Star Wars OPEN Elite League Limmie

Sub-GM Post

Bonus rolls this week to Cloud City, Atzerri, Concordia, and Druckenwell. These are all 30 each since I haven't had time to review all posts since the end of last season. Next week I will begin the usual tiered bonuses, which I'm setting to 25 for no post, 28 for an ELL-only post, 33 for an SAL mention, and 38 for a post with significant SAL focus.

303 Skimmer Ade League Week 1
Druckenwell Marksmen at Commenor Gundarks (4-6)
Atzerri Bandits at Concordia Crusaders (16-7)
Tatooine Sandskimmers at Cloud City Sky Captains (7-3)

TAG: @Vehn @galactic-vagabond422 @Bardan_Jusik @Trieste

 

IC: Kassandra Kirt
Atalanta, Bakura

The chiming of Kass’s commlink snapped her out of a coding sprint. She’d been pounding out code, running it through debuggers, checking that she’d closed her strings properly, and all the other reviews she’d been taught over the last three years. The interruption brought her back to her senses…including the fact that it was now night out. When she’d started it had been the afternoon.

That meant she’d forgotten to eat. Again. It happened whenever she got in the groove. She opened a drawer within arm’s reach and grabbed the first nutrient bar she could as she answered her commlink.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi Kass,” her dad replied. “Good time?”

“Yeah, sure,” Kass said before taking a first bite out of the bar. “I had to eat at some point today.”

He just chuckled. This was not the first time he’d encountered his daughter’s single-minded focus. “I just wanted to make sure you got the tickets sorted.”

This week was UBCS, her mom’s alma mater and former employer. They were playing at the Blue Birds’ home stadium this year, which meant it was the easiest game for her dad to attend.

“Yeah, of course. 10 tickets for the you and the neighbors at will call,” Kass said through a mouth of oats. She swallowed. “Oh! Right! They’ll be under the name Coretta Swift.”

Kass could hear her dad’s unspoken confusion on the other end of the line before he replied. “You’re going to have to explain that one.”

“Apparently Bolo likes to put all the team tickets under the names of country music singers.” Kass shrugged even though her dad couldn’t see it.

“Well…I certainly won’t forget that. But what about the rest of the season?”

“What do you mean?” Kass asked with confusion.

“I asked for 10 tickets for UBCS and then one ticket for me for the rest of the season,” he said.

“Really?” Kass asked, surprised and skeptical. “That’s super far for you to travel every week.”

“I talked about it with Mom. She’s going to watch Olivar every week now, so we thought it was fair if I saw all of your games,” her dad said.

“But what about work?” Kass asked.

“With no elections this year I’ve got the time. Besides, you haven’t had the undivided attention of one of us since you were in Little League Limmie.” He had a point. Kassandra had still been playing in the kids league when her mom had taken a coaching job with Ojai North High School. After that had come the UBCS job and then the Mercs. Her dad had split his time between seeing Kass play and going to Olivar’s games, especially because their mom had rarely been able to break away from her own limmie games.

“I’m coming to these games one way or another, even if I have to buy tickets myself,” her dad insisted.

“OK, OK, don’t go buying any tickets from D&M. They’ve got enough credits as it is.” Kass rolled her eyes. “I’ll get you one for the rest of the season in the parents section.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “First stop: knocking off the champs.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Super easy. That’s a limmie dad’s job: be wildly optimistic for his daughter’s chances.”

Kass couldn’t help but laugh. “See you soon, Dad.”

“Go get them,” he instructed.

---

Cape Suzette, Bakura

The team walked back into the locker room, deflated. They’d fallen a couple of goals shy of toppling the defending Bak10 champions. The mood in the room was of a lost opportunity, and no one felt it more than Kass. With beings she’d grown up knowing in attendance, she’d wanted to show them how far she’d come, how good she was. Even though the Blue Birds only had a handful of players recruited by her mom, Kass had wanted to beat them and remind everyone she was her own person.

Kass covered her head with a towel and let all the air out of her lungs as she tried to put the loss behind her.

“Hey Kassandra, got a second?”

She pulled the towel off her head at the call of her coach. Using both hands to push her weary body off the bench, she staggered to her feet and headed for another office in name only, closing the door behind her.

“Yeah Coach?” Kass asked with the little energy she still had.

“What’s the record for the most hits in a GCAA limmie match?” Bolo asked, his clear eyes locking with hers.

Kass wrinkled her nose and knit her brow in confusion. “I don’t know? I’m sure some stat nerd knows though?”

“Well I figured you had to know because you were flyin’ out there today like you were tryin’ to break it,” Den Bolo said.

“Yeah, really wanted to take this one,” Kass said.

“I know, I know,” Bolo agreed. He paused and his mouth shifted to one side as if he was thinking. “Look Kassandra: I’m gonna come right out and say it. You are, without question, the most talented athlete I have ever coached. I mean, hands down.”

“Oh.” Kass wasn’t expecting that. “Thank you.”

“Here’s the thing,” Bolo continued. “The way you play out there? It’s like you think you gotta do everything. Like you’re the only one who can make a play. Kassandra, you might be a one in a trillion player, but out there you’re one a 15. You hear what I’m sayin’?”

Kass almost opened her mouth to reply. She didn’t think coach was right. It was her job to do more. She was a Senior. She if she wasn’t going to make plays, who was? Before she said something, her brain kicked in. What if all that was true…and Coach Bolo wasn’t wrong?

Instead of saying what was on her mind, Kass settled for a nod. “Thanks for the feedback, coach. I’ll think about it on the shuttle back.” She turned to go.

“Hey Kassandra?”

“Yeah?” She faced Den again.

“I heard you got your dad and some of your hometown friends here today,” Den said. “Enjoy the time with them. Don’t let what happened on the field get in the way of that.”

“I’ll do my best, coach,” Kass promised.

“Well then I know you’re gonna have a good time because your best is pretty darn amazin’, Kassandra Kirt!” Den said brightly.

Despite the loss, Kassandra smiled. “Don’t beat yourself up either, Coach. We almost had them.”

“Oh yeah,” Bolo said with a casual wave of his hand. “It’s just a game, right?”

Kassandra opened the door. “Just a game. Right,” she murmured as she headed out.

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

​

​

IC: The Rancor Pitt

"LIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! From downtown Keldabe, on a sunny and warm Victory afternooooon. Welcome on into the Rancor Pitt, here on your wave home of the reigning Galactic Cup Champion Mando'ade Mercs. I'm Randy the Rancor, he's Justin Pitt. Liz over on the boards, with Kitterich on the other side of the glass and oh baby do we have a lot to talk about today."

"One game, one win!"

"That's right, that's right, just a game into the new season as the Mercs defend their latest title and man, did it not take them long to get things going as they take down the team we're all sick of, the Geonoisis Gangbusters 21 to three in an all important early season conference win."

"Those conference standings do make this doubly important, but really it just feels good to get a win right away on the season especially going away like this."

"18 point margin of victory was the largest the league saw this weekend, one dominated by defensive matches across the ELL."

"Loved it!"

"Mercs were one of just three teams to even score in the double digits, and the only one to break the 20 point threshold."

"Yeah, Starkillers scored ten in their eight point shut down of the Officers while the Pirates..."

"I still hate those guys."

"...took down the Strugglers 11 to three."

"Miners managed a close win, scoring just six but allowing only two to the Hyperdrives as they welcomed Fondor to the league."

"Lots of low scoring games, which is what made the Mercs output a veritable offensive explosion, led by Hurtle and Carp who put in just three points apeice."

"Not even sure that leads the league in points scored for either player!"

"Has to beat anyone on the Officers or Hyperdrives!"

"Ha!"

"Sure sure, and they scored in different ways, Carp on three bar points, while Hurtle got the Mercs only goal of the entire match,".

"They were taking bar shots from all over the field in a kind of pray and spray approach we haven't seen much of during Coach Kirt's short tenure here as head coach."

"Never saw it under Kor'le either, both tended towards a more advanced attack, getting in close and yeah maybe taking a lot of shots, but also making them all count. Some of the shots from midfield had no chance of going in..."

"And yet two did."

"It was just an constant barrage, some were bound to get through."

"Bar shots from all over the field, Gangbusters never knew where the next one would come from, and the Mercs exploited that."

"Well it only worked because the Mercs defense held so strong, otherwise the offense would have had to get in there and run their normal offense, or at least one we're more used to. But because the defense was so stingy, the Mercs just kind of peppered the bar and ended up scoring 21 which was more than enough for the win."

"Think we see that again next week?"

"Against the Pirates?"

"Oh how I hate them."

"Not a chance, Carratos always plays us tough, and they have a good defense year in and year out. Look for a heavy attack from coach kirt, but one more controlled and less reliant on luck against those guys."

"The scores are random, they're all based on luck!"

TAG @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

OOC: Last weekend of fall ball tournaments, so early scores again here this week.

"Hi I'm Ken Kitterich with your five by five sports update brought to you by Merr-Sonn, Fill you enemies with primal fear, fill their lungs with fire, Merr-Sonn."

"Just two weeks into the college bolo ball season and the big news this week was number four University of Kuat's stunning loss to unranked University of Coruscant..."

"Look for them to get some love this week."

"...a loss that could see them drop out of the top ten."

"Doubt they drop that far."

"Of course back at number ten University of Tatooine took their own loss that will see them fall."

"Meaning the twin sunned world won't have three teams ranked in the top ten anymore."

"Further down the rankings, number 20 Verpine Techs big win should see them in the all too soon playoff discussion."

"I can see them making the field."

"While the Bak10 had a an exciting weekend punctuated by Atalanta University's 36 to 34 win over UB Telaan Valley..."

"Highest combined score for any game of the season so far."

"I'm Ken Kitterich and this has been your five by five sports update. I'll be back with you next hour at five after the hour but until then more of the Rancor Pitt, right here on the Fandalorian!"

TAG: @Trieste

---

HSN Top 25 after Week Two (LW)

1. Keldabe Military Institute (1)
2. University of Denon, Eastlake (2)
3. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead (3)
4. Mos Eisley University, Tatooine (5)
5. University of Bison (6)
6. Cloud City University, Bespin (7)
7. University of Kuat (4)
8. Imperial College of Bastion (8)
9. University of Zeltros, Paradise (9)
10. Chandrila A&M University (11)
11. Druckenwell Technical University (12)
12. University of Tatooine (10)
13. The Ord Sabaok University (13)
14. Wookiee Forrest Institute (14)
15. Chiss Ascendancy University, Pesfavri (15)
16. Verpine Technical Institute (20)
17. University of Onderon Rupings (19)
18. University of Agamar (21)
19. Royal College of Hapes (16)
20. UB Salis D'aar (20)
21. University of Thyferra (23)
22. University of Denon (25)
23. Grand Vulptur System University (NR)
24. Concord War College (18)
25. University of Coruscant (NR)

Dropped out: Technical institute of Jakku, University of Euceron

 

CatChat holo updates from @TheBestBast


“What’s up, Miner fans? How was that for a way to start the season off?!

“First up, props to Runi for a shutdown in her first ELL start! Way to make an impression, sister. But let’s not forget how important Gerald was to the win. He took a lot of heat last season, so make sure to give him his love now.

“We definitely earned the win at midfield today. Wicks showed why the Hyperdrives are in the ELL. The rematch with them later this season is going to be epic. You can quote me on that!

“I know it was a slow day on offense, but Jimsey showed why the Miners held onto him this offseason. What a performance under pressure!

“Speaking of Ralltiirians, it’s the Starkillers next week for the conference lead. You won’t want to miss it!”

TAG: @JM_1977

 

GM Post

Bonus potential this week to Bakura, Euceron*, and Mando'ade.

Week 2
Fondor Hyperdrives at Euceron Officers (6-8)
Ralltiir Starkillers at Bakura Miners (12-4)
Carratos Pirates at Mando’ade Mercs (5-15)
Geonosis Gangbusters at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers (11-18)

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @jcgoble3 @JM_1977 @The Jedi in the Pumas @Vehn

*jc is probably asking why Euceron gets a bonus roll since he didn't post. Unbeknownst to him, we discussed it privately before the start of the season and we agreed that running the SAL is a fair amount of work and that he deserves a bonus roll whenever he gets scores up.

 

Sub-GM Post

Bonus rolls this week to Cloud City (28) and Concordia (28).

303 Skimmer Ade League Week 2
Commenor Gundarks at Atzerri Bandits (17-11)
Cloud City Sky Captains at Concordia Crusaders (3-15)
Druckenwell Marksmen at Tatooine Sandskimmers (2-14)

TAG: @Vehn @galactic-vagabond422 @Bardan_Jusik @Trieste

 

CatChat holo updates from @TheBestBast


“OK B Nation, that was a tough one. I mean, on the bright side the defense is looking better, right? Too bad the Starkillers are bringing that same defense again this season. And Paol Gynd coming off the bench to put up that many points? They won’t be happy to see that on Mandalore!

“But let’s not talk about the Miners. Let’s talk about the Sky Captains. I know a lot of folks are rolling their eyes at them. And I get it. I never played for them, so I’m pretty objective about this. Shay has done a lot to help Cloud City, but it comes down to what? Say it with me now.

“Credits. That’s right.

“The Mercs and Starkillers have basically devoted draft picks to their affiliates. Yeah, those players are getting experience that can help the big clubs, but they also retain a lot of that talent if they don’t make the jump to the ELL. They’re basically running mini-ELL rosters courtesy of the main teams.

“But that costs credits—and the Miners are notorious for their internal salary cap. They’re not going to start putting credits into the Sky Captains. I’m not saying the Sky Captains can’t compete, but the Captains are about a decade behind the curve.

“tl;dr Understand institutional context! See you for home game #3 against the Officers. Be there, be loud, be proud!”

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @jcgoble3

 

IC: Kassandra Kirt
Atalanta, Bakura

Kass hated games like this.

Sure, the home crowd made noise every time UBTV touched the boloball, doing everything they could to give Kass and the rest of the defense an edge in disrupting the attack. Unfortunately, the Pioneers didn’t seem very shaken. Their offense was so smooth that they looked like they were in their own stadium. The only silver lining was that the Titan offense was running lights out too, counterpunching with every blow.

It was the kind of day where nothing Kass did felt like it changed the course of the game. It wasn’t enough to know that sometimes her play stopped a goal when it still resulted in a point over the bar.

Even though he was new to limmie, Coach Bolo seemed to have figured out that strategic deployment of timeouts would be part of what made the difference today. Though he didn’t have the timing down perfectly, he was generally successful in giving the team a break exactly when they needed it.

They were getting a timeout now and Kass welcomed it—especially because she had her usual hookup.

One of the hydration specialists tossed Kass a bottle on her swoop by to service the rest of the defense. Kass tilted her head back and squeezed a stream of bright green electrolytes into her mouth. She swished it around the inside of her mouth, as if it could be absorbed directly into her gums, before swallowing and taking another swig.

By the time she finished, the hydration specialist had returned. Kass tossed the bottle back and received a second in a simultaneous airborn exchange. This one was filled with water. The defender squirted it straight into her face and hair to cool down. She then shook her head, letting concentric circles of droplets fly.

“You’re too good to me, Lyndsey,” Kass said, handing the water bottle back.

Sophomore Lyndsey Cash holstered the bottle in her caddy. “And you’re too kind!” Kass wondered if this job was easy for Lyndsey after having worked the sidelines for the Miners as a hydration specialist.

“You see anything out there? I’ll take whatever I edge I can get in this one,” Kass asked with the timeout winding down.

“You look good! Keep doing your thing!” Lyndsey said before racing off to the Titans bench.

Kass watched her go for a few seconds, catching a look at Coach Bolo, watching in his dark blue puffy jacket embroidered with the Titans logo. She could faintly make out his words of encouragement: “Let’s keep it goin’. We got this one.”

The defender pulled a deep breath into her lungs. She wished she were so confident about how this was going to turn out.

---

“Whoo-ee! Now that was some darn fine limmie out there,” Coach Bolo said, jogging into the locker room, clapping his hands. “I mean 70 points?! That’s like a smashball score when everybody ate their Wookiee Wheaties. Y’all have Wookiee Wheaties here, right?”

“We’re more of a Cocoa Asteroids crowd here,” one of the players said.

“Wrong. Count Chocooku is the best cereal in the galaxy,” another stated.

“Ummm, you’re all forgetting about Lucky Lightsabers,” Kass interjected without thinking. She immediately regretted getting pulled into a debate about breakfast cereal. She was a GCAA athlete for Force sake, not 5 years old.

“Oooooh, we got a winner there,” Coach Lasso said, shaking an appreciative finger at Kass. “I always like me the red ones.”

“Don’t all the marshmallow lightsabers taste the same?” somebody asked.

“Yeah, but the red ones turn my blue milk into purple milk, ya know? Always get a kick outta that. Anyways, great game y’all. And before we hit the showers, I want everyone to take a look in their cubbies. Got each of you a little gift to commemorate our first home game of the season,” Bolo continued.

That was definitely…new. She’d never gotten a gift from a coach, unless you counted the Little League Limmie participation trophy that everyone got. Kass found she was intrigued. She opened her cubby to discover a wrapped, rectangular package. As she heard other players rip the paper, Kass slipped one finger under a seam and pulled underneath to break the tape for a more orderly reveal.

It was a holobook: Midnight and on to Morning. Kass turned her wrist to look at the back cover. She thought she remembered this book. It was the kind of book you got assigned in middle school. Why had Coach Bolo given them all a young adult book?

Except as Kass looked around, he hadn’t given it to all of them. Kelli had Plow the Desert. Kass hadn’t even heard of that one. As she surveyed the locker room, she could see each cover was different.

“Very cool. Thanks Coach!” one of the forwards gushed.

“Aww, don’t think anything of it,” Coach said with a wave of his hand. “Hey, like I said, fantastic job out there today never giving up. Now get cleaned up so you can get on outta here and enjoy the rest of the weekend. See you bright and early on Centaxday.”

Kass ran her thumb over the spine of the holobook. It was a nice thought, but between practice, training, classes, and coding she wasn’t going to have time to read. She was a GCAA athlete. If there was a job description, free time wasn’t on it. Kass tucked the book into her bag. She’d put it on her shelf. Maybe she’d get to it after the season.

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

Logan Manx-Sandin
Carratos

Here I am again, looking over tape. I put Alex to bed gave them a kiss on the head and returned to watching games from last year. How did I get this bad? When did I slide off a cliff? My eyes fall on the shelf in the living room where Mikia and I kept our hardware. I see the Legann awards I've won, clearly I was good at some point in time, where did I go wrong?

"Hey babe?" Mikia's voice sounds through the room, pulling my attention to her.

"Hey you."

She takes a seat next to me looking at the tape. "Week 5?"

"Yeah." I reply.

"Going through last season again?" She asks arching her brow.

"Yeah, always something to learn."

"This is your third time, there can't be much more babe." I hear the concern in her voice I know I've been going at this hard, for a while.

"I mean, I have to learn something, I can't let this last season be for nothing I have to show that I have learned, if I'm going to get another job."

"You been looking for another job? Another Coaching job?"

"I ah…" I waffle a little, "Not right away but, I mean, what else am I going to do? I'm not exactly qualified to do anything else."

"You don't have to go back to work."

"Don't I?"

"Not really, you were a coach for nearly two decades, a player before that, I was a player for a good long while...we are, baring any unforeseen disasters, set."

"What about our charity work?"

"Well, it's not like we have zero income, we have some investments, and interest gained…" She can see my eye glazing over as she realizes I didn't really study in uni, and she did. "We're ok, we're not buying a yacht anytime soon, but nothing has to change."

"You mean I could have quit years ago?"

"I mean you could have but, you love limme too much."

"I mean it would have saved us from last season."

"You gotta stop with this last season stuff."

"Ok, it wasn't just last year but the last few years were a little iffy, I mean we missed the playoffs more than we made them."

"Things got a little rough but, it wasn't out of the ordinary."

"But there were signs Mikia, signs I was missing."

"And there's a time for that, but you've been burning yourself up doing this." She takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. "You have time to learn. Maybe you should take some time for yourself. You have the time now."

"You haven't gone crazy with me in the house?"

"No, in fact, having you around is nice. You can look after Alex and I get some help around the house. And…" She leans in and plants a kiss on my lips. "I do love you."

"I love you too…" I return the kiss and I feel her pulling on my hands.

"Come on lover, let's go to bed."

"Alright, Alright." I give up she is right, I have been obsessing over this. Maybe I should take some time.

I always said I wouldn't mind spending more time with Mikia.

TAG: No one

 

​

IC: The Rancor Pitt

"LIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! From downtown Keldabe, on a sunny but cool victory afternooooon. Welcome on into the Rancor Pitt, here on your wave home of the reigning Galactic Cup Champion Mando'ade Mercs. I'm Randy the Rancor, he's Justin Pitt. Liz over on the boards, with Kitterich on the other side of the glass and oh baby do we have a lot to talk about today."

"Mercs defense leading the way again!"

"Yeah they did allowing just five points to the Pirates in their ten point win over Carratos to move to two and oh on the season..."

"Two and oh in conference as well."

"...and like you said, once again the defense was dominant."

"Allowed just eight points all season now, and what's crazy about that is that's good for just second in the league."

"Really? Wow, who is first?"

"Ralltiir, also two and oh has allowed just six points this season."

"Holy osik."

"So the last two Galactic Cup participants, the last two years running now, lead the league two weeks into this season in terms of defense."

"That's a lot of twos."

"Has to mean something."

"No, just no."

"Actually offense seems to be down across the league this season so far..."

"I hear they deadened the ball."

"...last week only three teams scored in the double digits, with the Mercs being the only one to break the 20 point barrier."

"Yeah we talked about that all last week."

"...while here for week two, four teams broke into double digits..."

"Just half the league."

"...with no team scoring more than 18, that being the Strugglers, who scored just three in week one."

"Well what's going on? Is this a new trend for the league, just an aberration caused by a small sample size? I don't get it."

"Not like there have been any rule changes emphasizing defensive play or penalizing offenses."

"We did just expand, maybe that's it?"

"Well, the two new teams to the league, the Hyperdrives and Officers scored a combined four points as they each took losses in week one."

"Ouch."

"While they played each other this last weekend, what turned out to be an eight to six win for Euceron."

"So neither team has scored in the double digits thus far."

"Fondor's defense hasn't allowed an opposing offense to score double digits yet either, they held Bakura to six."

"Officers allowed ten to the Starkillers in a week one loss."

"Right, so we see right there with the two new teams, an obvious emphasis on slowing the game down and playing defensive limmie."

"I like defense but man, it is slow."

"Like watching a lightball game."

"Ugh, nothing is that slow."

"Meanhwhile the Mercs have at least scored in the double digits both weeks."

"So have the Starkillers."

"...and lead the league in point differential early in the season here."

"Wow, looking at that only two teams have a plus PD..."

"Let me guess, Mercs and Starkillers." It was a statement not a question.

"You got it."

"Still, it seems like even the Mercs are taking a slower grind things out approach now, last week it was peppering the ball from all over the field..."

"Like being nibbled to death by cats."

"...while this week they played a strong time of possession game against the Pirates."

"I still hate them."

"But it seemed to work for them, and even though they scored fewer points than last week, the Pirates own strong defense has a lot to say about that."

"That's a tough unit over there."

"Allowed just three to the Smugglers."

"Doesn't explain why scores are down across the league though..."

"I know, I know!"

"Yeah Liz?"

"We need more Players, that's with a capital P, getting bonus rolls."

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422

 

​

"Hi I'm Ken Kitterich with your five by five sports update brought to you by Merr-Sonn, Fill you enemies with primal fear, fill their lungs with fire, Merr-Sonn."

"Third week of the college bolo ball season has come and gone and the big news of course was the fall of number one ranked KMI to an up and coming Verpine Tech..."

"They might break the top ten now."

"The Warriors loss of course will be Denon, Eastlaek's gain as they look to take the top spot, though there will be other movement there in the top ten as number five University of Bison also lost."

"Yeah look for a shakeup in the top ten."

"Over in the Bak10, UBSD's win should see them knocking on the door of the top 16 and one of the coveted playoff spots while Atalanta University's close 26 to 25 UB Gesco City might see them get some votes..."

"Don't count on it."

"I'm Ken Kitterich and this has been your five by five sports update. I'll be back with you next hour at five after the hour but until then more of the Rancor Pitt, right here on the Fandalorian!"

TAG: @Trieste

---

HSN Top 25 after Week Three (LW)

1. University of Denon, Eastlake (2)
2. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead (3)
3. Keldabe Military Institute (1)
4. Mos Eisley University, Tatooine (4)
5. Cloud City University, Bespin (6)
6. University of Kuat (7)
7. Imperial College of Bastion (8)
8. University of Bison (5)
9. University of Zeltros, Paradise (9)
10. Chandrila A&M University (10)
11. Verpine Technical Institute (16)
12. The Ord Sabaok University (13)
13. Wookiee Forrest Institute (14)
14. Chiss Ascendancy University, Pesfavri (15)
15. Druckenwell Technical University (11)
16. University of Tatooine (12)
17. UB Salis D'aar (20)
18. University of Onderon Rupings (17)
19. University of Agamar (18)
20. University of Denon (22)
21. University of Coruscant (25)
22. Royal College of Hapes (19)
23. University of Thyferra (21)
24. Pirtolanda State University (NR)
25. Atalanta University (NR)

Dropped out: Grand Vulptur System University, Concord War College

 

Logan Manx-Sandin
Carratos

I wake up, the bed empty beside me. It's not uncommon for Mikia to wake up before me and get a workout in before taking Alex to school. And I've enjoyed sleeping in for the past few months, it's been nice. After the talking to Mikia gave me I've been more relaxed, more easy going. I think I might like this, or maybe it just hasn't gotten boring yet. I might go back to work, but I'm not worried about it any more.

I roll over realizing that I don't her my wife's breaths as she lifted a heavy weight, nor did I hear that heavy weight getting set back down. I look at the nightstand patting around for my datapad. Something was going on. Opening it up he found a message from Mikia.

Had to run an errand, could you drop Alex off at school?

He hadn't done the school run in a bit but, he wasn't put out. Checking the chrono I have about an hour before I have to drive Alex to school but I should probably start getting them up now.

But first I have to get up. I shake my head running my fingers though my long black hair. With a deep breath I grab my hoverchair and pull it close. In very practiced motions from over two decades of doing this I sit up and scoot/ lift myself up into the seat. Easy peasy, next caf, I move into the living room and already smell the caf brewing. I love my wife, she always thinks ahead.

I see it's still brewing and move on to the next task.

"Hey little one." I say knocking on Alex's door. "Time to get up." There was no response, "Come on Alex, time to get ready for school."

"Five more minutes…" came the groan from the otherside.

"Sorry kiddo, on a bit of a time crunch."

Another groan answers me. "Come on, Alex, it's not that bad." Another loud groan.

"Fine." An exasperated sigh came from the otherside of the door. I move away a slight smile on my face, that was easier than it usually was. There would be at least a good five minutes of groaning and a whole production. Guess they're just showing mercy. I get my caff then check the chrono again, it's been about 5 minutes...and still no sign of the kid.

"Alex you up yet?" No reply "Come on, I will come in there if I have to."

"Just getting dressed give me a break." an annoyed voice yelled back.

"Alright."

It was a little bit longer before my darling child danes to grace me with their presence. We step out of our apartment and I look to Alex.

"Hey, what to go for a ride?" I ask patting my lap.

"Daddy, I'm not a little kid anymore." They reply looking away.

"Aww you used to love when I gave you a ride."

"When I was a baby, maybe."

I get a little quiet moving next to Alex heading down to the speeder park, where my speeder is. It's mine because it's been altered to make it easier to get my chair in and out, and lacks petals since well, I can't really put pressure down on them. I make sure Alex is buckled in and take her to school.

"Have a good day Alex!" I called out as they exit the speeder and run up the stairs. They give a slight wave back to me but head inside.

Back home I find things to do, watch some holo, pick up around the house, what I can any way and generally just wait for Mikia. Another message came in.

The errand is taking a little longer you up for pick up as well?"

Sure, everything ok? I reply

Yeah, the line is just long and I had to go to a few shops to find what I needed.

I nod my head and head down driving over to the school and wait in line with the other parents. I look through my datapad checking the scores, the Pirates fell to the Mercs and I feel a little bummed, they're still my team despite how I was treated. I feel bad for the coach...who were they? They didn't seem to warrant a mention in the reports, mostly it was just Zar, the rookie making some waves, and Iris starting to get back on form, not that it was helping.

Before too long I hear a horn behind me, looking up I see a crowd of kids and the speeders starting to move.

A few more minutes of waiting later I pick up Alex and give her a smile as they give a wave to what look like friends.

"Have a good day?"

"Yeah."

"Learn anything fun."

"Yeah…"

Really talkative today huh…

I drive us home, and on the way up I give them a smile. Sure they were stubborn and withdrawn but I still love them...I have to don't I?

Back home I move to the kitchen.

"Want any ice cream?" I call out.

"What?" Alex replies surprise in her voice.

"Well, I mean it's about time for an after school snack. And I want ice cream you in?"

"Yeah" They shot back like I was asking a stupid question.

I pull down the carton and scoop out some of the tasty treat. We sit at the table eating afternoon ice cream quietly looking at each other. They look so much like Mikia, though they got my black hair and light eyes. I am glad that they didn't inherit the defect that took away my legs, one of the things I worried most about when Mikia revealed that she was pregnant.

We finish the ice cream and I wash up before joining Alex in the living room to watch some cartoons. It's not the height of comedy but, we both laugh, and I am surprised at some of the turns of phrase the show used. Kids' shows were brazen sometimes, not sure Alex understands or not, and I hope they don't.

Mikia returns, giving Alex a kiss on the top of the head.

"Have fun with daddy?"

"Yeah, can daddy pick me up all the time?"

"Humm, not sure."

I think about it...it wouldn't be so bad, spending more time with Alex...

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

GM Post

Bonus potential for Bakura, Carratos, Euceron, and Mando'ade.

Week 3 results
Euceron Officers at Bakura Miners (23-13)
Geonosis Gangbusters at Carratos Pirates (3-11)
Fondor Hyperdrives at Ralltiir Starkillers (18-30)
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Mando’ade Mercs (6-38)

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @jcgoble3 @JM_1977 @The Jedi in the Pumas @Vehn

 

Sub-GM Post

OOC note: If you make a post that qualifies for a 33- or 38-point bonus, it is extremely helpful if you tag me on that post (like Trieste did with the post discussing the Sky Captains' issues) so that I know to look at the post more closely. While I try to read all posts, I sometimes skim a little bit (especially since I am so tired all the time this semester trying to finish my degree), and a buried mention of the SAL team can be missed when I do. If I do miss your 33+ bonus, chastise me in the OOB thread and I'll give you the missed bonus the next time you would otherwise only have a 25 or 28.

Bonus rolls this week to Cloud City (38), Atzerri (28), and Concordia (28).

303 Skimmer Ade League Week 3
Concordia Crusaders at Atzerri Bandits (14-13)
Cloud City Sky Captains at Druckenwell Marksmen (21-12)
Commenor Gundarks at Tatooine Sandskimmers (24-3)

TAG: @Vehn @galactic-vagabond422 @Bardan_Jusik @Trieste

 

IC: Kassandra Kirt
Atalanta, Bakura

​

Kass groaned and let her head fall onto the keyboard. Every time she put her code into the test environment there was a new error. Every fix seemed to spawn another bug. She now feared she’d have to start this project all over. She didn’t think her code was fatally flawed, but she was having trouble untangling whatever mess she’d made.

She rolled her face over to one side to rest her cheek against the keyboard. “Stupid code doing stupid things,” she grumbled.

She knew the smart thing to do was take a break, even though she wanted to keep going and get it done. She was tired and making mistakes. It was too late to go work out, her usual solution. She’d already eaten tonight. She definitely wouldn’t sleep with how wound up she was.

As her mind worked through her options, Kass realized her eyes had settled on Midnight and on to Morning, resting in front of neatly-stacked coding manuals from her classes. Kass sighed. She might as well give it a try.

She leaned to grab the book without moving from her chair. She clutched it and dragged it towards her before rolling out of her chair in the opposite direction, only to fall onto her bed, belly up. She cracked the book open, held it above her head, and flipped to the first page.

Kass had to admit that was a pretty good hook to start a story. She kept reading.

---

Kass ate her cereal without looking at the bowl while she read. She frequently had to search with her spoon to find anything other than blue milk. It wasn’t a big enough inconvenience to stop reading.

---

Kass read in spurts as the holobook came into view while she did sit-ups. Soon she’d switch to the treadmill, which would allow her to read continuously. She was tempted to start now, but she couldn’t let a book interrupt her regular workout.

Even if it was a really good book.

---

Atalanta, Bakura

“OK y’all, we know the Cubs are gonna come out flyin’ today. Lotta speed on the outside, so we gotta watch that. Remember what we practiced and we’re gonna be fine,” Coach Bolo said.

How could Kassandra forget? That had been the refrain from practice all week: lots of speed on the outside. She was pretty sure she’d even dreamed about speed on the outside this week.

Except she almost had forgotten. Every spare moment (and even some that weren’t spare) she’d been reading Midnight and on to Morning. It was actually killing her—she knew she needed to be focused on today’s game (and she’d been disciplined enough not to pick up the holobook to just do her regular gameday routine), but she also had to know what happened to Ada, Yaloy, and Havi now that they’d reached the Cave of Garadoog. There weren’t many pages left now. Things were going to come to a head soon.

“Let’s go!” Coach Bolo finished, prompting the team to huddle together for a final moment before the took to a foreign field.

Kass pressed her shoulders against her teammates, some of whom she’d known since she was a Freshman. “Titans on three,” someone said as they put their hands into the middle of the knot. “One two three—”

“—TITANS!” Kass shouted with the rest. As she passed through the locker room door to the field entrance, she reflected that the passageway wasn’t exactly the entrance to the Cave of Garadoog, but it still might be an adventure.

---

“OK, look. We all know that first half didn’t go the way we wanted, but we had some bad bounces. They canceled out the hard work we did. But the way out is through, ya know? Just buckle down, keep the flow goin’, OK?” Coach Bolo told his crew at halftime. “I just want y’all to reset. Shake the cobwebs outta your head. Do what you need to do. ‘Cause our job now isn’t to win the game. That starship has sailed.” Coach mimed that action by moving his hand through the air, as if it was headed for space. “Our job is to win this half. And we’re a team that can do that, all right?”

The Baby Bears had put in a respectable half and the Titans hadn’t. They were down deep to the visitors. Kass thought Coach was being generous…but she couldn’t disagree with him. Some improbable passes had connected and weird bounces scored. She took a deep breath and decided to trust her coach.

Kass twisted and reached into her cubby. She grasped the holobook and went to the trainer’s room.

“What do you need, K?” one of the athletic assistants, a student like her, asked. “Shoulder?”

Kass shot the trainer a death ray look that put the Death Star to shame. “No. Roll my right thigh out, OK?”

“You got it.”

As Kass lay belly down on the table, she read.

---

The fans were getting back into it now. A couple of goals and the Titans were back in it. They had watched their team fight and claw their way through the Cubs’ lead to make the possibility of a win real.

But UBGC hadn’t given up. They knew what had worked for them in the first half and continued to put pressure there. They used long passes to move the boloball up the field quickly, to get behind the defense.

One was incoming now. As Kass judged the trajectory, she knew she could make it there to intercept the ball. But she also realized that her teammate was almost as close and had just as good a chance at getting there. Kass backed off, holding her zone.

When the Cub got to the boloball first, she had a Titan on her heels. She made a quick, hurried pass—to where Kass was waiting in the lane to pick it off. Kass turned the play with a quick boot back up the field.

Kass gave herself a nod as the crowd cheered.

---

Kass knew she should be tired after that nailbiter against the Cubs. Halfway through the second half the teams began trading the lead. In the end, the Titans had been the one with the last score and the win.

At 3-1, the Titans had made a good start to the season. That knowledge was probably why adrenaline was still moving through Kass’s body. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep—let alone concentrate on any of her coursework.

Instead, she’d picked up Midnight and on to Morning. She was nearly done after her halftime reading. The holobook created enough light that she could read it without turning on any of the lights in her room.

As Kass looked at the last line, she was silent for a moment.

“Oh frak me,” she blurted out.

Coach Bolo was a clever one.

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

CatChat holo updates from @TheBestBast


“What’s up Miner fans? Yeah, I’ve seen your CatChats and I’m with you: we needed more out of the offense in that last one. I’m not criticizing my teammates. We all know we’ve got to do better there. Leigh’s already working us hard on practice. We’ve got a good front six, we just have to get it to show up.

“But big congrats to my old midfield partner Flea on the Sky Captains’ first win of the season! They put it together this week. My game MVP goes to Astra Sixtrees, who led the team in scoring this week.

“So the big topic this week is whether the Miners are going to think about bringing up any talent from the Captains or—and wouldn’t this be exciting—go all in with a trade. It’s been forever since we had a midseason trade, hasn’t it? Your guess is as good as mine. Unless you’re a trade target, you don’t hear anything from management even as a player.

“My bet? This week’s game on Nar Shaddaa might be what makes the decision on that front. As if you needed another reason to watch this one!”

TAG: @jcgoble3 @Vehn

 

​

IC: The Rancor Pitt

"LIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! From downtown Keldabe, on a cloudy and cool victory afternooooon. Welcome on into the Rancor Pitt, here on your wave home of the reigning Galactic Cup Champion Mando'ade Mercs. I'm Randy the Rancor, he's Justin Pitt. Liz over on the boards, with Kitterich on the other side of the glass and oh baby do we have a lot to talk about today."

"Limmie gods must have heard us talking about defense, because oh man did the offenses come alive this weekend!"

"For the Mercs it sure did as they scored 38 while allowing just six to the Strugglers here as they move to three and oh on the season..."

"Mercs D still doing their thing!"

"...setting up a huge week four matchup against the likewise undefeated Ralltiir Starkillers."

"Starkillers also broached the 30 point plateau this weekend defeating Fondor..."

"Who finally scored in the double digits."

"...so their offense is starting to come alive too."

"That should be a great matchup, a rematch of the last two Galactic Cup games, a nd a match between the ELL's only two remaining undfeated teams this season."

"It's a big, big game. First non conference game for each team as well, so it should be interesting to see how it plays out."

"Well both team are playing at a really high level, so it's certainly the ELL game of the week..."

"Do we even have such a thing? Hey @Trieste , we need a game of the week every week."

"...but we have all week to talk about that, let's talk about this past weekend's game and what the Mercs did to the Strugglers."

"Coach Kirt had them doing whatever they wanted out there."

"Yeah it was a dominating performance."

"She put together a great game plan, and give the players their credit too, because they executed it to perfection."

"Defense held them to six, and haven't allowed any opposing offense to score in the double digits against therm yet this season."

"Ralltiir will test that."

"While the offense put up their 38 as they simply imposed their will on the Struggler defense."

"38 is the most any team has scored this season, though as we talked about all last week offense is down across the league this season."

"Yeah, finally had a couple teams break the 30 point mark this weekend..."

"And the Officers put up 23 in their win while Fondor and Bakura also finally scored in the double digits though they still suffered losses."

"So offenses seemed to finally gain some traction this week, think it's a trend we see next week?"

"I hope not, I love seeing defense!"

"Should have known better than to ask that."

"Hey guys, I noticed something interesting looking at the season stats last night after the win."

"Oh yeah, what was that?"

"Well Mercs lead the league now in both points scored and points against..."

"Not surprising to see them at the top in either, but leading in both, that's cool."

"Which of course gives them the league's best point differential right now."

"That follows."

"What is interesting though is the Mercs points differential right now is higher than any other teams total points scored..."

"Wait, what?"

"Starkillers, the league's second highest scoring offense has put up 52 points on the year..."

"And after that there is a huge drop off with the Officers at 33...and goes down from there."

"Right, well the Mercs point differential is currently at 60."

"Holy osik."

"Starkillers again are at second there at a plus 28 but..."

"Yeah, Mercs at plus 60, eight points more than any other team has even scored, are dominating the field right now..."

"Let's just hope they keep it up next week."

TAG: @Vehn

 

OOC: Fall ball may be over, but daughter is on crew and she has a regatta (such a fancy word for a boat race) this weekend, so early college results for you all

​

"Hi I'm Ken Kitterich with your five by five sports update brought to you by Merr-Sonn, Fill you enemies with primal fear, fill their lungs with fire, Merr-Sonn."

"After a week of chaos in the top ten, stability now reigns supreme this week in college bolo ball as nien of the top ten teams came away with wins this weekend."

"Things really settled down after last week's shakeup."

"Of course Chandrila A&M's big loss to Duros State will see them tumble out of the ranks of the top ten."

"Look for Verp Tech to take advantage there another big win for them."

"Rovers should still be holding on to a playoff spot though right?"

"Barely."

"A little farther down the rankings pre season top ten University of Tatooine continues their tumble following a tough loss to..."

"They were already on the bubble, not sure if I see them coming back in and claiming a playoff spot."

"Plenty of season left for them to right the ship."

"While Atalanta University's own big win over College of Deredith & Millicent should see them threatening to jump into the top 20. Titans over the Colonials 33-25 there in Bak10 play..."

"Well Coach Kirt must be a happy momma after that..."

"Does she have a kid on that team?"

"Well she is never going to give you another interview."

"I'm Ken Kitterich and this has been your five by five sports update. I'll be back with you next hour at five after the hour but until then more of the Rancor Pitt, right here on the Fandalorian!"

TAG: @Trieste

---

HSN Top 25 after Week Four (LW)

1. University of Denon, Eastlake (1)
2. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead (2)
3. Keldabe Military Institute (3)
4. Mos Eisley University, Tatooine (4)
5. Cloud City University, Bespin (5)
6. University of Kuat (6)
7. Imperial College of Bastion (7)
8. Verpine Technical Institute (11)
9. University of Bison (8)
10. University of Zeltros, Paradise (9)
11. The Ord Sabaok University (12)
12. Wookiee Forrest Institute (13)
13. Chiss Ascendancy University, Pesfavri (14)
14. Druckenwell Technical University (15)
15. Chandrila A&M University (10)
16. UB Salis D'aar (17)
17. University of Agamar (19)
18. University of Denon (20)
19. University of Tatooine (16)
20. Atalanta University (25)
21. University of Coruscant (21)
22. Pirtolanda State University (24)
23. University of Onderon Rupings (18)
24. University of Kamino (NR)
25. Nessem University (NR)

Dropped out: Royal College of Hapes, University of Thyferra

 

GM Post

Bonus potential for Bakura, Euceron, and Mando'ade this week.

Week 4
Geonosis Gangbusters at Euceron Officers (27-37)
Bakura Miners at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers (36-27)
Ralltiir Starkillers at Mando’ade Mercs (20-38)
Fondor Hyperdrives at Carratos Pirates (18-28)

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @jcgoble3 @JM_1977 @The Jedi in the Pumas @Vehn

 

Sub-GM Post

OOC note: This week shows where I draw the line between 33 and 38. The "significant focus" for 38 needs to be significantly more than just a reference to simple things like game results, superficial stats, transferring players, etc. Trieste's post contained just a reference to the win, a note about a stat leader, and a brief mention of potential recalls, so it gets 33. Last week's discussion of the underlying financial reasons for the Sky Captains' long-term mediocrity was well into 38-point territory.

A non-exhaustive list of examples that would earn 38 if discussed in detail (at least a few sentences): game action, practices, team meetings, statistical analysis, ELL management discussions about SAL affiliate business matters, or discussion of the specific reasons (beyond superficial stats) for calling up, considering calling up, or retaining/releasing a specific SAL player (or multiple SAL players). Also, if you spend three or more solid paragraphs writing about the SAL team, it almost certainly qualifies, although you can definitely get it with less than that.

"Superficial stats" are things like "he was the scoring leader today". An example of non-superficial would be "he led the team today with a season-high 14 points". Basically, give me numbers and context. A non-superficial stat alone doesn't earn 38, but it helps in combination with a larger discussion.

If you are specifically trying to get 38 and not sure, just add more discussion. Quantity and quality are mostly interchangeable here. (Or PM me the relevant section and I'll respond with my verdict, usually within 24 hours, if not significantly less.)

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

Bonus rolls this week to Cloud City (33) and Concordia (28).

303 Skimmer Ade League Week 4
Tatooine Sandskimmers at Druckenwell Marksmen (24-22)
Concordia Crusaders at Commenor Gundarks (9-13)
Atzerri Bandits at Cloud City Sky Captains (25-25, OT 27-27, 2OT 27-31)

OOC note #2: I decided on the spot to throw out the old sudden death/shootout mechanic as overly complicated, and instead just use ELL-style overtime with a 0-6 roll. Actually, the whole former LFL rules post in the library thread needs a massive update as several of those rules were changed years ago, but I probably won't get to that soon.

TAG: @Vehn @galactic-vagabond422 @Bardan_Jusik @Trieste

 

IC: Kassandra Kirt
Nouvelle Orleans, Bakura

​

Down in Arielle County, beings took their limmie seriously. It was arguable whether they loved the Miners as much as the College of Deredith & Millicent Colonials. She’d never experienced it, but she’d seen the acres of tailgate tents surrounding the stadium from the team bus on her way in—four hours before game time. And clearly they’d been there for a while and they went beyond the speeder lot. While Atalanta had a healthy tailgate culture, this was something else entirely. Clearly this was indeed the College of Daddy’s Money, as the institution was popularly ridiculed.

Also entirely new: Coach Bolo’s sartorial decisions.

Kass was pretty sure she’d never seen a Bak10 head coach on the sidelines in sunglasses, a visor, and shorts. Granted, it was a bright, muggy day in what Kass had heard called “the swamp city,” but usually beings just sweated it out underneath their slacks. Sometimes a female would wear a long skirt while coaching, but Coach Bolo had probably just set a conference record for the most leg skin shown by a coach during a game courtesy of revealing some of his thighs.

Unconventional seemed to be the word of the day. Coach Bolo called a timeout a third of the way through the first half. Things were going fairly well and Kass wasn’t sure what the head coach saw that he wanted to fix. She dutifully obeyed his summons to huddle up on the sideline.

“Get on in here,” Den said jovially. “I just wanted to say that y’all are doin’ a tremendous job out there. Keep up the good work.”

The team looked at the coach askance. “And?” one of them asked.

“And go on and have some fun,” Coach Bolo continued.

“So we don’t need to change anything?”

“Nope.”

“And you didn’t see an impending disaster based on how we were aligned against them?”

“Not at all. Looked just about perfect out there.”

“And we didn’t look tired?” Kass asked.

“You’re as fresh as daisies.”

“OK then…” Kass said, handing her SkimmerAde bottle back to Lyndsey. “This was productive.”

“Not everythin’s gotta be productive? Sometimes ya just gotta enjoy the moment, ya know?”

“Maybe not in the middle of a road game?” someone suggested.

“Or maybe that’s exactly the time,” Coach Bolo said putting his hands out, palms up, pantomiming weighing two items against each other. “Ya know?”

The official blew their whistle signaling the timeout was over. “And I guess there goes our chance to unpack that, Coach!” Kass called as she ran back to her position.

“Saved by the bell!” Coach Bolo shouted back. “Hey, did y’all get that holo here or was that just a Brentaal thing?”

---

This time it was Kass who knocked on the door of the visitor’s coach’s “office”. Her copper hair was limply plastered against her skull after a grueling game in the muggy weather. It felt like she’d just played 60 minutes on Dagobah.

“Hey there KK!” Coach Bolo said. “Wait—now that I hear it, I don’t think it works. I’m gonna walk that one back. Let’s just keep it to Kassandra, K?” Coach Bolo made a surprised happy face as he realized what he’d said. “Now I wasn’t even tryin’ to do that.”

Kassandra stepped into the tiny space. She would have thought CD&M could afford to provide better facilities, but she knew they put all their credits into the home locker room. They weren’t going to waste any more than they had to on their opponents. She pressed the button to shut the door behind her, blocking out the sound of the team celebrating their fourth win of the season.

“What’s on your mind?” Coach asked, pleasant but attentive.

“I read the book,” Kass said.

“How’d you like it?” Bolo seemed genuine in his inquiry.

“It was good. Surprisingly good,” Kass admitted.

“Yeah, gotta love a good YA novel. I still read ‘em myself when I need a quick hit of some good life-defining drama.”

“It made your point pretty clearly.”

Coach Bolo gave another aww-shucks smile. “I knew you’re a smart one, Kassandra. I was pretty sure you were going to get there with a little prompting.”

“I just…” Kassandra paused and looked into the corner of the room as she tried to compose her thoughts, figure out exactly what she wanted to say. She worried her bottom lip with her top teeth briefly. “The team’s doing well. I’m happy about that. Winning is what’s important. But we’re getting destroyed on defense. I mean, CD&M’s glory days are long behind them. We should have trashed them and instead they were still in the game until the end.

“I get that I need to trust my teammates and do my job and let them do theirs. Message received. 10-4. But sometimes I don’t feel like I’m a part of us winning…and it’s hard.”

Kass hadn’t intended to say all of that. She hung her head and clutched her forehead with both hands. “I sound like a terrible being. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“No no no, it’s OK,” Coach Bolo said immediately. “I get it. Hey, take a seat.”

Kass looked around. There weren’t any chairs. Coach Bolo was lowering himself onto the floor, crossing his legs, waving for her to follow suit. She did.

“Kassandra, I’m gonna tell you something that I can’t say to the whole team. I’m gonna tell you because I think you’ll understand. Now I want you to look me in the eye as I say it, OK?” Kass did so. The eye contact was uncomfortable. Coach Bolo’s brown eyes were direct, intense.

“Kassandra, I don’t care if we win or lose.”

She blinked. “Uhhh…what?”

“I don’t care if we win or lose,” Bolo repeated. “I know that y’all love your limmie out here. Heck, I can see why it’s the beautiful game and all, but I am not here to win limmie games. I’m here to help you be the being you need to be.

“Now I could tell you about how student comes before athlete, but then I’m gonna just sound like the Chancellor Commissioner—”

“It’s just Commissioner.”

“You sure? We’ll figure that one out later,” Bolo said with a wave of his hand. “Anyways, you are on a journey, Kassandra. I knew it within 15 minutes of meetin’ ya. Now you might not be blowin’ up a Death Star or slayin’ a krayt dragon, but it’s no less important. And understandin’ that even though it’s the beautiful game, it’s still just a game is part of that journey.”

“I know that, Coach.”

“Do ya? Because the way you play out there says otherwise,” Coach Bolo said.

Kass pursed her lips for a moment before deciding she didn’t have the emotional energy right now to get into that. “So what’s the next step? What am I supposed to do on this ‘journey’?” Kass didn’t use air quotes, but they were definitely present in her tone.

“If you can see every step of the path before you, then you’re not on the right path,” Coach Bolo replied.

“That is less than helpful,” Kass informed him.

“Yeah, I think Master Yoda said that or somethin’. Anyways, you’re a Senior. Real life is comin’ so you better get used to not having a syllabus.” Coach Bolo got to his feet and offered Kassandra a hand. “I’ll give you this to get started: you shouldn’t be in here feeling sorry for yourself asking big life questions when there’s a party goin’ on outside your door.”

Kass nodded. “Fair enough.” She turned and extended her hand for the door control. The room was so small she didn’t even have to move her feet to do so.

“Hey Kassandra?”

She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Yeah?”

“You’re gonna get there. I believe in you,” Den Bolo said.

“Thanks, Coach.” Kass left and joined the party.

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

CatChat holo updates from @TheBestBast


“What did I tell you, Miner fans?! That’s what we’ve been waiting for!

“In case you haven’t noticed, everyone’s starting to get the defenses figured out. It’s going to take some major adjustments for teams to keep everyone off the score sheet now. What I think is most important is that we got broad offensive participation on the team. She doesn’t often get her due, but Alexa was the key this week. She just opened everything up. And those passes? It’s like they had eyes sometimes!

“Of course, yours truly knocked in a couple this week. NBD, just doing my part to put the beautiful in the beautiful game.

“I’d understand if you almost missed the Miners taking the first game of non-conference play though. The Sky Captains played their hearts out this week! Up and down the roster, it was a heck of a game. While you’d think that it was all on the offense, the key stops by Efrankly and de’la Pena were what secured the win in the second overtime.

“The wins get both the Miners and Sky Captains to 2-2 on the season, so anything is possible from hereon out! It’s actually a Euceron/Commenor doubleheader for the affiliated Miners/Sky Captains. It’s been ages since we’ve been on Euceron, so it should be another good show!

Ta ta for now!”

TAG: @jcgoble3

 

​

IC: The Rancor Pitt

"LIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! From downtown Keldabe, on a rainy and cool Victory afternooooon! Welcome on into the Rancor Pitt, here on your wave home of the reigning Galactic Cup Champion Mando'ade Mercs. I'm Randy the Rancor, he's Justin Pitt. Liz over on the boards, with Kitterich on the other side of the glass and oh baby do we have a lot to talk about today."

"Where did the league's defenses go?"

"Everyone knew that would be your first take here as every team in the league scored in the double digits this past week, following a pretty stagnant start to the season for most offenses, and of course the Mercs led the way with a 38 to 20 win over previously undefeated Ralltiir."

"Mercs now the lone undefeated team left in the league."

"Not that it got them much separation there in the standings, Carratos..."

"I hate those guys."

"...won too."

"Still, Mercs control their own destiny at this point, though let's be honest I don't think anyone expects them to go undefeated for the entire season."

"No, far too long a season to see something like that, but still they are undisputed tops in the ELL at the moment, though that of course isn;t their goal."

"They want to be tops at the end of the season, after another Galactic Cup championship."

"Sure, sure"

"Long way to go before we get there though as next week will mark the midpoint of the season, and I have tyo ask, are you shocked it took this long for the league's offenses to wake up?"

"Oh for sure, for sure. I mean we have talked all season about the defensive dominance across the league so far this year but we all knew it was just a matter of time before the offenses caught up."

"Just didn't expect it to happen for everyone in the same week?"

"Not at all, I mean the Officers put up 37!"

"Their offense, which admittedly set the bar really low in week one scoring just a pair of bar points, has gotten better every week though."

"Fondor still hasn't really figured things out yet, scored 18 which duplicates their effort the previous week, but that's the best they have ever scored this year."

"Yeah after so much pre season hype..."

"They host the Galactic Cup finals this year too."

"...they have kind of fallen flat."

"Bonus rolls matter people, you need to post!"

"Gangbusters and Strugglers each put up 27 in losses this week."

"That kind of effort in nearly any previous week would have earned them wins."

"Mercs scored 38 against that team from Nal Hutta's moon two weeks ago."

"I did say nearly."

"Sure, sure."

"Still it seems the offenses across the league have woken up, and just in time for the Mercs to start the road portion of their schedule."

"Yeah finished up a long four game homestand undefeated, now they go to Nal Hutta's moon to face the Strugglers for the second time this season."

"Always tough to make the proper adjustments when you dominated a team so thoroughly..."

"Oh for sure, for sure. Strugglers will know what kind of adjustments they need to make while Kirt will have to play wait and see and then adjust to the Struggler's adjustments."

"Still the talent gap between the two teams..."

"Well this is the ELL, and you know the saying any given Primeday."

"Quite right."

"You are all still overlooking the most important thing."

"What's that?"

"Bonus. Rolls."

TAG: @Vehn for the upcoming week.

 

OOC: More rowing this weekend, though at least this time we get to stay in the state. Still it means an early college update for you all!

​

"Hi I'm Ken Kitterich with your five by five sports update brought to you by Merr-Sonn, Fill you enemies with primal fear, fill their lungs with fire, Merr-Sonn."

"Final push to the college bolo ball playoffs is officially on, but all anyone is talking about is number eight Verpine Tech's stunning OT win over number seven Imperial College of Bastion last night..."

"Sets up a huge game between KMI and Verp tech next week."

"And then KMI finishes the season out against ICB themselves."

"Great end to the SEC brewing that's for sure."

"Of course that all overshadows The Ord Sabaok University's..."

"Not for me!"

"...win over Kuat this weekend, one that solidifies their own playoff resume while severely hurting the Destroyer's chances."

"They hold their destiny in their own hands after that one, that's for sure."

"Of course in the Bak10 the Titans 28 to 15 win over Tiarest University 28-15 should see them sitting squarely on the bubble."

"Going to be tough for Atalanta University to break into the playoff, but after Coach Kirt refused all my comms after what I said last week I am gong to go ahead and say they make it."

"Meanwhile also in the Bak10, UBSD did themselves no favors with a loss that should knock themselves out of a playoff spot."

"Yeah I think this is another of those year's where just one Bak10 team makes it, if any..."

"I'm Ken Kitterich and this has been your five by five sports update. I'll be back with you next hour at five after the hour but until then more of the Rancor Pitt, right here on the Fandalorian!"

TAG: @Trieste

---

HSN Top 25 after Week Five (LW)

1. University of Denon, Eastlake (1)
2. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead (2)
3. Keldabe Military Institute (3)
4. Mos Eisley University, Tatooine (4)
5. Verpine Technical Institute (8)
6. Imperial College of Bastion (7)
7. Cloud City University, Bespin (5)
8. The Ord Sabaok University (11)
9. University of Bison (9)
10. University of Zeltros, Paradise (10)
11. Wookiee Forrest Institute (12)
12. Chiss Ascendancy University, Pesfavri (13)
13. University of Kuat (6)
14. Druckenwell Technical University (14)
15. Chandrila A&M University (15)
16. University of Agamar (17)
17. Atalanta University (20)
18. University of Tatooine (19)
19. Pirtolanda State University (22)
20. University of Denon (18)
21. UB Salis D'aar (16)
22. University of Kamino (24)
23. University of Agamar (NR)
24. University of Coruscant (21)
25. Catlia Polytechnic University (NR)

Dropped out: University of Onderon Rupings, Nessem University