere ahead of Falene.

“Hey, a little rain would get the dirt off the city. You wouldn’t even recognize it!” Ponie joked with a big smile.

“Anything could improve—” Niskat said, but then stopped. Falene found that the line of Miners in front of her was stopping as well. “What’s going on?” Deenever asked.

Falene leaned to one side and found that the VCPD escort was, as always, there to greet the Miners—except this time they weren’t flanking the tunnel. They were barring the Miners’ entrance to the field. Falene was puzzled, to say the least. Three of the officers started moving down the line of Bakuran players until they stopped three people ahead of Falene.

“Officer Crumpet!” Niskat called out, “I like seeing you too, but what’s the hold up?”

He ignored Deenever. “Eponette Ternardiel?”

“Yes,” the Nar Shaddaa native said.

“Eponette Ternardiel, do you know who I am?”

“No. And I want to know why the frak you’re holding us up,” Ponie said.

“I am Inspector Jaden Vercrup, 60th precinct, Vertical City Police Department. You are hereby under arrest—”

And that was when things got crazy.

The shouts of “What?!” “The frak she is!” and “Over my dead body!” erupted. Falene was too shocked to say anything, but she saw Ponie’s eyes go absolutely wide.

“You are under arrest for theft and vandalism,” Vercrup shouted over the Miners. He looked to one of his cohorts. “Arrest her.”

Before either of them could respond, Falene thought there was going to be a riot. The other VCPD officers were hustling up the tunnel to support their brother policebeings. Behind her Niskat was starting forward, trying to push Falene and anyone else out of the way as she headed for Vercrup—now not so funny in Deenever’s eyes. Falene turned around and grabbed Niskat by the waist to restrain her. This was unreal, but she knew that the last thing she needed was for her best friend to get arrested herself for assaulting a police officer.

Unfortunately, Falene only had one pair of arms and she’d forgotten about Ponie’s best friend.

“You’re going to do no such thing!” Lizbit Comstock shouted, thrusting herself to the front of the group, interposed between Vercrup and Ternardiel, jabbing a finger into Vercrup’s face, “You have no right to do anything with her! You have no jurisdiction! She’s a citizen of Bakura and the Republic!”

“She is a citizen of Nar Shaddaa and I have this warrant authorizing me to arrest her on the aforementioned counts,” Vercrup said, his voice loud enough so the entire team could hear him, “One Eponette Ternardiel, also known as Jean Valeria.”

Falene turned her head over her shoulder. “Also known as”? Ponie couldn’t have another name? But the look on Ponie’s face told her she did have another name…and that Ponie was scared.

By now Valerii had fought her way to the front and was now the first line of defense for her player. “I don’t care if her name is Joe Palpatine and she’s wanted for genocide!” Valerii said, “We’ve got to play a game and you’re not taking her!”

“I am and anyone who tries to stop us from the execution of justice will come with her on charges of obstruction of justice and if any of you so much as lay a finger on my men I’ll throw in assaulting an office of the peace!” Vercrup bellowed.

“Coach! Coach!” Falene yelled, still struggling to restrain Niskat, “Where’s Cundertol? Get Cundertol!”

“You’re not taking her!” Valerii yelled.

The Miners were reaching the breaking point. The noise of the home crowd roiled underneath the tension, the anger, the indignation that was filling the tunnel. Things were going to boil over into a riot in the next few seconds, Falene could tell. She knew what was happening was wrong, but she knew she couldn’t allow it—and she knew she wasn’t going to hold onto Niskat much longer.

“Horst!” Falene yelled.

The Agamarian boy wasn’t too far away—partially because Niskat had been pushing Falene closer to the center of the knot of officers and players. He looked over at Falene.

“Grab Niskat!” Falene yelled

“Falene, let me at him!” Niskat protested, “They’re taking one of us!”

“But she’s on my team!” Horst asked with confusion.

“Just do it!” Falene yelled.

Penn did so, grabbing Niskat from behind. Falene disengaged and pushed her way through the jostling Miners who were closing in on the officers. In the confusion, Falene wasn’t sure if she saw hands going for stun batons. If that happened, this was all over. Emphasis on all. If something happened now they’d forfeit the game, Falene knew it. And this was her team now. She couldn’t let that happen.

“EVERYBODY STOP!” Falene yelled, “EVERYBODY!”

That was enough to gain attention from the Miners, and some of the police officers. Falene finally made her way to where Vercup, Valerii, Comstock, and Ponie were standing in the epicenter of the chaos. Already her forehead was matted with sweat and the game wasn’t even close to starting.

Falene turned her back to Vercrup and took Ponie by the shoulders. She took a deep breath so she could say what she had to say.

“Don’t say anything,” Falene said, her voice breaking, “Don’t say anything. We’re going to get you a lawyer. Don’t say anything.”

Ponie, looking like a eopie caught in the headlights of a speeder, just nodded.

“Everybody get back,” Falene said, trying to gently push her teammates away, “Get back.”

“Falene, we can’t—” Jolla said.

“We don’t have a choice,” Falene said, looking at Vercrup, “Don’t be mean. Do what you have to do.”

“With pleasure,” Vercrup said with clipped voice, cold and cool, “Officers.”

One of the officers, a Cathar, purred, “Inspector…are you sure…look, maybe they have a point. After the game?”

“Absolutely not!” Vercrup snapped, “I’ve hunted you for years, Valeria, and nothing is going to delay the administration of justice now that I’ve found you.”

Tentatively, the officers came forward and placed binders on Ponie’s wrists behind her back. Inspector Vercrup, clamped a hand, a hand as iron as much as the durasteel of Six Boroughs Stadium, around her arm and pulled her stumbling away from the Bakura Miners. The other VCPD officers followed behind him, some of them looking at the Miners, others with their eyes turned away. Everything felt wrong, but for Jaden Vercrup, the law was the law.

“Han, Han!” Falene called, looking for the team doctor.

“Here!” he said, jumping up to be seen over the other players.

“Find Quinn! Tell him what’s happened! Get Sydney! Get him, somebody, anybody, with a law degree to wherever she’s being booked,” Falene said, “Wait—no, get Aunt Regan! She’s an attorney. Go now!”

The doctor hurried off to find wherever the general manager was in Six Boroughs.

Falene’s mind was racing they were due out on the field already. But the team was rattled, they were shaken. Falene looked around frantically. They had to settle down. But how?

“Everybody, everybody,” Alana called from her position nearest the entrance to the field, “We’ve got a game to play. We need to take a big, deep breath right now. On three. One, two, three.”

Falene inhaled deeply and exhaled.

“We’re all madder than a Wookiee who just lost a board game right now. One of our own just got taken from us,” Alana said, “For the next hour and a half, we need to think of it like Ponie got hurt in the pregame warm up. It’s no different than that right now. The most we can do for her right now is to go out there and kick the Smugglers up and down this field.”

“Thum, you’re going to start for Ponie,” Valerii said, “You’ve got this.”

“That’s right, we’ve got this,” Alana said, “We’re the Bakura Miners. To seek, to strive, and not to yield!”

The team all yelled, as if they could drown out the Crew all by themselves, and in one giant pack, the pecking order of their usual game entry completely discarded in the aftermath of what had just happened, they ran out onto the consecrated grass of Six Boroughs Stadium, Falene squarely in the middle of them.

She could feel her teammates’ energy pulsing around her. They were in a bloodlust right now. Nar Shaddaa had ripped their teammate from them. Nar Shaddaa was going to see what a bunch of angry limmie players looked like.

What’s more, they were going to see what an angry Trieste looked like too.

TAG: Vehn

 

IC: Gark S’rily
Wroona

Gark walked down the shuttle ramp and stretched out his arms. Although the trip here took only about a day and a half, it was still a long time to be trapped in a confined space, despite the Senator team shuttle being rather large. A breeze blew across his face, and he could smell the sea from here. It was nice to be back on Wroona for training camp.

Most of the trip had been spent working with Pamila Korthe and Jed Ortmeyer on figuring out room assignments for the players. With the ridiculous turnover the Senators and Force had witnessed during the offseason, most of the plans from prior years had to be thrown out. It had taken quite a while to figure out whom to room together, especially for the new players. What hadn’t been in question were the married couples, who didn’t need to worry about room assignments with a roommate. Zeke Barbosa and Jenna Leed would share a room with their young daughter, Cord McKerty and Reena Wyley would, Riff Persnor and his wife, former player Wylega Persnor, would be together, and Maximus Qorbus would share a room with his wife Zathalie, their son Xander, and unborn child still in its mother’s womb. The only one not to get a couples room was Maff Biskis, whose wife, Adanna Inviere, was now the General Manager with Hapes. So he was assigned a roommate, which felt odd given how the others in his marital situation were treated differently.

After those rooms were doled out, it had been difficult to figure out who to put where. Sisters Alex and Morgan Renhorn were easy to bunk together, as they probably had done that so some extent while growing up, and Ava KIllenger and Christine Gamble were easy to put together because they had the prior two years. But what to do with the new Hapan players? Ryder and Derval might room together, but what about Amasova? What about Lel Dey, or Ye’ves’toung? Should she room with her fellow middie, as Gayla Renhorn was with team captain, long-time teammate, and former college coach Izzi Polakaya? So many decisions to make, Gark had known, and it took most of the voyage to hammer out. Sometimes being a coach meant taking a lot of time to organize room assignments.

Gark was shot out of his stupor when his wife, Me’lin, joined him. Their son Galin was now walking down the ramp with his mother, all excited like a four-year-old boy should be. “I wanna go to the beach!” he said.

“Don’t worry,” Me’lin said. “We’ll get there after we take our things to the room.”

Gark just smiled. Playing with Galin was always an adventure; he was a rambunctious boy, and had all the rogue elements his father did. Hopefully it would provide him an escape from camp life for the remainder of the training season.

The coaches got off first to gather the keys, and then the players started to leave the shuttle to receive their room keys and get settled in. Pam handed out the first key to new Thyferra forward Orrin Calcutt, who was rooming with fellow Kiffar Ganlin Costa. Then up came Earsulo Osso, who was rooming with new corner back Kinn Numm. As he watched the players go through the line and receive their keys, Gark did a mental evaluation of them. He wanted to see what all of them could do when they hit the field in two days. The Senators had suffered through a terrible season, so it was time that he found 30 players who could get the orange and black back to prominence. He hoped the roster he had assembled would be able to do that.

As the rest of the line of players went through, Gark continued his watchful eye on them. These were hopefully the players who could make a difference, who could perhaps score a game-winning goal or make a defensive stop to seal an important game. Fate was funny like that; one never knew who might step up any given gameday.

Next up was Christine Gamble, who looked confident as she took her room key from Pam. Ava Killenger was right behind her, looking rather upbeat. Gark didn’t blame either of them; they had personal demons to contend with, and that was never an easy thing to live with. If they could both perform to their ability this season, the Senators would be in good shape.

The last player to receive their key was Jamee Meels, the bulky Talz half back, and then Pam walked over to the Bothan. “Well, everyone is accounted for,” she commented.

“Good. I would have hated it if someone had been left behind,” Gark quipped.

“Ha ha, very funny,” Pam said with a blank expression. “So, I take it we have a day off tomorrow, and then we begin with the workouts in two days?”

“That is correct,” Gark clarified. “It always takes a day to get settled in, especially in a place like this. The players will want to hang out here at the resort, go to the beach, go into town . . . all the things they usually do in their off-time.”

“I just hope that we’re ready for camp this year,” Pam said.

“We need to be. Don’t have much of a choice,” Gark said.

“That’s what I was afraid you would say. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some things I need to get to.” She walked off in a different direction than Gark, who went to his room immediately. Me’lin was finishing unpacking the bags, and Galin was getting restless.

“Beach!” he kept saying.

“A little help here?” Me’lin asked as Gark walked into the room. Gark reached over and grabbed the small pail and shovel that had been placed in a bag on the table.

“Guess it’s time to dig,” he said. Galin had a huge smile on his face; he was ready to get in some playtime on the beach before the day was over.

---

IC: Christine Gamble

Christine sat in the lounge with the CorTech contingent of players on the roster around the fire. It was late afternoon, and they had only been here for a few hours. Gayla and Alex Renhorn were here, as well as Ava, Izzi, and new forward Pella Lovenforth. They were all sitting there talking when Gayla looked up to see the source of a voice.

“Mind if I join in?” said a voice.

“Morgs!” Gayla exclaimed, shooting out of her seat. “What’re you doing here?” She went over and gave her little sister, Morgan Renhorn, a huge hug.

“Same as you,” the youngest Renhorn sister said. “Trying to get famous playing pro ball.”

“I didn’t know you had signed,” Gayla said. “I was going to try and pitch it to you earlier in the offseason, but I never got around to it.”

“It was a recent signing,” Morgan said. “But I’m happy to be here.”

“Come on and join us,” Gayla said. Morgan did just that, taking a seat on the sofa next to Christine.

“The gang’s all here,” Alex commented.

“So, Morgs, you going to make the starting lineup this year?” Gayla asked.

“I’ll take what I can get right now,” Morgan replied. “I just want to play and see where I’m at. Not expecting much right now.” She looked around at the other players. “Hi Pella, Ava. Long time no see.”

“You whip them into shape last year?” Pella inquired. “I heard you guys went to the playoffs last year.”

“We lost as usual,” Morgan said, shaking her head.

“Sounds familiar,” Gayla commented. Christine couldn’t disagree; her time with Ord Sabaok hadn’t exactly involved many playoff wins.

Then Almert Song, the rookie forward, came over to the group. “Hey ladies, some of us are going down to town to get a couple of drinks. You want in?”

“I think we’ll pass,” Gayla said.

“You sure? A lot of us are going,” Song said.

“Nah, we’re fine with the bar here,” Christine said.

“All right. You’re welcome to join us if you change your mind,” Almert said before walking away.

“Almert’s a character,” Alex commented.

Ava and Christine both nodded. They knew exactly how weird Song could be sometimes. A lot of the remaining time was spent reminiscing about the offseason, about CorTech, and a boatload of other things.

---

That night, Ava and Christine sat around at the pool in the resort. It was quiet because many of the players had gone to town to hit up the restaurants and bars, and the rest were either working out in the gym or hanging out in their rooms. So the roommates had the pool to themselves, which in itself was a rarity.

“We have a rest day tomorrow, and then it’s on to workouts,” Ava said as she got her head above the water. It felt very refreshing to be able to take a swim like this.

“Plenty of time to get into the routine. Of course, we’re already pretty ripped, so we shouldn’t need to worry about their petty workouts,” Christine said with a grin. “We can slack off this first week if we want to.”

“I’m still going to work my ass off,” Ava said as she swam to the other side of the pool. “I want to make sure I’m on that Opening Day roster.”

“Suit yourself,” Christine said. Then she looked past Ava. “Can we help you?” she asked.

Ava looked up to see Levi standing on the edge of the pool, in a t-shirt and swim trunks. He was obviously blushing, as usual with him. “I’m sorry . . . I didn’t . . . know . . . the pool was . . . in use . . .” he stammered.

“Hey, come on in,” Christine said. “The more the merrier.” So Levi tossed off his t-shirt and slid into the pool. “Come here to hang out with your friends?”

“Everyone . . . went down to town . . . so I had nothing else to do,” the midfielder said.

“Hey, you came to the right place,” Christine said. “You ready for camp?”

“I think so.”

“After going through my program, you should be ready,” Christine opined. “But it’s going to be a tough climb. Got a lot of talent ahead of you, so you’ll need every ounce of energy you have.”

“I know,” Levi said. “But I am going to try.”

“Good,” Christine said. “I need positive testimonials for when I sell this program commercially.”

“And I’m sure beings will buy it,” Ava said, rolling her eyes.

Christine just grinned. “You bet they will.”

The three of them stayed in the pool for quite some time, and then Christine decided to get out first. She wanted to take a shower and then hit the sack early so that she would have a full day to herself the next day. It likely would be an early-morning run on the beach to get her started, followed by a weightlifting session and maybe then a day on the town. She excused herself from the pool and went back to the room, still dripping water here and there as she went. This left Ava and Levi in the pool alone.

“Ava . . .” Levi said. “I’m embarrassed . . . Christine . . . she tries to . . . push us together . . .”

“I know, and I wish she didn’t,” Ava commented. “You’re a swell guy, but I don’t like her trying to get in the way of things. If you don’t want her to continue with that shtick, you should just tell her off. Maybe she’ll get the hint if we both lambast her for talking about it.”

“I guess you’re right,” Levi said. “But . . . I’m just not sure if I’m ready enough for camp. Got a lot of competition.”

“Hey, you do what you can. That’s what I did last year,” Ava said. “Let the coaches do the worrying. Do your best, and that’s all that matters.”

Twenty minutes later, Ava got out of the pool. She had a sneaking suspicion Levi was watching her rump and hindquarters as she got out of the pool, but what hot-blooded male like him wouldn’t? He then got out, and they both dried off with pool towels left on the table by resort staff. The chrono on the wall said 2100; it was getting late, but not too late. Also, Ava wondered, where was everyone? It was remarkably quiet at the resort.

“Wanna get a drink?” she asked.

“Sure,” Levi said, shrugging. They went to the bar and got martinis, which was now a habit for Ava during training camp. They sat at the counter for a solid half hour before returning to the hotel lobby. In that time, they had a somewhat meaningful conversation. Maybe not the best, but it was something.

“Guess I’ll see you around, then,” Ava said.

“Yeah,” Levi agreed.

A few players walked in, obviously having just been out on the town. None of them looked drunk, but you could never quite tell. Besides, it wasn’t important. The next day was off anyways, so it was a free day. If anyone had a hangover, they would have some time to cope with it before camp.

By the time Ava returned to the room, Christine was already snoozing away in her bed. Ava decided to watch some HoloNet before turning in for the night. As she lay in bed before drifting off to sleep, she thought about training camp, about the conversation with Levi, and then what the next month and a half would bring. Two and a half months until the beginning of the season.

---

Gark sat propped up in bed as he went over a few more things on his datapad. He wanted to make sure that camp would go off without a hitch this year. The prior few years had gone well, so hopefully this would too.

Me’lin rolled over in bed to face her husband. “Are you still fretting about if this camp is going to be successful?” she asked.

Gark nodded. “I just hope it is. We had a rough year last season. Gotta make sure we don’t do that again.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’ll be fine,” Me’lin said. “You’re worrying over nothing. Now, get some sleep.”

“All right,” Gark said as he switched off the light on the endtable and settled in. But it took him a while to fall asleep, because he knew that this was a make-or-break camp.

TAG: No One

 

Draft Grades, expressly asked for by jcgoble3

Agamar Packers – C

Why Tim Dodd and his staff decided to draft three . . . count them, THREE . . . forwards during this draft when they sorely need defense leaves us scratching our heads. The two rookies who could have helped out last year on defense were stuck playing developmental ball all season, when they could have been used at the Elite League level. Blanchard and Kraken are highly-regarded forwards, but they won’t be much help when your defense can’t stop the other team from scoring.

Bakura Miners – B

Grabbing Penn with the fourth overall pick was a savvy move, because it seems to have messed up other teams’ plans. Fiesta should contend for a starting spot at corner forward, and Millard, despite having weak stats this past season in college, could find some playing time here and there. Nothing flashy.

Coruscant Senators – A-

Getting Patti Meter, arguably the top prospect in this draft, was an obvious move, and a smart one for a team trying to fix its atrocious defense from last year. Dekula may not have been the best pick in the third round, but she could be serviceable in the long run. What gives the Senators such a good grade was their trading habits. They picked up some nice pieces, including former All-Star Ye’ves’toung, in a trade for a second-round pick. Yeah, we’d call that successful.

Euceron Storm – A

Not a draft of need, but the Storm picked up some great players with their consecutive first-round picks. Golbert was by far one of the best midfielders in the galaxy this past season, Rokee was a Helmsman nominee, and Baelidy is a do-it-all utility guy. Smart drafting by a team now widely accepted as one of the best-planned teams in the league.

Mando’ade Mercs – A

The Mercs needed half backs, so what do they do in the draft? Get three half backs. It’s that simple.

Nar Shaddaa Smugglers – C-

Although we’re sure Kaitlyn Vehn knows what she’s doing, the draft didn’t go so well. Shae Bellweather may not be enough to make up for the pick she cost, and Fianna Ragnos likely will ride the bench, if she sees Six Boroughs at all. But hey, they’re the champs, so they do what they want. Doesn’t mean we like their moves, though.

Ralltiir Starkillers – B

The Starkillers got some decent picks in, and should have plenty of young players to round out their roster. However, we still can’t get over the fact that they traded Ye’ves’toung to Coruscant for a draft pick. If Shyall really stars, then we won’t feel bad, but if she struggles, and the replacement midfielder doesn’t pan out, then Martin Vigo will not be a happy man.

Rydonni Prime Monarchs – B-

Um . . . three midfielders in one draft? Decent ones, but do you really need that many? Obviously Rhemes wants midfield help, which probably tells us that either they need help there at some level in their ridiculously-large organizational conglomeration, or they just like drafting midfielders. Only time will tell on this one.

TAGS to Tim Battershell, Bardan_Jusik, Trieste, Vehn, CPL_Macja, Runjedirun

 

GM Post

HSN Morning Headlines

• Undrafted free agents flock to ELL teams
• George Wulson (MF, U. Coruscant) and Oola Ban (GK, U. Agamar) sign with Senators
• Lyle Kent (GK, CorTech) and Elora Ningo (MF, U. Agamar) sign with Starkillers
• Mercs sign Zed un Ded (GK, Theed U.)

---

League offices, Coruscant

Deputy Commissioner Esther Gondorf was used to the long days. She'd had them before. As far as she could tell, being Deputy Commissioner wasn't much different from being General Counsel. There was just slightly less law and--she didn't understand this next part--somehow more paperwork. It seemed if there was one constant, it was the higher you got, the higher the stacks of flimsi got. Whatever happened to the "flimsi-less society" that they'd been talking about for years?

In her early morning, caffeinated haze Gondorf pushed through the reception area for the Commissioner's office. Even his assistant wasn't in. What was her name? Esther couldn't remember. It wasn't important right now. She wanted to drop off the report that Lokensgaard has asked for. Esther didn't know why he liked reports so much. He'd asked for more of them in the months since becoming Commissioner than Kayl'hen had asked for in a year. She had a sneaking suspicion that Lokensgaard enjoyed making everyone do busy work. Any new executive had their own initiatives and pushes they wanted to make, no matter the industry. Professional limmie was no different.

Gondorf hit the button for Lokensgaard's door and walked in--to discover an office in even greater disarray than her own. There was flimsi everywhere--but Esther's eye picked up a certain method in the chaos. There was organization here--not a neat one but it was still there. In the center of it all was Fenrir, who looked up from his reading material.

"Oh, good morning," he said, pleasantly.

Esther squinted. "Good morning. I didn't know anyone came in earlier than me," Esther said.

"Oh, no one did," Fenrir said.

"You clearly did."

"Coming in would imply that I left," Fenrir said offhandedly.

That took Esther back. She had taken the new Commissioner for a dilettante. To hear that he hadn't left his office and had apparently worked through the night had not been what she'd expected to find.

"Did you eat?" Esther asked. She had no idea why that was the question she asked.

"Lorelei will bring something in when she arrives to assume her gatekeeper duties, which..." Lokensgaard looked at the chrono, "...should be in about fifteen minutes. Punctuality was a requirement when I hired her. But since you're here, Esther, would you please inform the media I'll be giving a press conference tomorrow?"

"Can I tell them about what?" Esther asked.

"No," Fenrir said, standing and stretching, "Much more fun this way. But since I like you..." He grabbed two binders of flimsi and came around his desk to hand them to Esther. "...I'm sure you can put it together for yourself."

Esther looked at the titles on the front of each binder in turn. Her eyes widened and came up.

"You're not."

"I am," Fenrir said, "Now excuse me, I need a shower and a change of clothes. Can't have the galaxy thinking the Elite League is a second-class outfit whose Commissioner wears the same suit two days in a row." He patted Gondorf on the back as he went by her.

TAG: Bardan_Jusik Jedi Gunny Runjedirun

 

IC: Charles "Chuck" Bonaven
Mehsla Vhetin, Keldabe, Mandalore

Following the lopsided win against the Miners Charles has spread his net far and wide in search of a new head coach that would help him to achieve Ms. Felps goals. Sadly by this point in time in the off season most head coaching candidates were already settling into their own duties with their own teams, not looking to jump ship and make a splash in the ELL. Yes, coaching in the Elite League was the penultimate goal for most any head coach, but failure at that level could be a death sentence to their future coaching career. Chuck didn't tell any of his candidates that losing was the goal of course, but going into an ELL season with almost no prep time to instill the coaches schemes and philosophies was a recipe for disaster. Fortunately he knew of one coach that was laid back enough to actually take the risk. Lu Braun, of the Toydarian Mudhens, a team so far off the beaten track of professional limmie they had never even made it to the PLL. Chuck made the call.

"Hover world." Chuck was taken aback buy the gruff voice on the other end of the line. Had his secretary (a new hire at the job, Chuck had cleared out the old staff) made the wrong connection? He checked his notes quickly, no this was correct. it seemed that Coach Braun worked the off season at a repulsorlift shop. How...interesting. Realizing he still had the man on the other end of the line Chuck finally spoke.

"Uhh. Lu? This is Charles Bonaven of the Mandalorian Mercs, how would you like to coach with us this season?

The answer he received was less than enthusiastic.

"I don't know, I got a Hutt on the other line asking about some white noise lifters. "I'll call and let ya know."

Charles wasn't deterred. "But this is a chance to coach in the Elite League..."

---

Mandalorian Mercs fire head coach Adenn Vizsla and release his entire coaching staff.
Mandalorian Mercs announce the hiring of Lu Braun as head coach.

TAG: Trieste

---

Meshla Vhetin. Home Opener of the 277 season vs the Coruscant Senators.

Chuck sat in the owner's box with Ms. Felps as the Mercs fans filed into the stadium. Their confusion was palpable. There was no loud music blaring from the stadium's expensive sound system. There were no over the top player introductions. There was no chanting on the field during the pre-game warmups. Felps would later announce the changes as "cost cutting measures" designed to ensure the long term financial viability of the franchise. What it really was of course was an attempt to take the "16th" man out of the equation before the game even began as well as a way to turn off the fans at the start of the season.

This game of course was a sellout. 4.5 million fans packed the Meshla Vhetin, and so Felps was already close to losing out on her plan to relocate the team. Chuck wasn't sure what else she had up her sleeve (well if she wore sleeves he thought, admiring her toned blue arms) but he knew it would have to be a doozey to get these fans to start ignoring their team. For now all he could do was sit back and try to enjoy the game.

TAG: Jedi Gunny.

 

IC: Martin Vigo

With great reluctance I filed my family into a speeder the morning of the friendly game against Ylesia. I wanted very much for us to take the public transport tubes and set an example for the fans that my family was no different than anyone else on Ralltiir. The problem was we were different. My wife and children’s faces were in the media all too often. If for any reason I had to send my wife home with one or more of the children early and they were recognized something could happen to them. If a key player were to get injured in the game or the Starkillers simply suffered a bad loss an angry fan may decide to take that loss out on a relative of mine. Maybe I was overprotective or maybe the idea was farfetched. Either way it didn’t matter to me, my family meant a lot to me and I was going to know they were protected.

As we approached I took a flight path directly over the hole that used to be the West, South and part of the East section of parking area.

“That’s not a hole dad, that’s a crater!” I heard Tomas holler from the back of the speeder.

I smiled. “You’re right,” I said. After I parked the speeder I took Tomas’ hand and led him over to the edge of the construction site. Spencer walked closely behind us. My wife stayed back with Zoey and waited a moment while I showed the boys my project. “We haven’t even started construction on the actual stadium yet,” I told them. “The entire stadium will be built underground. When it’s completed it will be raised out of the ground on repulsors for a grand reveal.”

“No way,” Tomas said with a shake of his head. “Is that even possible?”

“It’s possible,” Spencer answered for me. “How much is this costing you Dad?”

“I’m not Kaitlyn Vehn; this project isn’t coming completely out of my own pocket. It is going to set me back though.” I admitted. “I should be able to pay for most of it before the stadium opens. With a little luck I’ll have it all paid off within two season’s after construction is finished.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Out of my pocket, nearly a billion a credits,” I admitted. As we headed back towards the speeder to fetch their mother and niece I took note that Spencer remained quiet, a concerned look on his face.

I escorted my family up to the box where Lucie was already waiting. A female security guard had been keeping her company until we got there. Zoey immediately put both hands on Lucie’s belly. “Is cousin kicking?”

“Not right now,” Lucie said with a smile. “I think he’s sleeping. I’m sure the noise will wake him up soon.”

Andres had dropped Zoey off at our house early that morning. She was sporting a Hovechar jersey and a pair of warm up pants. Ever since Zoey had moved out of our house she rarely wore dresses anymore. When the dance team took the field Zoey still found enough space to do her own routine in the box though. Lucie and my wife applauded wildly when she finished. Player warm ups began immediately after the dance routine. Zoey pointed down at the field. “Andres” she said proudly.

“And there’s your Uncle Ty,” Lucie said pointing to another area of the field.

“Hovechar,” Zoey stated. “Hovechar is fast, Andres says I am fast too.”

The game began with little fanfare. The remaining starters from last season along with Tory, McTodd, Klick, and Zire took the field. Ylesia may have come for a friendly match up, but the Starkillers were out there to prove they belonged on an ELL field. Till had made it clear that all positions were up for grabs today. Those who earned a start next week would get one. The veterans had competition from many young rookies and a few free agents we had picked up over the off season.

The Lightning didn’t have a chance to get their bearings before Klick made a quick pass to Tory for a score. “Hovechar”, Zoey exclaimed.

“Hovechar didn’t even participate in that play,” Spencer called over to her.

Ylesia took the ball down field; there was no getting past Ty Allin though. He dove head first to successfully intercept a pass, quickly tossing off to Poletin who kicked it fiercely back up field to Frokabukk. Frokabukk found an open Jul who wasted no time putting three points of her own on the board. The crowd was on its feet cheering. “Hovechar,” Zoey squealed.

“Hovechar still hasn’t touched the ball,” Spencer stated a little harshly in her direction.

Again the Lightning attempted to answer our score. Again Ty Allin found a way to stop them. I watched as Lucie put her hand over her face when he ran full speed to make a tackle. Sichi was there to recover the ball that was knocked loose. He passed the ball to Klick. She dribbled up field and passed off to Fortune. He was under pressure but still managed to put a point on the board. “Hovechar!” Zoey said raising her hands in the air.

“That was Andres!” Spencer corrected. “Are you even paying attention?” He asked rudely.

Zoey started to cry. “Spencer,” I ordered harshly. “Come talk to me for a minute.”

I watched Spencer roll his eyes and shoot a dirty look at Zoey, who was being comforted by Lucie and my wife. He got up out of his chair and slowly made his way to the back of the box. “She has no idea what she’s talking about,” he said defensively.

“Is it any wonder?” I asked. “She’s not even 3 years old yet. Let her enjoy the game. Either you find a way to correct her politely or ignore her comments. If you raise your voice at her again I’ll have your mother take you home.” I let that sink in a minute. “Understand?”

“Yes sir.”

As he returned to his seat I looked up to see Hovechar with the ball. “Look,” Lucie said to Zoey “Hovechar has the ball now.” The little girl clapped her hands with excitement as Hovechar plowed past several Lightning defenders and made a long pass up to Jul who scored her second goal of the day.

It was also Jul’s final play of the day. Kara Sureysh came in to take her spot. Sureysh looked more confident on field than she had a few months ago on Tatooine. On the Starkillers next possession McTodd passed the ball across field to her and she put a point on the board. Her tutelage under Jul was appearing to pay off. “Was that Hovechar?” I heard Zoey whisper to Lucie.

Shen Shyall ran out to the center half back position that Zire had been playing. Zire dropped back to Ty’s place in left corner and Ty came out. Lucie visibly relaxed as he left the field. The Starkillers remained dominant it wasn’t until the second half when newly acquired back up goal tender Lyle Kent had taken the field that any points were put on the board against us.

Several thousand fans left early with confidence that we were going to pull out a win. I was disappointed they chose to leave early because I was hoping to observe how smoothly the public transport system would clear everyone out.

I kept my family in the booth until every seat was empty. While we waited Tomas broke down the game for us. “It’s a shame we have such a strong front six” he said, “Sureysh could get a start on several other teams in this league. Morganthow didn’t beat out Tory, I think he’s safe and Odette showed some promise but I think she’ll be playing under two suns for the next season or so.”

“At midfield I don’t know who Till will pick. I’m leaning Klick, but she played more minutes. It’s almost not fair to Kong. He didn’t have as much of a chance to prove himself. Defensively we have the chance to improve tremendously over last year. All our starters played great. If we keep Bo’gruth and Shyall as back-ups we’ll be unstoppable.”

“This was just a pre-season match up,” I reminded him. “Till has had a lot more time to work with the defense this off-season since he has Foress to concentrate on offense, but don’t get excited until we see how they perform during a few regular season match-ups.”

“I know,” Tomas said with a sigh. “It’s just hard not to get excited.” Spencer had remained silent since I reprimanded him before half time. For the first time since he spoke up.

“Let’s just hope we didn’t give away all our plays to Ylesia this week.” He said in an annoyed tone. He had a point. Finally I got the all clear from security that all ticket holders had left the stadium. I asked how many were still waiting for public transport. A message came back assuring me that all stragglers left were just that, stragglers. They could get on the next tube if they chose.

---

I sat down with Till and Foress midweek to take a look at the final roster. They started with the midfield position. “Klick got more game minutes than Kong because she earned them in practice.” Foress explained. “Her play proved that she not only practices well, she plays well. I’d like to keep Kong as a back-up on the Starkillers roster.”

“He played as well against the Lightning,” Till agreed. “One of my main objectives this season is to make sure our players get rest when needed. Kong will make a solid reserve player.”

“What’s your final decision on the offensive end?” I asked to keep us moving.

“Nothing unexpected,” Foress said. “Fortune will play full forward. McTodd and Jul will start on the corners. Sureysh will be their main reserve. I expect her to get a lot of playing time this season. Lightcin will remain at center half, Frokabukk at the right half and Tory will take over at the left half. Morganthow will serve as their main back-up.”

“What about Odette?” I asked.

“Sandskimmers,” Till answered. “She has promise, and she will get more experience there. If she remained on our roster as a reserve she might not get any playing time.”

“Which leaves us with the defense,” Till continued, unable to hide the pride in his voice. “Teaspoon has shown a lot of improvement. She’s worked hard over the off-season and will continue to start in goal. I brought Kent on to light a fire under her and it seems to be working. She wants to remain a starter and as long as she deserves the role it’s hers.”

“Our half back line-up consists of Shyall at center, with Sichi and Ikell keeping their spots at left and right respectively. Driff can fill any of their slots if needed, he will remain on the bench another season. Allin and Poletin will also keep their roster slots from last season. Bengi Zire is taking over at right corner. Bo’gruth has earned a slot as their main reserve. I’m sending Sunrider to the Sandskimmers.”

“You’re doing what?” Foress asked. “Bo’gruth was a low second round pick, he has no professional experience. He should be going to Tatooine, not Sunrider.”

“Sunrider isn’t taking the game seriously. I made it clear to every player on the first day of training camp that their positions were all up for grabs. He often shows up at the facility late for practice, he doesn’t run drills with the intensity I know he has and he wastes time playing pranks on younger players.”

“I’ve seen Allin play some pretty good pranks, is his position up for grabs?” Foress asked.

“Allin usually knows not to take things too far. Sunrider played a prank on an opposing team possibly costing us a game last season.” Till explained.

“Usually, so you admit you don’t fully trust Allin.” Foress challenged.

“This isn’t about Allin.”

“He’s your friend and he’s about to become a father, so he gets a start, meanwhile a player nearly as deserving is being sent down to a developmental team.” Foress stated with a bit of anger creeping into his voice.

“It’s my team. This is my decision. You just make sure the offense puts points on the board, that’s why you were hired.”

Foress nodded, “Don’t worry. The offense is top notch.”

“I’m sending the final roster to the press now,” I said breaking in as I tapped my data pad. “Foress, good luck this season.” I put out my hand and he shook it before leaving.

“Trey, why don’t you try discussing these things with your assistant before you present them to me next time?” I suggested. He was standing in the corner of the room in a defensive stance with his hands on his hips. “On all accounts I suspect you are right and I agree with your decisions, but it doesn’t look good when you argue with your assistant. His hiring was your call. You need to get along with him.”

“I’m sorry.” Till said. “There’s a lot of pressure on me to make the defense work this year. I’m 100% invested in them. If anything should go wrong I’m to blame. I didn’t want him to change my mind, that’s why I didn’t tell him.”

“Next time I want it sorted before you bring the final decision to me. Now get out of here and show me what a 100% investment looks like.” I said forcing a smile.

He put out his hand and we shook, “You won’t be disappointed Martin.”

---

Before the team left for Ylesia we had dinner at our house. Zoey was excited to be sleeping at our house again. My wife had redecorated Justyne’s old room. The room now belonged to Zoey. She would be staying with us during all road trips and it only seemed right that she have a room of her own for those occasions. Lucie was reluctantly staying with us as well. Ty was uncomfortable leaving her in their condo alone so close to her due date and I didn’t blame him.

That evening once Ty, Andres and Justyne had left with the team I walked in on Spencer and Lucie as they watched holovision together. “Are you going to bed soon?” Lucie asked her little brother.

“I should,” Spencer replied. “Dad will come in here ordering me anytime now.” He was right, but I decided to stay back and listen in on their conversation a minute first. “What about you he asked?”

“I haven’t been in my old room since before I left,” she answered. “I don’t know if I can sleep in there.”

“Lucie, why did you leave?”

“I had an argument with mom.”

“What kind of argument?”

“She wanted to pull me out of dance. She said a career in dance wasn’t practical.” Lucie reached out to massage her belly. “One night she pulled dad into it and he took her side. I couldn’t take it anymore. I knew mom had been a professional dancer before she had me. It didn’t make sense. I figured there was more to it than mom was letting on. So I did some digging found some old holo’s of mom from about the time she met dad. I can’t be certain, but I still think she was seeing someone else back then.”

Spencer turned his head in surprise and looked directly at his sister. “What are you saying?”

“I thought maybe dad, wasn’t my dad. I’m a good 4 inches shorter than anyone else in this family.”

“You thought, so you don’t think that anymore?”

Lucie shrugged. “I’ll never really know. The guy in the holos died. He was a dancer like mom, he was travelling off world with a show when he caught a virus and never recovered.”

I slipped into the kitchen to be sure the kids didn’t know I had overheard them. After filling a glass with water to drink I re-entered the room and ordered Spencer to bed.

“There’s no school tomorrow,” he argued.

“You still need sleep,” I replied.

Once he was gone I asked Lucie when she was turning in. “Now I guess,” she said in reply.

I watched as she headed upstairs and down the hallway. She paused outside her old bedroom, at the last moment she turned and entered Richard’s room instead.

The following day we all went to see Tomas’ first Limmie game of the season, even his mother. He played the entire game, made several key plays and his team won. We celebrated by going out for dinner.

The day after that was opening day in the ELL. Richard called to wish us luck and Bat texted to say he would be watching the game. I gathered around the holo with Lucie, Spencer, Tomas and Zoey. My wife took the opportunity to spend some time in the gym alone. She had her own private studio in there. When the teams took the field to start the game Zoey stood up in her spot on the sofa “Go Hovechar,” she declared proudly. Spencer buried his face in his hands.


TAG: Rebecca_Daniels

 

IC: Tim Dodd - Dodd Apartment, Calna Muun

Tim re-read the invitation for the final time, then carefully cross-checked his reply;

Dear Miss Trieste and Justice Eldred,

Thank you both very much for your kind invitation, which we (Oleg and Erich Sturm plus myself) will be overjoyed to accept. All of us have very fond memories of, and treasure, the friendship of the Bakuran people, the Miners and the Noble House of Trieste.

I am glad to report that the Packers have indeed 'given regards' to the Mercs and the Smugglers as wished for by the former Taoiseach, although I regret that it took so long to deliver them in the case of the Smugglers. However, we can offer 'regards given' to the Senators as some form of amends for our tardiness!

I have to admit that I have only accepted one invitation to an Owner's Box since our last visit to you in case history repeated itself! That exception, though, was effectively more of a Security Advice meeting than a simple Limmie match, which rather left me without a choice. Still, that passed off all right, we went down by twelve points!

I will mention the absence of Senatorial Guard to Oleg and Erich, and (unless you think something heavier might be required) will advise them that the rig of the day should include Dress Uniform Blasters. Those and my cane should be more than ample compensatory armaments!

Miss Trieste, belated congratulations on your elevation to Taoiseach! I hope that your mother is in the very best of health. Also that her new position is much to her liking.

Most sincerely,

Tim Dodd.

Satisfied, he sealed the envelope and placed it in the 'Outgoing' tray. It would go to the Sorting Office on the next collection, thence to Bakura by the first available ship.

That left one VIP matter to be dealt with, this new Commissioner and his desire to have a fan's-eye-view of Agamarian Limmie on the week following the Bakura match. A grin quirked Tim's lips, "What he wants, so shall he get! The complete visiting-fan package!", he chuckled to himself.

But before that, there was a little matter of a few games of Limmie, the first of them against the C-Bucs!


TAG: Trieste.

 

IC: Lejique Beiron

Ylesia, end of 276 season

"I'd like to thank our offense for not scoring as much as they should have, our defense for taking naps on the field, and generally everyone around here for assisting in tanking my stats in just the right way to earn this award. If you could be so kind as to not help me win it again and maybe instead pick up some better hardware next year, I would appreciate it."

Kasin bowed from her position on a table in the locker room and hopped down to mock applause and laughter. They were in good spirits despite the first-round exit, cleaning out their lockers in preparation for the off-season. A good number of them, including Kasin, were at the end of their contracts, and everyone was taking what could be their last chance to spend time as a team. Not all were friends; it was a business. But some had been together since before their promotion and now it looked like they wouldn't all be back the following season.

Lejique was digging for some end-of-season holobytes for the fans, some explanation of how this season had gone, a slightly desperate no-come-back to them all. Attendance rates had been dropping since the season after their Galactic Cup win, and with what was already the smallest stadium in the league, finances were looking bad. They had to tempt fans back to the games or else the Ylesia Lightning would end up back in the Premier League - or worse, moved off-planet by their Hutt owner. Lejique had some ideas of her own on how to sell the team to the fans again, which was by getting them invested in the players. Kasin had a galaxy-wide following, but the other players flew under the radar even on their own planet. Time to change that.

Zenro Ta and Veiana Eitos chatted for a bit on record about their relationship; Lejique had been surprised to hear the other Zeltron was settling down but apparently her Twi'lek fiancée had won her over. The Kuna sisters promised a change and challenged one another to train harder over the off-season so they'd come back stronger and better than ever. A couple of players suggested they might not be re-signed but most seemed intent to return. They had to shake off the last few years and get back to their rookie season levels, and everyone was on board with it.

"I've only got one more year to turn this team around before the owner starts looking elsewhere. I care about this team, I've been with them since we were in the PLL, and I'm going to try my hardest to get us to another championship. What happens after isn't up to me, but I am wholly committed to winning next season, just like I am every year. Never doubt that." Coach Zan was angrier than most of the team over their loss, and she wanted everyone to know it. Hopefully it would help.

Arren Cosh was waiting for her when the room had emptied out. "So… drinks?" he asked, looking hopeful. They'd worked out something over the last season, something that involved Arren being less obnoxious, and Lejique actually socialising with him and other members of the team. It was everything but dating, but she was satisfied with being friends; it was too complicated to think about otherwise.

"The off-season just officially began and you're already going to go out drinking? At noon?" She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

"Only if it's with you, sweet." He winked at her and she just shook her head. There was the obnoxious Arren. Knowing he did it jokingly only made it so much more tolerable. At least he didn't go around making bad puns like Kasin did; one could only listen to lightning-related puns so many times before wanting to punch the multi-millionaire goalkeeper.

"I have to get these interviews translated and put together for broadcast tomorrow, it'll be a few hours before I can leave."

"Another time, then?" He paused and rubbed at his hair. "I'm heading back to Mirial soon, wouldn't want to miss out on goodbye drinks with my favourite reporter."

She sighed and couldn't help a smile. "I'll call you when I'm done here, how does that sound?"

Arren grinned and tucked a stray piece of her hair back into place. "I'll be waiting."

--------

277 draft
Aruk Besadii Hall

"Welcome to the 277 draft, coming to you through YSN, your home for all your Ylesian sports news."

Lejique smiled at the holocam and waited until Favin gave her the cue that they were off-air while their intro ran. The sports network was new, run and owned by the Lightning's owner and now part of her job. But hosting the first big event on a new holonetwork was a big task and from this they'd see if the sports network was sustainable. Hopefully she'd do things right.

A five second warning kept the smile on her face. "Before the draft begins, YSN will take a short interview with the Ylesia Lightning's owner, Otta Besadii, to discuss the coming season."

The Hutt was in a position to see all the proceedings yet without disrupting the attention from the draftees, in a private room with one-way transparisteel installed. Lejique and her cameraman set up inside and she ran through their pre-approved questions in her head; the Hutt had a temper and she'd find herself kicked off-planet if she asked the wrong one. Because the network was run in both Basic and Huttese, she switched to the latter to conduct the interview; they'd have to translate it later anyway, so she might as well keep their owner happy.

"[Welcome to YSN, Otta, we're delighted to have your input in the inaugural broadcast.]"

The Hutt let out a booming, satisfied laugh. "[I am equally delighted to hear Ylesia's true language being used.]"

Lejique smiled tightly and internally patted herself on the back for deciding to do this in Huttese; the majority of Ylesians actually spoke Basic. "[A lot of changes are happening around Ylesia and the Lightning in particular and we'd like to hear your thoughts. First, tell us about why you created YSN.]"

Otta considered. "[The Lightning are not treated with respect like other planets because we are small. But that will not stand, things will change and soon all will see where the best Limmie team sits. So I decided Ylesia needed a dedicated holochannel to broadcast that glory to the galaxy.]" So the Hutt was self-absorbed and a homer, no surprises there. Lejique had a suspicion that the idea for YSN had come from their GM, but she said nothing.

"[YSN will do exactly that. Now, you spoke of changes, so why don't we discuss the big changes around the league first: the new commissioner and the demotion of the Corellia Rebels, replaced by the Ryloth Rough Riders.]"

Otta waved her arms around. "[The commissioner did what was necessary and right for the league. Kayl'hen would not have been so bold. I look forward to more bold moves and strong leadership in this league.]"

Holding back a grimace, Lejique checked her notes to keep from saying something not pre-approved. So she was angry the commissioner had arbitrarily sent her home team away; she wasn't allowed to have an opinion unless it was something positive about the Lightning. She'd just have to get a holo of Lokensgaard and throw things at it in private.

"[A bit closer to home: there have been a lot of changes going on around Peace City and Ylesia as a whole. In response to the Lightning's popularity, the University of Ylesia is, starting next term, adding a Limmie team.]"

Excited and agitated again, the Hutt answered. "[Yes, yes! New young players that will dream of one day playing for the Lightning.]" Not likely, considering the team wasn't even varsity but a club team looking to one day get varsity status.

"[And I've noticed increased security around the draft, is that a reflection of changes in policing on Ylesia?]"

"[Ah, yes.]" Otta calmed and considered before continuing. "[Consulting with other worlds, Ylesia has brought in off-world detectives and police instructors to bring our police force up to galactic standard. The lawlessness on this planet is shameful and will not be ignored any longer.]"

Lejique nodded. The Hutt's rumoured law-breaking aside, it ought to cut down on violent crime which would make her sleep better at night.

"[This is Ylesia's first time hosting the draft, and yet for another year the Lightning aren't participating. Do you trust Raakla To's decision not to add more young players to the roster?]"

Again, the Hutt waved a hand. "[Raakla will do what is best for the team, I am sure she has a plan.]"

"[Last but most importantly: there is a rumour that the Lightning are looking to build a new stadium. Is that true?]"

Otta nodded. "[It is sad that the Peace City Gardens are the smallest stadium in the Elite League. It is time that we join them and so I am working on the early stages of a new stadium. I must find land, investors, architects; it will take time, but it will happen!]"

Lejique smiled, a relieved one to be done this interview so she could go back to the draft floor. "[Thank you, Otta. YSN will now return to draft coverage."

--------

Training Camp

Three new players and two old players moved on; far less activity that Lejique had thought considering how many had contracts that expired. Some were the type that would never leave, others were just offered contracts that suited them. All in all, the team looked an awful lot like it had the last couple seasons which wasn't necessarily a good thing… or a bad thing, really. They'd scheduled a friendly to work some of the kinks out of their lineup, though Lejique herself couldn’t understand why GM To had decided it was a good idea to play the Starkillers twice in a row. But that was why she was the team reporter and To was the GM, she supposed.

Speaking of whom, the older Togruta woman stepped out onto the field where Lejique was keeping an eye on play. And on Arren Cosh in particular. He was fighting for a starting spot against Prya Tiin, Bpa Mersac, and Fuva Mu'tish. All three of the women were very good, though from what she'd overheard Mu'tish was going back to the dev team. He looked good, like he'd been training all off-season like he said. Others looked far less prepared, and Coach Zan was currently chewing out Mulhollan for being out of shape; it looked like Fanal Ollai was going to get his spot.

"A moment, Miss Beiron." Lejique glanced over and GM To was waving her back inside the stadium.

"I meant to address this earlier, as I'm sure you've been thinking about this all off-season," she said as they walked. Lejique had no idea what she was talking about. Thinking about what?

Raakla led her into the GM's office and took a seat behind her desk, steepling her fingers. "I have an offer here for another three years of work for the Lightning and YSN. Most of it is unchanged from your original contract, the usual termination clauses, and, you'll note, an increase in pay. We really do appreciate your work here."

Contract. Right. How had she forgotten that hers was going to expire at the start of the season?

"Are Favin and Asca returning as well?" she asked, accepting the offered paperwork and reading it over.

"Yes, they've already signed theirs."

It really was the same as the last one, with dates changed and updated language to include YSN and-

There was a new section, a new termination clause. If there was evidence the signee was in a relationship with any member of the Ylesia Lightning players, staff, or organization...

"Was this in their contracts as well?" she asked, pointing out the addition.

"No, I felt it was… unnecessary." The Togruta's sharp-toothed smile made an appearance.

"That's xenophobic!"

"Miss Beiron, if I was xenophobic I'd have put that clause in the original contract. It was deemed necessary, and if you don't like it, you are welcome to leave, though the Ylesia Lightning would miss your delightful reporting." She reached to take the paperwork out of Lejique's hand, but she pulled it back and signed it.

"Thank you, Ms. To." She forced a pleasant tone. "I need to get back to the camp now."

Angry, she took the long way around to the field so she could cool off before having to talk to anyone. She had three more years with the team now, more work thanks to YSN, and a lot to put together in the next few days for the fans to see how the team was doing.

And somewhere in there, she'd have to tell Arren to back off.

--------

Ralltiir

The friendly match was anything but. A 36-3 trouncing, and the three points they had gotten were frustrated over the bar points. And they were going to play the Starkillers again almost right away! Getting in extra practice against a non-conference team was good, but not when the results looked that bad.

Coach Zan didn't know what to say, Fanal said she'd walked in post-game, tried to say a few things, and walked out again. If even the coach was at a loss as to what had happened, the next game would be downright painful, and that was one that mattered.

Kasin wasn't her usual self either, throwing her gear together angrily for the shuttle home. The defense had collapsed, leaving her on her own and unable to stop enough. Likely their defense would be completely restructured by the time they were back on solid Ylesian soil; she'd noticed that Coach Zan and their defensive coordinator both liked to tear apart their system after a bad loss. They could only hope it actually worked.

And in the meantime Lejique had to find a way to positively spin that loss. On her own at the back of the shuttle. Carefully avoiding any appearance of a relationship with anyone on the team.

She spread out her holos and datapads and got to work; it was a long flight back to Ylesia.

--------

Ylesia, game day

Though she'd taken to watching the games from field level, Lejique was safely up in the press box today. The city was being reminded why the team's name was Lightning as a late-summer storm had blown in. Pre-game announcements reminded visitors that the stadium was equipped with lightning rods and was entirely safe, as these storms were fairly common.

Lejique didn't have a problem with the lightning, it was the heavy rain. A forecaster promised it would clear up by the second half but either way she was not prepared to get soaked today. At least it was warm, and their two Mon Calamari looked right at home. The same could not be said of the rest of the Lightning roster, but it would hopefully not distract them from their game plan. If their updated game plan could do anything against the team that had trounced them so thoroughly, so recently.


TAG: Runjedirun (for friendly and gameday stuff) Trieste (for public comments on the commish)

 

GM Post

HSN Morning Headlines

• Adenn Vizsla reportedly to “consider options” in wake of release from Mercs

---

Elite League offices, Coruscant

“Good morning gentlebeings,” Commissioner Lokensgaard said, “When I assumed the Commissionership, I undertook a full and thorough review of the finances of the League and its member teams. The latter task is one that I felt was of paramount importance in light of the Commissioner’s duty to ensure that the Elite League is as strong as possible.

“This analysis uncovered that the Corellia Rebels were not pulling their weight in the League. Their attendance numbers, incoming revenue, and broadcast numbers were consistently lower than the rest of the Elite League. That was why I took decisive action to demote them and promote the Ryloth Rough Riders, who are coming off a Premier League-best 7-2 season.

“However, the Elite League is not just an organization driven by numbers and profits,” Fenrir said, “That’s not why the Elite League was founded. It was created to feature the best limmie in the galaxy. The founders of the Elite League knew that if fans of this beautiful game, to borrow a phrase from some of our most passionate fans, could see great games, then the League would be strong and the credits would follow. That is the principle that I hold foremost in my mind.

“Part of that ideal is ensuring that the Elite League is engaging for fans throughout the galaxy and studies have shown that the biggest single driver of engagement is geographic proximity. Fans with a limmie team near them are more engaged than fans that do not have one. Luckily, limmie teams have grown up through the galaxy to give fans that experience.

“However,” Fenrir paused, “in examining the geographic footprint of the Elite League, it is evident that the Elite League has a large concentration of Core world teams.” He showed a map to illustrate the point. “Chandrila, Coruscant, Ralltiir, and Rydonni Prime all represent Core worlds with significant overlap in general territories.

“This situation is…less than ideal.”

Fenrir paused, and it seemed like a significant pause.
It was.

“After much deliberation, I am announcing the demotion of the Chandrila Patriots. To take their place, I—that is to say the Membership Committee and I—searched for a team that would allow the Elite League to expand its geographic footprint on the galaxy. We wanted a team that had a proud tradition of limmie excellence, one that could compete immediately in the Elite League.

“Gentlebeings, I am pleased to announce the return of the Kashyyyk Rangers to Elite League Limmie.

The vidscreens to either side of the Commissioner immediately transitioned to the Ranger crest.

“Before you ask, you are correct, the Rangers have previously been the development affiliate of the Ylesia Lightning and members of the Limmie Futures League. The Rangers and Lightning’s affiliation was due for renewal after last season and the teams have decided to part ways. The Lightning’s prospects will be reassigned at the discretion of the Lightning. It is my understanding that they intend to sign a new development affiliate in the near future that will compete in the LFL.

“We welcome the Rangers to the Elite League and the Solo Conference and look forward to seeing how they do this season.”

Elite League Limmie beware – the Rangers are back.

TAG: Bardan_Jusik CPL_Macja jcgoble3 Jedi Gunny JM_1977 Rebecca_Daniels Runjedirun Tim Battershell Vehn

 

IC: Ava Killenger
Wroona

Tonight was the night of reckoning for everyone on the team. They had bashed through a month and a half of training camp to try and secure their spot on the Elite League roster, and it all came down to this. Ava sat in the dining hall with her friends, Christine, Ynisse Zalt, Alex Renhorn, Arienne Farfell, and Patricia Meter. The hall was rather quiet, everyone who didn’t have an assured roster spot keeping very still, ready to jump out of their seats at a moments’ notice to see if their name had made the thirty-player roster for the Senators.

“I’m so nervous,” Ynisse said. “I know I shouldn’t be, but . . . what if I make the team?”

“You’ll have to beat me out for that spot,” Alex said. “Besides, neither of us will likely make it. Amasova, even though she struggled at times, still will get that last roster spot at the half.”

“I guess you’re right,” Ynisse said glumly as she chewed on a piece of bread.

This got Ava wondering if she had made the team. After her reinstatement, the team had asked her to switch over to Full Forward, a position she had never before played. She had worked there throughout training camp to be the backup behind incumbent starter Sorcha Styles, and was competing with Ganlin Costa and Pella Lovenforth for that spot. Ganlin had worked out in the offseason workout regimen, and Lovenforth had started a few Elite League games the prior season. So it was a three-way battle for that spot. She hoped she had done enough to secure it for herself.

“My biggest issue is finding out who starts across from me,” Christine said earnestly as she ate some soup.

“Shut up, Christine,” Ynisse said. “You’re rubbing it in with your starting spot.”

“Sor-ry,” Christine said as she rolled her eyes.

Then the doors opened, and Pamila Korthe walked into the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned around to look at the Zeltron. “Rosters are finalized, and we are waiting for them to be uploaded to the server. Give us a few minutes.” She then turned around and left.

“That’s it?” Alex asked indignantly. “She comes in here to tell us that we have to wait a little longer?”

“Don’t complain. Our food is still warm,” Ava commented. She grabbed a roll and proceeded to put butter on it. “I think it tastes pretty good . . .”

Korthe entered the room once more, and things dropped deathly silent once again. “They’re up. Have at ‘em,” she said.

This caused a mob to jump out of their seats and run to the door. Although many of the players in this group weren’t going to make the Senators, they at least wanted to see if they were going to get a starting gig on Thyferra. With the injury-plagued season the Senators had in 276, anyone could be called up from the Force. There was that much at stake, plus starters might stick around in the organization longer and get more pay. So there was still incentive to do well in camp.

Ava dropped her roll into her soup by accident, but she didn’t care. She had to know. So she joined the thirty-odd players in front of the screen to see who was making the team. Voontoo, the Rodian forward, finally ducked out of the way, and Ava could make out the letters on the board for the Senators. Starting full forward, Sorcha Styles. Pretty obvious pick right there, she reasoned.

Backup full forward spot . . .

Someone bumped her, and she hit the ground. Grumbling at how this was turning into a madhouse, she got back to her feet and then tried to jostle for position in the group. She had to see whose name was next to that roster slot. She was pushed closer to the list, and then she could finally read it.

Reserve Full Forward . . .

GANLIN COSTA

Ava was crushed. How could the team do this to her? They had brought her back up, given her a second chance, and now she had lost it out? She slumped down the wall in her disappointment, still in shock as she slowly descended to the floor. Sweat ran down her face, and she knew what it was like to be slapped in the face once more.

When she returned to the table, she was so shaken that she didn’t want to eat. She pushed her soup bowl aside and covered her face in her hands. Christine didn’t say anything as she watched her roommate’s misery. The others returned, also bummed-out, but Christine knew that their pains from not making the roster were nothing compared to what Ava was dealing with. The forward had been through so much to get here, and yet fell one spot short. There was no justice in the galaxy, the corner back surmised, but if Costa had done a better job, he had earned the job. Obviously he wanted that roster spot more than Ava did, and had worked harder.

When Ava left the dining hall, not hungry, Christine made sure to follow her. “Hey, Ava . . .” she said.

“Leave me alone,” Ava said. She wanted to go to the room and cry into a pillow. This wasn’t fair. How could the team do this to her?

“You fought real hard all throughout camp. There’s no shame in that,” Christine said. She hugged her roommate. “As your roomie, I think you did everything you could to try and win that spot. Sure someone else won, but that doesn’t mean the team doesn’t want you around. You’ll get there.”

“No I won’t,” Ava said miserably. “I’ll never make it back.”

“What kind of talk is that?” Christine asked. “Tell me. Are you trying to defeat yourself? Listen to you. Complaining that you don’t have what it takes. That’s not what I did. I came into camp not knowing if my knee would hold up. I was scared, Ava, real scared. What happens if I hurt it again? Would my career be over? I didn’t know where I was going for a while.

But I worked my ass off to prove myself, to prove to the team that I could overcome the odds. So what if Costa won that backup spot? You still have a chance to prove yourself in the Futures League.”

“Not the same,” Ava muttered.

“I know it’s not, but at least you’ll probably have a starting spot there. That’s not the end of the galaxy,” Christine said calmly. “You can bounce back. Do well this season, and you’ll have another chance next season. What if Styles or Costa get injured this year? You’ll have a shot.”

“Still not helping,” Ava said.

“Look. You may feel like crap now, but trust me. You’ll feel better soon. Just give it some time, and you’ll get there. Now, put your game face on, and don’t let it worry you so much. Just let it fuel your drive this year. That’s all the advice I can give.”

Ava got free from Christine’s grasp. She knew the All-Star was right, but it still hurt to know that she had been passed over like this. She went back to the dining hall to congratulate Ganlin; the Kiffar seemed rather elated to know that he had won the job, and it hurt Ava to have to give in like this to a competitor. But she had no choice, and like Christine said, she had to deal with it and move on. That was the only way to go.


But damn did it hurt.

Later on, Christine and Ava were lounging in the hotel pool once more, the other players hanging out in town once again. Ava wanted to be alone, but Christine wouldn’t let her do that. It was what a friend did, she said. All they could hear were the faint sounds coming from the bar, and a bit of the ocean as it swelled onto the beach.

“We’re headed back tomorrow,” Christine said. “I’m going to miss this place, for sure, but it’s time to get back.”

“Then it’s back off to the hot, humid world,” Ava said, not enthusiastic at all.

“Hey, it’s not that bad. Thyferra’s a nice place,” Christine said. Then she paused.

“Mind if I join?” Levi Corner asked. He slid into the pool to join the other two after taking his shirt off and dropping it by the edge of the pool. Over the last month and a half, he seemed to be getting a bit more assertive with himself. It probably was the offseason training program.

“Well, how’d it go?” Christine asked.

“I’m starting,” Levi said. “Got word that I did just enough to get there. I’m excited.”

“Hey, that’s great news,” Christine commented. “See, I knew my program would help you out.”

Levi then turned to Ava. “How’d you do?” he asked. Ava just shrunk away.

“She didn’t make the big club,” Christine said after the awkward pause. “Ganlin did.”

“Sorry . . . sorry to hear that,” Levi said, his enthusiasm drained.

“It’s all right, I’ll manage. Don’t worry about me,” Ava said.

“You did what you could,” Levi said. “We all fought hard.”

“Not enough,” Ava said.

“Christine is right. You worked . . . hard.”

Ava didn’t reply. She didn’t want to show any more weakness. Her missing the team was weakness, and now Levi was trying to preach how she had tried oh so hard, just to fall short.

Levi went over to Ava’s side. “Hey, it could be a lot worse,” he said. “Be positive.”

“No, I . . .” Ava started, but then Levi kissed her on the cheek. Ava was stunned; that was the second time she had felt like this today, and this time it was from an even unlikelier source.

Christine, taking this as her cue, got out of the pool. “I think I’ll leave you two alone,” she said before walking off.

“What, I . . .” Ava said.

“I have to say a few things,” the midfielder said. “First, I just want you to know . . . that we both care. Christine is right. You . . . deserved that . . . roster spot. That offseason workout . . . I thought you did a ton better than Ganlin.”

“It wasn’t to be,” Ava said. She was thinking of leaving the pool, even though that would be rude. But Levi stopped her.

“But, I have another thing to say. I’ve been thinking about this ever since camp started,” he said. “At first . . . I didn’t have the courage to say anything. But . . . all of you . . . well, mostly you . . . helped me . . . I guess what I’m trying to say is . . . you gave me a friend that I could rely on. Someone who I could talk to. But now I want to ask you something. I’d . . . like to start a relationship . . . with you. Just as friends, obviously. But . . . would that be of interest to you?”

Ava had to think this through. She needed a helping hand right now, someone to keep her sane in the depths of her glum disposition. Plus, she kinda liked Levi. Maybe he wasn’t the man she would want to marry and maybe have a family with someday, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t at least be a friend. Just because she decided to hang out with Levi didn’t have to mean that she was going to sign her life away.

“All right,” she said. “But that still doesn’t make me feel much better about my situation.”

“Wanna grab a drink?” Levi finally asked.

“Yeah,” Ava said. “I could use one after all this.”

So the two of them went to the bar and had a drink. Ava appreciated Levi taking the time to cheer her up; it wasn’t a perfect cure-all, but it was better than nothing.

When their drinks had been consumed, Levi looked at the chrono on the wall. “I need to get some sleep,” he said. “Long ride back.”

“Yep,” Ava said. “Thanks, by the way. I appreciate what you’ve done for me tonight.”


“No problem,” Levi said. The two of them then shared their first kiss, and Levi finally left, Ava now sitting alone at the bar. But she didn’t mind this time.

TAG: No One directly, but Trieste and jcgoble3 might find this interesting

 

GM Post

Revised 277 Elite League Limmie regular season schedule

Week 1
Bakura Miners at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Euceron Storm
Coruscant Senators at Mando’ade Mercs
Hapes Consortium Buccaneers at Agamar Packers
Ralltiir Starkillers at Ylesia Lightning
Kashyyyk Rangers at Ryloth Rough Riders

Week 2
Agamar Packers at Ralltiir Starkillers
Ylesia Lightning at Rydonni Prime Monarchs
Euceron Storm at Bakura Miners
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Coruscant Senators
Ryloth Rough Riders at Hapes Consortium Buccaneers
Mando’ade Mercs at Kashyyyk Rangers

Week 3
Ralltiir Starkillers at Ryloth Rough Riders
Bakura Miners at Ylesia Lightning
Hapes Consortium Buccaneers at Mando’ade Mercs
Coruscant Senators at Euceron Storm
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Agamar Packers
Kashyyyk Rangers at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers

Week 4
Ryloth Rough Riders at Rydonni Prime Monarchs
Mando’ade Mercs at Ralltiir Starkillers
Agamar Packers at Bakura Miners
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Hapes Conortium Buccaneers
Ylesia Lightning at Coruscant Senators
Euceron Storm at Kashyyyk Rangers

Week 5
Agamar Packers at Mando’ade Mercs
Ylesia Lightning at Euceron Storm
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Ryloth Rough Riders
Ralltiir Starkillers at Hapes Consortium Buccaneers
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Bakura Miners
Coruscant Senators at Kashyyyk Rangers

Week 6
Ylesia Lightning at Ryloth Rough Riders
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Mando’ade Mercs
Euceron Storm at Agamar Packers
Kashyyyk Rangers at Hapes Consortium Buccaneers
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Ralltiir Starkillers
Bakura Miners at Coruscant Senators

Week 7
Ryloth Rough Riders at Euceron Storm
Agamar Packers at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers
Ylesia Lightning at Mando’ade Mercs
Coruscant Senators at Hapes Consortium Buccaneers
Kashyyyk Rangers at Rydonni Prime Monarchs
Bakura Miners at Ralltiir Starkillers

Week 8
Agamar Packers at Ylesia Lightning
Euceron Storm at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers
Mando’ade Mercs at Ryloth Rough Riders
Ralltiir Starkillers at Coruscant Senators
Hapes Consortium Buccaneers at Rydonni Prime Monarchs
Bakura Miners at Kashyyyk Rangers

Week 9
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Ylesia Lightning
Mando’ade Mercs at Euceron Storm
Ryloth Rough Riders at Agamar Packers
Ralltiir Starkillers at Kashyyyk Rangers
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Coruscant Senators
Hapes Consortium Buccaneers at Bakura Miners

TAG: Bardan_Jusik CPL_Macja jcgoble3 Jedi Gunny JM_1977 Rebecca_Daniels Runjedirun Tim Battershell Vehn

 

IC: Zay Antilles
Location: Training dojo, Jedi Temple, Ossus
Time: Approximately three months before the 277 Elite League season

Zay leaned against the wall as he watched two initiates duel. The taller and more muscular of the duelists should have had the advantage, but Zay easily noticed several flaws in his technique. Zay also noticed that he was slow to react and was hesitating frequently. He lacks confidence, the relatively new Knight thought. Zay knew that proper technique could be taught with time and patience, and could be compensated for until then. But confidence could not be taught; it had to come naturally, and not having it could mean the difference between life or death on a mission. Until he gained that confidence, he would not be ready for apprenticeship.

The other duelist had her own problems. As Zay continued to watch, he observed that she was unable to change her plans on the fly. The boy was leaving himself open time and time again, but the girl was continuing with her own preplanned moves rather than changing things up to take advantage of the opening. She was also attacking a little too furiously. Zay studied her face as she went through another series of unsuccessful attacks, and saw exactly what he had suspected: the girl had anger issues. Zay felt that she was much more suited to becoming an apprentice right now than the boy was, but he also knew that he was not the right Master for her. Training an apprentice that struggled with anger was a task for an experienced Master, not a wet-behind-the-ears Knight.

It was becoming clear that no winner would emerge from the duel, each party's flaws preventing them from taking the advantage and ending it. Getting the attention of the Master in charge, Zay slashed a hand across his throat and shook his head, signaling that he'd seen enough and was not interested in either student. The Master stopped the duel, sent both initiates to the showers, and brought in two more. The new combatants—two boys, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned—saluted each other and awaited the signal to begin the fight. As they waited, the light-skinned boy glanced at Zay, then took a more pointed look at him. After a moment, his face lit up in recognition, and he smiled before turning back to his opponent.

Zay knew what that meant: the light-skinned boy obviously recognized Zay, but from where? As an apprentice, Zay had only interacted with initiates on a few occasions; Padawans in general rarely did. The boy looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old, on the high end of the age range for initiates. As the duel began, Zay watched both combatants closely. The dark-skinned boy was attacking fast and furious, but unlike the girl in the last duel, his face betrayed no sign of anger or emotion, only concentration. After a few seconds, Zay recognized the trademark moves of the Djem So form, an interesting choice for a mere initiate. The light-skinned boy, for his part, was defending against the Form V attacks well, never leaving a hole open long enough for the other boy to take advantage. Soresu was his style of choice, creating an interesting contrast between the opponents, with the strong attacks of Djem So matched against the tight defense of Soresu. It was a question of who would make the first mistake.

As the duel continued, the dark-skinned boy began to show signs of fatigue as his attacks began to slow, but the boy who had recognized Zay was still fresh. Still, the dark-skinned boy continued to press the attack, and Zay became concerned that he was failing to recognize that a change in strategy was needed. As a famous battle tactician had said, “no battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy.” The boy needed to come up with a different plan of attack, but he continued to stick the the same strategy he had begun the duel with. Stubbornness was a major flaw, though a teachable one. Still, Zay did not feel that he would be up to the challenge. The dark-skinned boy, like the girl, was a project for an experienced Master.

The light-skinned boy, on the other hand, exuded confidence, even as he was pushed around the arena—no, Zay realized that he was allowing himself to be pushed around, wearing out his opponent. In a lightsaber duel, offense was more tiring than defense, and the number of attacks this boy had made since the start of the duel could be counted on one hand. Zay also noticed no significant flaws in his lightsaber technique, only a couple of minor flaws that would be easy to iron out. The intangibles also seemed to be there, and Zay began to feel that this was the one.

As the dark-skinned boy continued to slow down, his opponent began to go on the offensive. Suddenly, the dark-skinned boy was the one being pushed around, but only for about twenty seconds. That was how much time elapsed before the light-skinned boy found an opening and took advantage, striking his opponent on the neck with his lightsaber to end the duel. Both boys extinguished their training lightsabers, as the loser gingerly touched his neck where his opponent's hot blade had made contact. They bowed to each other, then turned to Zay.

Zay nodded his head at the Master and indicated the light-skinned boy, who then approached Zay.

“Remember me?” asked the boy.

Zay was caught off-guard by this question being asked with no preliminaries. As he studied the boy—no, young man, Zay told himself—he began to get the feeling that he did recognize the student, but he could not place where he knew him from. “You look familiar,” Zay finally said, “but I can't remember who you are.”

“You don't remember me? I'm Jado Nalo.”

Zay dropped his shoulders and opened his mouth in surprise as the memories came flooding back. Memories of the trip to Ragoon IV with Marte and Tendra Nalo flashed through his head, followed closely by various interactions with Marte, and finally recognizing Jado's Force potential, meeting him at the Nalo house, and taking a then–seven-year-old Jado to become a Jedi. That was the last he had seen of Jado, years ago. The Jado standing in front of Zay now was almost thirteen years old and had grown into a tall, handsome young man.

“Now I remember you,” Zay said after a moment. “It's been, what, five or six years since I last saw you? You don't look the same; you've grown a lot since then.”

“Do you think I'm ready to become a Padawan?”

Zay considered this question for a moment. He did think so, but he wanted to focus on the Force and see what direction it led him in. He detected a distinct thread connecting him to Jado, as thick as blood. He couldn't see Jado reaching Knighthood, but it could simply be that a deeper meditation was necessary for that. At any rate, Zay was confident that he had found the right apprentice. “Yes, Jado. And if you don't mind, I'd like to take you as my apprentice. What do you say to that?”

Jado grinned. “I would be honored, Master.”

And with that, Zay had his first Padawan.

---

Location: Jedi Council Chambers
Time: Two days later

Zay followed his former Master into the Council room, Jado two steps behind him. All three took their place in the center of the room facing the Grand Master as the door closed.

“Thank you for coming in here Master Quelkin, Knight Antilles, and Padawan Nalo. Jado, a lot of this will be new to you, and you might not understand everything I say here, but I'm sure your Master will fill you in on everything later if he hasn't already. Palla and Zay, as you are acutely aware, the Bassell brothers have become a very real threat to not only the Jedi, but also the planet of Euceron and, we believe, the galaxy as a whole. The capture and death or permanent incarceration of the Bassell brothers is therefore now the Jedi Order's number one priority.

“As the two of you, Palla and Zay, are by far the most familiar with these targets, we are assigning you to lead the hunt for them. Zay, you may feel free to involve Jado as you see fit. However, I want you to know that we will spare no resource to track down the Bassell brothers. You may involve as many Jedi as you feel necessary, in any way that you see fit, on any amount of notice or no notice at all, to track down and effect the capture of these grave threats. We have seen what they are capable of, right here at this very Temple, so do not underestimate their power. There is no such thing as overkill here. If you feel that a thousand Jedi are necessary for the final capture, we will provide you with a thousand Jedi without hesitation.

“Do you understand these terms?”

“Yes,” Palla said. Zay echoed the same.

“Then go do what you need to do to bring the Bassell brothers to justice. And may the Force be with not only you, but all of us.”

TAG: Nobody

 

IC: Vesper Lynd
S.P.E.A.R. Strategic Aerial Base for Reconnaissance and Egress Carrier(aka SABRE Carrier)
276, after the Galactic Cup

Watching the flaming debris of the Luxury 5000 space yacht rain down upon the spaceport, Vesper came to a quick realization, “We’re not on the Crown Jewel are we?” she looked over her shoulder at Nicholas. The young man was taking a risk by placing his hands on her shoulders, but her anger towards him had ebbed a little. She tensed up slightly at his touch, but relaxed when his words softly reached her ear.

“No, we are not and neither was the rest of the team,” relief washed across her face, “everyone is safe.”

“Technically the team is on the Crown Jewel,” Setarcos corrected him, “but that,” he pointed to the burning wreckage on the screen, “was not our ship.”

Vesper’s relief was replaced by confusion. She turned around to face Nicholas, “What is he talking about?”

Nicholas took her by the hand, “Let’s go for a walk and I can explain everything.” Vesper initially hesitated, but figured getting out that room was the best thing for her at that very moment. Before they completely exited Fu’rey called out to them, ordering Nicholas to escort her to Kol’sin for debriefing. “Yes, sir,” he answered with a mocking tone. The door sealed behind them and he continued, “But we’ll take the long way round.”

Strolling through the corridors, Vesper noted that everything looked state-of-the-art and almost right off the assembly line. He explained that over the course of the past few years, SPEAR had been investigating and gathering evidence regarding Wilran K’ntarr’s untimely death. She was shocked to hear that both Queens were plotting against the departed PLL Commissioner. She knew that Variise was ruthless and cutthroat, but not murderous as well. Nicholas explained how Kol’sin was the one responsible for bringing them together. “If he hadn’t of ‘persuaded’ me to engage you at the Sports Club, I would have continued to admire you from a far.”

“You mean stalk me,” she corrected in jest. As their conversation continued, he told her about the arguments that he had often with his cousin Erika. “So let me get this straight,” she started as they moved into the expansive hanger bay, “Erika was only targeting me because I was Bakuran and playing on her father’s team?”

“Yup,” he calmly answered, “She had been covering the Sabers in the PLL when the death of Commissioner K’ntarr was announced. Erika had the sneaky suspicion that something wasn’t right and started digging. That off-season she was watching holonet footage of the Rydonni Royal Family with my Aunt Abigail. She noted that whenever Setarcos was mentioned she became agitated. Erika finally confronted her mom and discovered he was her biological father. Well, finding that out just threw rocket fuel on the fire. She immediately set out to sully him and everyone associated with him.”

Vesper had not realized that they stopped walking and were on a gangway overlooking the very space yacht she thought had been destroyed moments ago. “Sithspit, it’s the Crown Jewel! Is the team still on there?” But before Nicholas could answer she realized something. Not only was the Luxury 5000 docked in the bay, but there was enough room for on either side to dock two corvettes, another Luxury 5000 and three wings of starfighters, “How big is this carrier anyways?”

“That’s classified Ms Lynd.” The two Bakurans snapped around to find Agent Kol’sin standing behind them. “Mr. Arden, you were supposed to escort Ms Lynd to my office almost an hour ago, not take her on the grand tour,” Kol’sin was a hard man to read. Vesper couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or just did care. His expression and voice were as deadpan as one could be. “Seeing as Lord Nicholas has brought you up to speed, for the most part. I will keep this brief.”

She waited for him to continue. “We are going to a secure location called the Trident. There, you and your team will remain, sequestered, until further notice. No contact with the outside universe, not even a message to your family through Mr. Arden here.” Vesper’s entire composure changed. She was excited that she would be able to see her teammates soon, but not being able to be with her family, to have them believe that she was dead, was absolutely heartbreaking.

Kol’sin continued before she could express her displeasure with the plan, “I've been where you are right now so please believe me when I tell you, you don't have to be afraid. The leaders of Parliament were the ones who came up with the idea to use you and the team to promote the actions of R.A.I.D. In a few months, at the Draft, you will publicly reveal that you are alive and pronounce your support for a free Rydonnian society.”

“But I’m Bakuran… everyone from our organization, with the exception of ownership, are from off-world. Why should the people care what we think?”

“Because to them you are Rydonnian. For 12 to 15 weeks a year, you bring everyone, young or old, rich or poor, together for one common cause: to dominate the rest of the ELL.”

Vesper never thought of it that way before. But from that day forward, everytime she set foot on a limmie pitch, she knew she had the eyes of an entire planet on her.

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

Gesco City, Bakura
After the 277 Draft

It had been five months, five long months, and all she wanted to do was curl up under a pile of blankets to sleep in her own bed. But as soon as she walked through the door she was bombarded by questions from her family.

What were you thinking? Who put you up to this? Do you even realize what you have put us through? How could you go along with a mad idea like that? You know your cousin is Taoiseach now? Are you really with the rebels? Does RAID need volunteers? Is Jaymes Nolan single?

The last two were from Cillian and Ginnifer respectively. Vesper ignored all of them, strolled over to one of the plush chairs in the sitting room, and just plopped down with a sigh of utter exhaustion. Not even opening her eyes she pointed at her siblings and answered in turn, “No and how should I know Ginnie?” She could hear her mother shooing the pair off with a whisper, before sitting down across from her eldest child.

“Vesper honey,” her mother started, “we know that you probably had a good reason to do what you did, but why didn’t you tell us?”

Vesper just wanted to sleep, “Because I couldn’t. We were completely cut off, for security reasons. The Parliament was afraid that the team would be used as leverage during the war. They sent a decoy Crown Jewel and it was a good thing they did, seeing what the battle droids did to it.”

“Ves, I’m not naïve, I was part of your aunt’s political entourage before you were born.”

“I know mom. Trust me, if I could have gotten a message out to you I would have.”

“What about Nicholas?”

Vesper looked at her through half open eyes, wondering what she was driving at, “What about Nicholas?”

“Couldn’t he get a message to us, somehow?”

The younger Lynd straightened up in her seat and rolled her neck, “You’re assuming that I had contact with Mr. Arden.”

“Of course you did, how else would you have a picture of the two of you napping together under a tree sticking out of your bag?”



Quickly snatching the picture out, her cheeks blushed red, “Okay, fine, Nicholas was with us. But he wasn’t allowed to say anything either.” She rubbed her eyes, “I love you mom. If I could have done things differently I would have, but it was out of my control. The important part is that I’m fine and home. Now,” she stated standing up, “I’m going to get some sleep and when I wake up I want to start my well-deserved vacation. I don’t want to hear anything about limmie or the War of the Queens. What I want to hear about is what the frak is Aunt Kerry thinking making Fae Taoiseach?”

They both had a laugh at that.

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

Monarchs’ Conference Room
ELL Week 1, Monarchs at Storm, Pre-departure

The anemic offensive performance of the Monarchs during their three friendlies concerned Vesper and the coaching staff. So Romo called a coaches meeting and invited Vesper to join as team Captain to represent the players. Like two years prior, Vesper was back on Bakura for the friendlies. Romo was afraid, with all the craziness surrounding the team, that Vesper was at risk for an injury. He would hate to lose her for the season during pre-season friendlies.

His fears came to fruition for one of his starters from last year’s Solo Championship squad. “I’ve seen worse cartilage in knees,” Dr. Cyxan started out as medical scans scrolled behind him, “But that’s because there is NO cartilage in Bry’s knee, and not much of any use in his elbows or his shoulders. Between that and the scar tissue on his kidneys, the residual concussive damage to his brain tissue, and the general scarred-over quality of his body, I cannot recommend that he play this season.”

“Well I guess it’s a good thing that we picked up THREE NEW MIDDIES in the draft,” Coach Solo pointed out in a not so subtle tone.

“Don’t look at me,” Romo said with his hands raised in surrender, “Those orders came from somewhere else, I’m guessing Rhemes was the one who hacked the Naboo Twins data pad and set us up with this conundrum.”

Solo stood up, “I’m glad you brought up Nabreen. I think he and Seter are both ready for the big dance.”

“You know that Naywara is a package deal,” Corrie Andersen reminded her, “so by solving our Middie problem your creating a Forward problem.”

“We could put Jalex on the bench and have a reserve for once,” Beks suggested.

“Yeah, because bringing up a rookie to ride the pine is going to solve our lack of offense,” Jensen Remington fired back.

“Honestly,” Corrie chimed in, “We could use some fresh legs, what about putting her in Shae’s spot?”

“And have the league’s monster Middies bowl her over? Are you crazy Corrie?” Solo was pacing now, “No, she needs to be one of the front three because she was useless in the corner against the Blasters.”

“Do I have to remember everyone that the Blasters have been playing together for over a decade now?” Lex piped up, “They kinda have a cohesive unit in the Back Six.”

Michelle Winters stood up, “REGARDLESS… we now have three potential Middies and no solution for our lack of offensive production this preseason. Ms Lynd can’t be expected to carry the lion’s share again this season like she has these past FOUR years.” She sat back down and Dawn wandered back over to her seat as well.

Dawn was the first to break the silence that had fallen over the room, “I hate to admit it… but Severine worked really well with all of our other Midfielders. She really took control of the middle against Byblos and Loronar. And she did the same when she was playing with Byblos against Loronar in their friendly.”

“So let me get this straight,” Jared Remington had a confused look on his face, “You think all FOUR of them have what it takes to play in the big league?”

“Yes.”

“I think you’ve taken one to many bolos to the head, sister,” Adam Maas chortled, “We can only field two at a time.

Vesper finally found her voice, “No we don’t.” All eyes in the room were suddenly on her, “The Storm broke that convention last year with the Antilles Formation. As long as we field fifteen players, it doesn’t matter where we put them. We could put fifteen keepers in the crease if we wanted to, for frak’s sake.” She grabbed a stylus and started to quickly sketch out her idea on her datapad. A few moments later she had her ‘plan’ displayed on the main vidscreen.



“Look if we substitute out one back and one forward for two additional Midfielders, we could give ourselves a one player advantage on either side of the field. Kelsei and Severine can both apply punishing hits and are great at handling the bolo. So they’re our utility middies who can play either side of the bolo, let’s call them Wingers,” she pointed at the two extreme outside positions at midfield, “Nabreen is fast, can kick a parsec, and has a freakish connection with Jalex. He more of an offensive weapon, so we’ll put him at Center,” indicating the Midfielder closest to where the Center Half Back would traditionally play, “And Cali already demonstrates that she is more defensive minded and likes to backcheck, so she can be our Guard.”

“That’s a great theory, Ves,” Mara pointed out, “But which of your forward buddies is going to sit with the Bry and the steaming made D-Back you’ve just benched?”

Vesper didn’t not hesitate, “Fahpe, Buggie and Rew are all interchangeable and I think it’s time that Sugnok learns that he’s not the Force’s gift to limmie.”

“Let’s do it,” Romo said with a smile, “Who better to test it against, but the Storm.”

TAG: Trieste (league and family business) jcgoble3 (Game On!)