Star Wars OPEN Elite League Limmie

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"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."

"What's the old saying, cut the head off the snake..."

"And the body dies, yeah."

"Well the head of the snake was chopped off this weekend in college limme as not only does number one GVSU fall, but number two University of Csilla lost as well and that should shake up the top 25 in a way we haven;t seen so far this season."

"Shouldn't be that bad, both are still top sixteen teams, or at least they should be, and that's what really matters come the end of the year."

"Meanwhile both The Ord Sabaok University and University of Kashyyyk won big, looking to stake their claim to the number one overall spot."

"Go Bucks!"

"Farther down the rankings. Prytis College of Natural Sciences lost tot he Pioneers of UBTV, so look for them to flip flop their rankings."

"Pioneers looked good, or maybe it was Prytis coming back down and playing at the level expected of them."

"Elsewhere, University of Tatooine Anchorhead won a close match against rival Mos Eisley."

"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: no one/everyone

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HSN Top 25 after Week Five

1. University of Kashyyyk
2. The Ord Sabaok University
3. University of Zeltros
4. Grand Vulptur System University
5. University of Onderon Rupings
6. Norand University, Carratos
7. University of Csilla
8. Taanab A&M University
9. University of Shili
10. Druckenwell Technical University
11. UB Telaan Valley
12. Prytis College of Natural Sciences
13. University of the Northern Industrial District
14. University of Kuat
15. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead
16. College of Deredith &Millicent
17. Ryloth Ag and Tech University
18. Vertical City University, Nar Shaddaa
19. Gargarrump University, Kashyyyk
20. Citadel University of Anaxes
21. Duro State University
22. University of Bison
23. Garqi State University
24. Bakura Fleet Academy
25. Enarc Technical University

 

IC: Christine Gamble


The game against Carratos had brought out the best in an otherwise-tense situation for the Senators. The offense had kicked itself into gear in an odd off-and-on-again cycle that manifested itself every other week, with Leia Adama showing absolutely no signs of tension as she shredded the Pirates in the first half of the game.


Yet signs of strife were everywhere. The offense and defense had staked out their sides during the week’s practices, and it seemed that the line had been drawn in the proverbial sand. Wahay Contar, the tough Feeorin corner back, had gotten into a scuffle early on in practice one day with two of the forwards, causing him to be ejected from the remainder of practice by Cuth Hulu. Jac Jeshua, the rookie corner back drafted to eventually take Christine’s spot at the right corner spot, was rewarded with first-team reps the rest of the practice as a result, which would likely come in handy later. No major fights broke out for the rest of the week, but blood pressure had been running high the entire time. At some point, it might burst.


Christine did her best despite the shame of what Adama had done to her the prior week. She had been stripped of her captaincy, and along with it had endured plenty of heat from the galactic media. But it was not just the media that bothered her; it was the way things were fracturing before her. It was not the way a good team would operate. The Miners and Mercs didn’t have this kind of strife in their locker rooms, or otherwise they wouldn’t have won so many titles in recent years. What would it take for the Senators to get back on the right track?


After the game, Christine was in no mood to give interviews to the media. They kept asking her about the scuffle with Adama, but she didn’t want to say anything. It was a sore subject for her, and there was no use answering numerous questions about it. She didn’t want to be a distraction, which was a good leader quality, but also didn’t want to deal with things on a personal level. She didn’t need constant reminders of what had occurred.


When her obligations were done, she knew that there was only one course of action she could take. And the home game against Rydonni Prime gave her the chance to find out if she could fix the rift that was opening up amongst the players.

 

IC: Shady Lerouex

Carratos at Nar Shaddaa


Her knee was bothering her again. The shots of painkiller weren't working the way they used to but she had to at least be thrilled that the Smugglers had a winning record. They were knotted up at the top with the Mando'ade Mercs. Somehow, someway, that was fitting.



Carratos was a good team. They were the foil to the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers. Each year they put up a good fight and some years they dominated Nar Shaddaa. It was a game that didn't have a traditional rivalry name. It didn't need one. Some things were better left unsaid.



Shady took to the field and looked around at Six Boroughs. Barring home field advantage in the playoffs this was the last time she'd ever play in this stadium. That hit her hard. That made her retirement all the more real, all the more succinct. She didn't know how the rest of the season would play out. Nobody did. One thing she did know was how much she would miss playing in front of the home crowd, winning one for Nar Shaddaa, and making this home field that much more intimidating.


Shady raised her fist in the air and screamed a primal scream. It was her way of saying goodbye to Nar Shaddaa. It was her way of recognizing that the dream was slowly fading away.



"Wicked! Wicked! Wicked!" the crowd roared.



And as the game began, roar they did.

Tag: @Trieste; @galactic-vagabond422

 

GM Post

I think it's great that one day a year, everybody throws a big party for limmie scores. It's really touching that all of society recognizes our sport annually.

Bonus potential for Bakura, Carratos, Coruscant, Mando'ade, Nar Shaddaa, and Ralltiir.

289 Week 5
Carratos Pirates at Nar Shaddaa Smugglers (18-15)
Mando’ade Mercs at Ralltiir Starkillers (6-7)
Bakura Miners at Euceron Officers (17-28)
Stewjon Metropolitans at Chandrila Patriots (6-15)
Coruscant Senators at Rydonni Prime Monarchs (32-16)

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @jcgoble3 @Jedi Gunny @Runjedirun @SWNerd11 @Vehn

 

Sub GM Post

Bonus Potential for Atzerri (28), Tatooine (28), Druckenwell (28), Thyferra (28), and Concordia (28)

LFL Week Four Results
Druckenwell Marksmen @ Tatooine Sandskimmers (21-20)
Rattatak Sea Devils @ Concordia Crusaders (10-20)
Atzerri Bandits @ Thyferra Force (1-24)

Tags: @Vehn @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @Jedi Gunny

 

​

IC: The Rancor Pitt

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

"Things tightening up in the Skywalker..."

"In the Solo too."

"As the front running Mando'ade Mercs lose a tight, tight one at Ralltiir seven to six, and man that was a hard one to take."

"It was... I thought they had a shot there at the end..."

"Yeah. Starkillers come out and grabbed that early lead and never really relinquish it except for that short time before their last go ahead score late in the game."

"They took that early lead, and it seemed every time the Mercs made some headway, the Starkillers seized the momentum back and just barely stayed ahead."

"It's a tough, tough loss, especially the way the game played out."

"You know, neither offenses had many opportunities, and even when they did the defenses snuffed them out for the most part. This game was really won..."

"And for us lost."

"...at midfield, where Jolla pic looked a step..."

"More than a step, more like a marathon."

"...slow out there. The Mercs just couldn't get enough possession in the offensive zone to mount an effective comeback against that stout Starkiller's defense."

"Loved that bit from Arock though..."

"Which bit? He only scored two..."

"After that one bar point, the one that brought them within one. The little shove Tomas Vigo gave Arock..."

"Oh yeah, that! that was hilarious."

"The look Arock reaction..."

"Almost lack of reaction."

"...just totally shrugging him off. That was great."

"It was, it was. And while I think Arock got the better of him there, it's the final score that counts, and the Mercs fell short on that end."

"At least the Strugglers lost again..."

"Yeah both teams crashing down back to the pack like a Star Destroyer on Jakku and it's making things interesting now in the standings."

"It's crazy, after five week every team save one is sitting at either three and two or two and three, and we only have four more weeks to go."

"Like we were saying all last week, every game has taken on even greater importance, and that is just going to double down now as the season goes forward with the standings so tightly bunched."

"One advantage for the Mercs right now, none of their losses have been in conference."

"Sure, sure. But they've only played one conference game."

"Which means plenty of time for a team in close to not only give them a loss, but a conference loss and a head to head loss too."

"Right. So it's a two edged bes'kad right now, but you have to like the fact that the Mercs still hold their own fate in their hands."

"We've got parity in the league at the moment, and the commissioner and league office have to be loving it after so many years of just a few teams dominating..."

"Well wait until playoff time, they may still be frowning then."

"...the standings, and one of those teams is the one that's only got one win."

"Yeah, Miners at one and four is not something at all I would expect, but even so they are still in the hunt..."

"Bet they regret making the Irvin for Pic trade now..."

"Shab, after this week I bet the Mercs regret it."

"Maybe they should trade them back for each other..."

"Yeah 'ooops, our bad'."

"I...don't see that working."

"Probably not."

"No patching up those relationships right now, not mid season. But when Pic gets into the Hall of Fame..."

"And she will."

"...she'll be in a Miners jersey though, that's for sure."

TAG: @Runjedirun, whose idea it was for the "altercation" between Tomas and Arock. I'm sure she'll expand on that in her post.

 

IC: Tomas Vigo

Tomas Vigo walked onto the field before most beings lifted their heads from their pillows that morning. It was a feeling he wasn’t accustomed to, nervousness. He’d been out here on this very turf since childhood. Today was just, different.

Today he was facing the Galactic Champion Mandalorian Mercs. A home game against the best team in the Galaxy. There was a myth about home games. You were supposed to have the advantage at home. At home all Tomas felt was pressure. Tomas took a small bite of plain toasted bread and a sip of caf from his thermos. He took a seat on a sideline bench hoping his stomach wouldn’t refuse the food.

It was cold but Tomas didn’t feel the cold. He pulled out his playbook and powered it up. On the opening screen several pre-school learning and game apps appeared. A prank from the more senior members of his team. He might be Tomas Vigo, but he was still a rookie and his teammates weren’t about to let him forget it. Tomas ignored the colorful squares, he immediately went to last week’s Merc’s game for some last minute film studying.

Tomas didn’t find his Starkillers uniform in his locker, instead his ball boy uniform hung on the hangers. Fellow rookie Margot Credits found her uniform and Tomas’ in a location she wouldn’t even confess to Tomas. The uniform had a unique odor Tomas couldn’t place. During warm-ups his teammates laced the teasing a little thick. When would he ever be treated like an adult? Maybe even more importantly Tomas wondered if he’d ever feel like an adult. He had an income, his own apartment and even a wife. Still everyone around him treated Tomas like a little kid.

As if Richard wasn’t busy enough he insisted on helping Tomas and Von’kedo set up their foundation. A percentage of each of his jersey sales went to the foundation, a small percentage of his salary and a holo site had been designed for donations. Tomas felt like he didn’t get half the input he wanted. He hoped the visits he made to sick children helped lift their spirits. The meal he wanted to feed the homeless in Cambrielle was all being planned without him. He was just going to show up and spoon food on plates. Tomas could do more he could be better. Maybe he could prove himself today, against the Mercs.

As the Starkillers took the field Tomas’ gaze fixed with Arock’s. Arock got a lot of respect. No one disputed that he was a man. Suddenly Tomas knew what he had to do. He had to destroy Arock.

Arock played Left Corner Forward, Tomas was a midfielder, he knew he would have to be patient. He just hoped his patience would prevail. It was a scoreless game for a while. Neither offense could make headway. Which made a lot of work for Tomas. He didn’t mind. Tomas used his youth and speed to his advantage helping to advance the ball whenever he could. He even took a few shots on goal. His attempts like the others were stopped cold by keeper Regan Stargazer.

Again Tomas dribbled up field. Olidiipo was open. The pass would be tricky, Tomas cut left, he lifted his hand and raised three fingers. He looked around at the offense as if he was deciding where to pass the ball and hoped the Mercs defense was buying the charade. Finally he passed to Olidiipo. Olidiipo made his shot, Stargazer dove, but she couldn’t make the stop. The stadium erupted in celebration. Tomas exhaled, the Starkillers were on the board.

It didn’t take long for the Mercs to get on the board after that. Thankfully it was only a bar point. The Starkillers quickly answered with a bar point of their own. As the first half came to a close the Mercs scored another bar. Coach Allin was animated at half time. These defensive battles were the ones he loved the most. If Ty could lace up his cleats and take the field he would. Tomas knew that. Instead his defense had to win this one for him. Knowing how much it meant to him. This game would end in one or two ways, jubilation or a sideline outburst. Tomas wondered if the league would someday fine Ty for one of his outbursts. He hoped they wouldn’t find out today.

The two point lead at the beginning of the second half was nothing to feel safe about. Tomas and his teammates knew they needed to add some points to their lead. Unfortunately with Stargazer between the pipes the Starkillers were unable to make any headway. Arock had the ball now. Tomas saw his opportunity to be a hero. Just when Arock turned to shoot Tomas put himself in the way. Arock was forced to settle for a bar point.

Tomas bent over to pick up the ball that was tossed back on field so he could bring it to midfield for a kick-off. Arock hadn’t moved. He stood in Tomas’ way. Maybe it was the gaze pregame. Maybe he was irritated that Tomas had prevented him from scoring a goal. It annoyed Tomas that he stood there in his way. Trying to intimidate him, Tomas decided. Well Tomas wasn’t intimidated. He gave Arock a shove. The first shove didn’t phase Arock so Tomas shoved him again.



Tomas may have even shoved Arock a third time. Daring him to care, to come after him. Arock couldn’t be provoked. Tomas knew he had to move on. Maybe he wasn’t going to become a man today after all. What Tomas did to do today along with the help of his teammates was win another game against a formable opponent. A hard fought win Tomas was proud of.

Tomas found Von’kedo looking blankly at her data pad that evening on the sofa. Tomas wanted to celebrate his win. Something was ailing his bride and Tomas didn’t know how to help. He didn’t have answers, he was just a child, like her. “Coming to bed?” Tomas asked with desperation in his voice.

Von’kedo nodded. She obeyed more than willingly participated.

IC: Von’kedo

The next morning Von’kedo lie awake waiting for Tomas to leave the apartment before she got up. It wasn’t like Tomas to stay in the apartment long after he got up. This morning he wasn’t leaving and Von’kedo had class soon. Reluctantly she got out of bed, slipped into some clothes and headed into the kitchen.

“What’s the matter?” Tomas asked form a seat at the table as she poured herself a mug of caf.

“Nothing,” Von’kedo answered automatically.

“Whatever I did. I’m sorry,” Tomas confessed.

Von’kedo was surprised. She sat down across form Tomas and held her mug tightly. “You didn’t do anything,” she insisted. “Last week I lost my first patient,” she trailed off.

“Oh, Von,” Tomas picked up his chair walked around the table and took a seat right next to her. He reached out, took her hands off the mug and held them in his own. “I’m sorry,” he said.

For the first time in over a week Von’kedo admitted something she was unable to say to anyone else. “What if I’m not meant to be a doctor?” She asked fighting back tears.

Tomas laughed nervously. “What if I’m not meant to play professional Limmie?” He asked.

“That’s ridiculous,” Von’kedo said without hesitation. “You tried to pick a fight with Fu Arock. You have no fear. He could have flattened you.”

“I’m not afraid of Arock or anyone,” Tomas confirmed. “If Arock had flattened me you would have been there to pick up the pieces. An ice pack in one hand and a string of floss to stitch me up in the other.”

Tomas’ words were so genuine, his features so gentle. “Yea,” she remembered. “Sithspit!” She said seeing the chrono. “I have to get to class. Thanks, Tomas!” She called as she got up. Before she could get to the closet for her coat Tomas intercepted her. He gave her a hug and a deep kiss.

“Don’t ever doubt yourself,” he said.


Tag @Bardan_Jusik who allowed me to use the clip and game play in this post.

 

OOC: Done in collaboration with @Trieste. This is a final conclusion to a storyline from a few seasons ago.

IC: Tendra Nalo
Location: Training facilities, Storm Stadium, Eusebus, Euceron
Time: A few days before Week 5 home game against Miners

Tendra was relaxing after practice in the hot tub with her waterproof datapad, perusing the headlines as she reflected on the season thus far. The Officers were 2-2, a reasonable start to the season. The odd part was that none of the four games had been close. All had been blowouts, with margins of victory of 16, 17, 16, and 18, respectively.

As she flipped through the sports section, one story caught her eye. A public apology from the Hapan Queen Mother over everything that had occurred when Tendra had been with the Buccaneers. It was long overdue in Tendra’s opinion, and she wondered why it had taken so long for the new Queen Mother to do it.

As she read further, the Queen Mother, apparently related to the Triestes that controlled the Miners, seemed to want a conversation with Tendra. Damn right Tendra wanted that. Anyone could put their best face forward with a statement carefully crafted by a public relations firm. The real test would be what she would say in a one-on-one, face-to-face meeting.

Tendra toweled off and put her street clothes, which suspiciously resembled workout clothes, on. They were, in fact, workout clothes, as Tendra preferred comfort over fashion, to the ire of several clothing companies that had tried to ink her name on endorsement deals over the years. She poked her head into Leota’s office and showed her the story. Leota made it very clear that she would be in on that meeting; after all, her family, her kids, had been threatened to force her to comply with the demand to remove males from the roster.

The message from Tendra to the Queen Mother was sent privately, to keep media attention away, and was kept short: Per Your Majesty’s public statement, Leota Avoy and I desire a meeting with you personally during your visit to Euceron to discuss your apology. The message proposed a date, time, and location—a conference room at Storm Stadium on the evening prior to the Miners game—and ended there. A few subsequent messages were exchanged, working out details and clarifying Leota’s presence. Within a day, the meeting was set.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Location: Conference room, Storm Stadium
Time: Early evening, one day before Miners game

Tendra and Leota were in the room well in advance. As agreed on, three Euceron planetary law enforcement officers, armed as they normally would be on duty, were also present; they would remain in the background unless needed to protect Tendra or Leota. When the Queen Mother and her security detail entered, Tendra and Leota remained seated, not showing proper deference just yet.

Tendra was the first to speak, getting straight to the point. “First, I would like to be clear that Leota and I have essentially disowned the Consortium over the wrongs committed against us and as such don’t recognize the royal court anymore; hence our lack of deference and proper address. We’ve read your public apology and appreciate it, but we would like to hear it personally from your mouth, as well as answers to some questions. The level of sincerity you show will determine whether we accept the Consortium again and show the proper deference to you for your position.

“Now, the floor is yours to speak. We will not interrupt.”

Queen Mother Sierra Chume unfolded her hands before her and began. “Your position is warranted. Neither the Consortium nor the crown has upheld its end of the social contract between government and citizen. Even monarchies—perhaps especially monarchies—must remember that allegiance is earned, not required.

“What our predecessor, her ministers, and officials of the Buccaneers did was wrong. Discrimination against males may be ingrained in Hapan society, but that does not make it correct, nor acceptable. It is our responsibility to use our authority to change public opinion, to bring about a better Consortium.”

Sierra paused. As her pronouns would indicate, she took a less official tone.

“You both deserve a separate apology. You took it upon yourselves to highlight injustice and the crown attempted to silence your voices. This was wrong. On behalf of the Consortium, I accept the guilt of these actions. However, I thank you for your courageous stands. Without either of you, I likely would not be in a position to make a change today.

“I have consolidated the court behind me in the past year. Such is the necessity facing a new Queen Mother. With a secure base, I can turn my attention to redressing this situation without worrying about defending my rear.” Such military metaphor was appropriate for the daughter of an admiral. “Though I was not reared in the Consortium, I have become steeped in much of its customs and institutions. To that end, I would like to know what changes you would like to see in the Buccaneers and the Ministry of Sport to change the culture and prevent this from ever happening again.”

The room was silent for nearly a minute while Tendra and Leota internalized what Sierra had said. Finally, Tendra spoke. “Thank you. I accept your apology. I had wondered for most of this week why it had taken a year for you to apologize, but I had not considered that the palace maneuvering that accompanies a transition of the throne might last that long after coronation.

“As for what changes, that is simple: let men play, and coach, and everything else, and give that policy the formal and public backing of the crown. The Consortium is free to do what it wants as long as it stays behind the shroud of the Mists. But understand that when you interact with the wider galaxy on a stage as public as sports, and especially limmie, you need to adapt to what that wider galaxy has deemed acceptable. And that means no gender discrimination.

“I must ask: have you seen any of the galaxy-wide polls over the past decade regarding whether men should be allowed on the Bucs? Non-Hapans overwhelmingly have voted that they should, over eighty-five percent in some polls. A substantial number refuse to watch Bucs games, even if their own team is playing them, as long as the Bucs are female-only. You, and by that I mean the Consortium, are only hurting yourself by continuing a practice that have been outlawed in almost all other systems for hundreds or thousands of years. I’d say it’s time to fix that, but the truth is that it’s long past time.”

“I agree. Policies must now change. It is easy to issue a royal fiat, but the hard work of changing institutional culture remains. This requires strong, unwavering leadership--both inside the Ministry of Sport and the Buccaneers. I enjoy limmie, but I don’t know the community well enough to make informed choices. Who would you have me turn to for this new chapter of Hapan sport?” Sierra Chume asked.

“That is something you must decide,” Tendra responded. “I do not really have anyone to specifically recommend. You need a strong general manager for the Bucs, and pretty much all experienced GMs are under contract somewhere. But moreover, you need a Hapan to maintain good public relations inside the Consortium. An outsider may cause more harm than good from a PR perspective.

“You need to search within the Consortium for someone with the right convictions. It’s possible you might find a candidate in the Juniors, or this may be a case where morals need to trump experience with the game and you simply install someone close to you that you trust. As for the Ministry, that is your court; I cannot even begin to make recommendations there, especially after having been away for so long.”

Sierra nodded. “Those thoughts will perform a useful core to guide our search.” She paused. “Is there anything else the Consortium and I can do for either of you and the others who were injured by the policies of the past?”

Tendra glanced at Leota, who nodded. The next few questions would be the meat of the meeting, and would shape their opinions of the Consortium and the monarch before them when the meeting was over. “I fear for what would happen if the Bucs return to the Elite League, and Euceron has to travel there for an away game,” Tendra said. “Would I be safe? I get the feeling that you, at least, won’t try to have me killed. But what assurances can you give that rogue elements angry with the new policies won’t try to take it out on me? That people clinging to the old ways, and there certainly will be a lot of them, won’t try to kill me?”

The answer was swift and unhesitating. “You will be entitled to whatever security you desire, whether that be arranged through me or privately contracted by you. I cannot control those who disagree with my policies, but I can do everything in my power to protect you. It is the responsibility of the crown to protect citizens and visitors from harm, especially when threatened by forces of hate. For every measure of threat you once experienced, an equal measure of protection will now be given to you.”

Leota inserted herself into the conversation, speaking for the first time in the meeting. “What about my husband? My kids? I hope you are aware that the old court threatened my husband as well to force me to comply with the orders to release the men from the team. Vanel and I have not seen most of our friends, family, and his colleagues in several years. And my daughter, Rhia, was too young at the time to understand why we fled, but old enough to remember leaving, and she is constantly asking to go back to her friends. She is still too young for me to explain the terrible truth to her, so she doesn’t understand why she can’t see her friends. My heart breaks for her every time she thinks she’s being punished when I say no for the umpteenth time.

“Rhia now has a sister, Rana, who just learned to walk last month. She has never known Hapes, but deserves the chance to. Both of them are full-blooded Hapan, and I want them to have the chance to see Hapes in all of its splendor and the chance to live there if they choose to. But I cannot give them those opportunities as long as I fear for our lives if we get near the Mists. Do you understand the damage the Consortium has done to these innocent girls’ lives? I want to take them back and let them experience Hapes, but how can we be sure of our safety if we return to Hapes?

“Armed security escorts for a day or two when Tendra and I are there strictly for professional reasons is one thing, but it’s not feasible for a family trip, a vacation, with children. We would have to be dependent on trusting that government officials aren’t going to come after us. How much control do you truly have over the government and its officials?”

“If you wish to return to the Consortium, you are entitled to the life and liberty due to any citizen. To ensure that, I am prepared to offer the one thing that I can guarantee: Hapan Royal Guard protection. These are beings I trust with my life and the lives of my children. Each one has been carefully vetted for loyalty to me and my agenda,” Sierra explained. “They are the greatest protection I can offer you with their specialty in continuous security.

“While their protection is available to you as long as I am on the throne, they treat a symptom, not the cause. The Consortium’s bureaucracy is vast. My program of gender equality in the Consortium has begun at the top, but will take time to spread to every level. Know that the crown has begun dismissing holdovers of the old regime as they have been identified. It will take time to change the culture of 63 worlds. Some are better than others, I can direct you to them if you wish.

“I wish I could offer more, but this is where I stand now.”

Leota took a deep breath. “Thank you for your commitment to change. I understand the difficulties associated with that, but still wish the process could be faster. Nevertheless, I hope you are successful. I will consider your offer and may take you up on it when the time comes. Rana is too young for now to visit, so it will be a few years before I consider a family trip.”

Tendra sat up a little straighter to add her input. “And I too, thank you for that commitment as well. My final question concerns the men who were dismissed from the Bucs shortly before I left. I do not have contact with all of them, but I do talk to several of them regularly, including two who are once again my teammates on the Officers. It is a severe understatement to say that they are upset with Hapes. Some of them refer to the crown with words that are unfit for polite company. They will undoubtedly want to know what happened in this meeting.

“Can you give me a message that I can deliver to them, that can hopefully help them understand what you are trying to do with your agenda?” Tendra put a hand in her pocket and produced a holorecorder. “And do you mind if I record that message, so they can hear you directly and not filtered through me as a messenger?”

“Your former teammates deserve that, and much more,” Sierra said. She nodded for Tendra to begin the recording. Tendra pressed a button on the unit, and signaled for the Queen Mother to go ahead.

“Past members of the Hapes Consortium Buccaneers,” Sierra began, “I make this recording at the invitation of Tendra Nalo, with whom I have just spoken in the company of Leota Avoy. Investigations performed at my specific instruction have confirmed there was a conspiracy at the highest levels of government under my predecessor to discriminate against male players of the Buccaneers. You were victims of official policies to force you out of the team in furtherance of an abhorrent, misandrist agenda. On behalf of the Crown and the Consortium, I apologize to you for what occurred. I have begun a program to root out misandry from all areas of the Consortium. No other being should ever suffer because of their sex or for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

“I know this apology is small recompense for the harm that was done to your careers and lives. I have discussed specific actions with Ms. Nalo and Ms. Avoy to undo the damage as best we can now, but also in the future. I invite each of you to a similar conversation with me to discuss how the Crown can make restitution for what we have done: a return to the Consortium, a restoration of your career, financial assistance—I stand ready, with the might and resources of the Hapes Consortium behind me, to help.”

Tendra clicked off the recording, checked the readout to confirm it was saved, and put it away before looking over at Leota. The two nodded simultaneously, and Tendra turned back to the Queen Mother. “Thank you for your sincere apologies, your efforts to correct the source of the wrongs, and your offers of assistance, Your Majesty. You have earned that title back in my eyes.”

Leota picked up the conversation. “And in my eyes too. Your Majesty has done an excellent job so far in resolving these issues, and I hope, for everyone’s sake, you are successful in doing so.”

“And don’t hesitate to let me know how you think we can do better.”

Tendra looked around at everyone. “Unless anyone has something more to say, I believe we are done here?” Tendra prepared to stand up and bow to the Queen Mother as she exited.

“We are.” The Queen Mother stood as well and extended her hand to each in turn to shake hands. Tendra quickly recognized that the Queen Mother was not interested in the standard pleasantries, and she and Leota both accepted the handshake with a smile. “Miss Nalo, best of luck tomorrow,” Sierra continued. “Let’s just say that I won’t be an impartial observer of the game.” She smiled.

“Thank you,” Tendra replied. “I feel better than I have in years right now, so I hope that translates to the field tomorrow.”

After the Queen Mother and her entourage left, Tendra thanked the Euceron police for their guard duty, and they departed as well, leaving just her and Leota in the conference room.

“Your thoughts?” Leota asked.

Tendra thought for a moment before responding. “I think she’s truly committed to this agenda of gender equality. That can only be a good thing, for us, them, and the whole galaxy.”

“I agree. I wish her policies could take root faster, but she’s right that change on this scale requires many years to take hold.”

“Indeed.”

“Ready for the game tomorrow?”

“Are you kidding me? I’ve never felt better in my life than I do right now. I feel like I could take on the whole Miners squad all by myself.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Location: Marte Nalo Field at Storm Stadium
Time: Game day

Tendra received the ball and looked toward the goal. Any casual or even skilled observer would think she was completely covered and had nowhere to go other than dumping the ball back to the half forwards. And for any other player or any other day, they’d be right. But today, it was like she could visualize how the defenders would move over the next several seconds, and she could see where the open lane would develop if she just stepped here and then there. Sure enough, three seconds later she was one-on-one with the goalkeeper to the amazement of the commentators, and she caught the keeper off guard, casually depositing the ball in the back of the net.

The points racked up for Tendra. A pair of bar points, another goal, another bar point, a third goal to complete the hat trick just before halftime. The Officers entered the locker room clinging to a 14–12 lead, 12 of those Euceron points belonging to Tendra. Leota’s instruction to the team in the locker room was simple: “Feed Tendra.”

And feed Tendra they did. Any time the ball came into the offensive zone, it almost always found its way to her. Occasionally Tendra would pass off to a teammate who had a clear view of the target, but more often than not she fired the ball herself. When the final buzzer sounded, Tendra had added 10 more points of her own, while the Officers’ defense, emboldened by Tendra’s display, clamped down the other side of the field, allowing just five more points from the Miners.

In the end, Tendra’s words from the previous night proved prophetic. Euceron had won the game 28–17, but Tendra had outscored the Miners by herself with a personal and team record of 22 points on the game.

Tendra was all smiles at the postgame press conference as she took questions.

“Tendra, that was an absolutely stunning performance out there. Is there anything in particular that you can point to that produced that?”

“Just the fact that since last night, I have been feeling better than I have in many years, perhaps better than I ever have.”

“Tendra, it’s been rumored that you met with the Hapan Queen Mother last night, and she was seen at the stadium today wearing your jersey instead of the usual royal regalia. Did that meeting really happen, and if so, was that meeting the cause of this good feeling?”

“Yes and yes.”

“What was said at that meeting?”

“Most of what Her Majesty and I discussed ought to be kept private. I will state for the record that she offered Leota and me a truly sincere apology for the wrongs committed against us and others under her predecessor, and long-term amends were discussed and remain on the table.”

“Tendra, if the C-Bucs were promoted back to the Elite League, would you be comfortable traveling there for an away game?”

“That was specifically discussed last night, and the answer is yes, though at least initially, I would bring a security detail with me. However, I am reasonably confident that the danger has passed.”

“Tendra, out there today, you were finding open lanes that no one but you could see. Can you explain how you were doing that?”

“And give up my secret? You think I’m that stupid?” Tendra grinned as she said that, indicating it was in jest. “Nah, I’ll keep quiet about it. That is, if I can figure it out for myself.”

For fifteen more minutes, Tendra continued the back-and-forth verbal fencing with the press, smiling as she did so. Indeed, the last 24 hours had been the best 24 hours of her life. Her goal now: have a better 24 hours. No matter how good her day had been, she knew that anything could be improved upon.

TAG: @Trieste

 

IC: Harle Quinn
Eusebus, Euceron

​

“Harle Quinn kneeling during the national anthem disrespects her homeworld and the troops.”

“Who does Quinn, a rookie, think she is?”

“Wouldn’t you love to see Declan Trieste, when Quinn disrespected the flag, to say ‘Get that daughter of a witch off the field right now.’ Out. She’s fired!”

“Bakura has given Quinn so much, has supported her, and now she doesn’t honor her homeworld? She should be ashamed.”

Those were the nice things that were said about me on the HoloNet. The NICE things. By PROFESSIONAL commentators. (And one politician. I’ll let you guess which one that was.) I hope my mother didn’t see the other stuff. I’d be ashamed, even though none of them were true.

As we travel to Euceron I read more about what happened to Tilly and grow increasingly disgusted. Harlock claims that he felt “threatened” by Tilly because of “how she bared her teeth” at him. I think about this a lot. When we visited the Emmetts, we would be engaged in pleasant conversation, but their sharp teeth always showed when they talked, even when laughing at a joke Dad told. This was just how Shistavanens were--and that was why Tilly got shot? Because of a fact of her biology? How was that just?

I wasn’t the only one who thought this. I read interviews with some of the protest organizers who felt that Tilly’s death was indicative of inherent bias in the GCPD. On a per capita basis, far more non-humans were shot by the police than humans in Gesco City. It turned out this was true in many major metropolitan areas throughout Bakura. This wasn’t the Bakura I’d grown up in--that was a place that valued all beings. That’s what we’d been taught in school.

Except maybe what I’d been taught was wrong. Maybe that was all a myth.

And that was when I remembered a stream of memories of friends of my parents talking about how their brother, sister, niece, nephew, cousin, or parent had been arrested. I had been too involved in schoolwork or limmie practice to fully participate in these conversations. Maybe I had suppressed them, wanting to cling to the story I believed, the history I wanted, where I was equal to my human classmates. But now I realized that almost every family we knew had some kind of run in with the police. I never heard my human classmates talk about that.

As I looked at these statistics slowly drawing the curtain back on what Bakura was like for non-humans, I wondered where I would be now if I couldn’t throw a bolo-ball.

The thought scared me.



Edelweiss, edelweiss

I do not kneel. I stand, back rigidly straight, chin up, eyes forward.

Every morning you greet me

Slowly, my right hand forms a fist. I raise it into the air.

Small and white

White, like every Imperial officer I’ve ever seen a holo of.

Clean and bright

Clean, orderly. You know, like a world without non-humans.

You look happy to greet me

Only because I’m a Zeltron and I fit some predetermined standard of beauty of humans.

Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow

Only if you’re human. Everybody else, know your place. Be thankful we even let you walk the same streets.

Bloom and grow forever

Forever. That’s how long this will all last if beings stay silent.

Edelweiss, edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever

My blessing is earned. You’ll get it when you deserve it, Bakura.

My teammates say nothing about my display, but I know they noticed. While my eyes were straight ahead, I could feel the looks coming out of the corner of their eyes. Unlike last week, they knew that nothing was wrong, that I was doing this on purpose. Damn straight I was.

This is the part where I tell you about the game. You know, about how we get the scoring rolling, I put up two goals, and I think we’re going to pull this one out, but then the Officers just have this monster offensive attack. I don’t think they could have done much better if they’d tried. Tendra Nalo has a lights out game. It’s the kind of game I dream of having, even now. And I’d tell you about how I’m throwing elbows left and right, shoving Officer defenders from behind, throwing out a few legs on the sly “accidentally” to trip them. You know, classic hilarious Harle stuff.

But guess what? NOBODY CARES ABOUT THAT.

That’s how I feel when I get to the postgame press conference. I expect to hear questions like, “Harle, what do you think you need to do to get your level of play up to win?” and “Harle, what went wrong out there today?” and “Harle, do you still think the Miners can make the playoffs?”

But nooooooooooooooooooooooo. Nobody cares about limmie--you know, the reason we’re all actually here. All the media wants to ask me about is my fist in the air during the national anthem and what it means and if I’m espousing some cause now and on and on and on. Nevermind the fact I’m a great limmie player, that I’m outperforming Niskat Deenever, league MVP, on the score sheet this season. Nevermind that we’re all just here to play limmie. No ma’am. Let’s talk about whether I want to overthrow the federal government. That’s a constructive use of everybody’s time.

The press are so concerned with asking me about what I did during the anthem, they’re not actually letting me answer questions. Reporters just keep blurting out new ones whenever a colleague finishes. I sit patiently, smiling, while they talk until there’s finally a lull to me to get a word in.

“Now that you’ve all gotten that out of that system, I raised my fist in the air as a protest against the treatment of non-humans on Bakura,” I say. “As I discussed last week, I knew Tilly Emmett. Her death has affected me greatly. I regret that it took a tragedy that touched me personally to open my eyes to what is going on on Bakura. The statistics do not lie. Non-humans are vastly more likely to be arrested or shot than humans. I am not just going to stand there passively and endorse the status quo when I have the opportunity to make a statement and draw attention to what’s happening. This is bigger than limmie. I cannot look the other way now that my eyes are open.”

This sets off another barrage of questions. I’m about to open my mouth again to take them on when someone sits down next to me.

It’s Mr. C.

I don’t know if it’s respect for a venerable, tenured GM or the look in his eyes that silences them. I certainly know that I want to hear what he has to say. Right now I’ve got good credits on, “Harle Quinn is fired and I will personally destroy any limmie team that hires her.”

“Forgive the interruption, I am going to make a brief statement,” he begins, his voice dark and menacing. (Also, kind of hot. Also, not important that it’s hot. Also, I still felt it was useful for you to know. Also, Mr. C said other things. Also, let’s listen to them now!) “The Bakura Miners respects the freedom of expression of its players in all forms, including their conduct in pregame ceremonies. This team’s official position is that we will not discipline any player for exercising their rights to free expression as long as such conduct is not lewd.

“Miss Quinn--” Oh Force, he puts his hand on my shoulder and my hair just about stands on end from the electric shock I get from his touch. “--has my full support as a limmie player. If more of the offense played like her, we’d be 4-1 right now, not 1-4. I fully expect to see her in the starting lineup next week at Stewjon.”

“Quinn!” a reporter shouts. “Does Minister Trieste endorse this position?”

“If he doesn’t, I’m sure I’ll hear about it with my at-will contract,” Mr. C states flatly before he stands and walks out.

“You know what, I’ve said all I want to say,” I inform the media. “Toodles.” I follow Mr. C out the door, but he’s already disappeared into the bowels of Storm Stadium. That’s okay--what he just did in front of the galaxy was the greatest thing anyone’s ever done for me.

And I know what I’m going to do when we get to Kenobi Field to thank him.

TAG: @jcgoble3, who approved game action

 

IC: Christine Gamble

“Gamble,” was all that was uttered by the furry man behind the desk, a roll of his eyes punctuating the lack of interest in the subject. “To what do I owe this visit? During my working hours, mind you?”


“I need to talk to you,” Christine said as she came through the threshold of the door into the office. “There are a lot of things we need to discuss.”


“There’s nothing to discuss,” Gark S’rily said, an annoyed look on his face as he sat in his desk chair. The first-year head coach of Valorum University’s Limmie program already had a cluttered office full of old files, recruiting notes, and various other items. “Unless you want me to comment on something unrelated to Limmie, in which case this still wouldn’t be a good time.”


“No, it is definitely related to Limmie.”


“Always is. What do you want?” S’rily asked in a boorish tone.


“I’m going to put it straight, Coach . . . the team is fractured almost beyond repair. We need you back.”


“You need me back, eh? And do you mean ‘you’ as in just you, or the team, or the fans, or the ungrateful owner, or what? As if I give a damn about any of it these days,” S’rily said with a shrug.


“The team needs you back more than ever right now, not just me,” Christine replied. “The locker room is divided, and it’s looking ugly these days.”


“So I should care why, exactly?” was the answer from the Bothan.


“Because it’s your team.”


“My team? Last time I checked, I wasn’t writing the bank statements to be handed out to players, coaches, or personnel. I mean, if it was my team, that would be different, but it’s not, so that’s a moot point, don’t you think?”


“What’s with the hostility?” Christine asked, taken aback by the Bothan’s lack of interest in her plight.


“What you should be asking is if I am moping about an office in a cramped athletics building on a campus with a Limmie program that hasn’t won a conference title in some eighty years. And one where spacegolf, if you can believe it, is the biggest sport on campus, and no one ever goes and see those athletes compete. Kind of weird, don’t you think?”


“Coach, stop stalling. You know why I’m here.”


“You can dispense with the ‘Coach’ crap, Gamble. Unless you are giving me my proper title and due as coach here at Valorum, in which case I’ll give you props for being astute. If only I had a credit for every time someone didn’t respect my authority as a coach . . .”


“You’re wasting my time!” Christine said, clearly frustrated with the Bothan’s skillful dodging act. “Damn you Bothans and your willingness to make everything feel like a frakking riddle!”


“No, Gamble, I think you have that all wrong. See, you’re the one wasting my time by barging in here unannounced and without good reason to see me,” S’rily said.


“I asked the secretary. What more do you want?”


“Why are you here?” S’rily asked, baring his teeth a little bit.


“Like I’ve said, the team needs you back.”


“And what makes you think I want to come back?”


“What do you mean?” Christine asked.


“Last time I checked, I don’t work for the Senators anymore,” S’rily said. “Something about being fired for not scoring enough points during the course of big games to win them.”


“That wasn’t your fault,” Christine said. “It’s a team effort.”


“Really? You know, Gamble, sometimes I think you learned a few things during my time with the team. And then there are times like this that I wonder if you ever truly did.”


“What the hell are you talking about?”


“If memory serves, which it does, how many forwards from the line that supposedly couldn’t score last season are still around? All but one? Yet it was my fault for them not scoring points. Does my logic fail me, or is there something wrong in that statement?”


“They have the talent to succeed. They just needed a good coach.”


“Which apparently I am not. Not anymore. You ever know what it’s like to be fired, Gamble? Oh wait, that just happened, didn’t it? Something about losing captaincy ring a bell?”


“How do you know about that?”


“That’s probably the worst-kept open secret in the league right now. Adama just pushed you around and took that letter from your chest. And that’s supposed to be pinned back to me somehow? I fail to see how this works.”

“I never knew you could be such an ass,” Christine said bitterly. This was not going the way she wanted it to.


“Things change when you get blamed for everything. ‘Oh, S’rily can’t possibly be a good coach because his team doesn’t score points in big games. They would be better off replacing him.’ Or the better ones that tell me that I never should have coached in the first place. ‘This should teach the team to never hire someone like him again. He’s overrated and not suited for the modern game.’ Can only take so much before you snap.”


“So you quit? You ran away with your tail between your legs and came here to escape? Is that what I’m getting here?”


“Look, Gamble, I’ve got a good thing going here. I’ve got a wife who adores me and three awesome children at home. As coach here, I don’t have a lot of pressure on me to succeed on the field. That allows me to coach these kids to the best of my ability and to help them not just be better players, but better beings. When they need help with a significant other or family issue, my door is open for them. Hell, when one of my players needed help on their homework and found that no tutors were available at the athletic center, I helped them figure out basic geometric concepts. What do I need a high-stress situation for where I’m clearly not wanted? I have everything good right here.”


“You ran away,” Christine said. “Instead of standing and fighting like you always have, you ran away and are denying what you had going for you.”


“I didn’t have a choice, Gamble,” S’rily said. “I got fired. You know how rough that is, to know that I’m not wanted around the team anymore? I’ve put more into that team than just about any team in this entire galaxy, and that’s how they repay me? Kick me to the curb and hire some hotshot from the college ranks? That’s a recipe for disaster if you ask me. Now get out before you try to get me to come back. I’m done. Door is over there; you know where it is.”


“A lot of the forwards feel betrayed by you being fired,” Christine commented. “They hate the new OC. That Chiss doesn’t relate to the players like you did.”


“All of that is in the past now. Can’t change it.”


“But the team might self-destruct if something isn’t done soon to fix it. We need you to come back and speak some sense into those players.”


“What incentive do I have to go back? I’m not welcome at the facility anymore, and many of the players are rookies anyways, from what I hear.”


“Do you ever watch our games?”


“No. No need to watch the games of a franchise that spits on its own legends by unceremoniously dumping them at the first sign of trouble. Even Han Solo had enough guts to stop spilling his cargo at the first sign of an Imperial ship. And they named a stadium after him on Corellia.”


“The players will listen to you. I know they will. Please come back to the facility and speak some sense into them.”


“Why should I?”


“Because I’m not going to let this team tear itself apart in my last year. It’s my last shot at a Cup, Coach. I’ll be damned if I let this divide destroy everything I ever worked for. I did everything you asked, ran every sprint without complaint, laid it all out on the line to win games. For once, it’s time you do something for me.”


A knock came at the door, and both of the room’s occupants looked to see a freshman Limmie player at the door. “Um, am I interrupting?” the human asked.


“I’ll get to you in a few minutes,” S’rily said to the student-athlete. “Go sit outside and wait for me to call you in, OK?”


“You got it, Coach,” the player said before walking away.


“See, Gamble? I’ve got players who need my attention here. This is my job now, not chasing dreams anymore. The fire of my legendary status burned out after Dirxx and the rest of them retired. Since then, I’ve been nothing but lampooned. At some point, it’s best just to get with the program and throw in the towel.”


“I can’t believe you would say that. You’re the face of the franchise if there ever was one.”


“Doesn’t mean much anymore.”


“So that’s it, then? You’re just going to let your team tear itself apart because you can’t man up to face it? I need your help. Everyone does. Here is your chance to set things straight.”


There were several seconds of silence after Christine’s comments. She studied the Bothan’s face, but it was impossible to discern what he was thinking. Finally, the Bothan spoke. “You’re the one who should be healing the rift. It’s your problem. You need to stand up and make your voice heard.”


“Leia won’t let me. We don’t even speak anymore.”


“Let me handle Adama,” S’rily said.


“Wait, I thought you didn’t want in?”


“Seems like I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” the Bothan asked. “Between you pestering me and questioning everything I’ve done and just sitting here, I guess I don’t have the element of choice at this point. But this will be the last time. I can’t heal all your wounds.”


“I’ll take what I can get,” Christine said.





The door to the Senators HQ building opened, and in stepped both Christine and the Bothan legend himself. He was still wearing his Valorum University polo shirt in its gold and black color scheme and ‘V’ stitched into the circular logo. All the eyes in the lobby turned to face him, including the clueless intern caught staring at the Bothan instead of focusing on filling his cup with water. This caused a small puddle to start forming on the floor.


“Facility is this way,” Christine said.


“Gamble, I approved many of the plans necessary for renovations of this place. I think I know my way around by now.”


A security guard dressed in black came over to the pair. “Excuse me, sir, but I can’t let you into the building.”


“Son, I sincerely hope you understand who you are speaking to?” S’rily asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. “You will let both myself and Ms. Gamble pass without question.” He wiggled the fingers on his left hand, which now sported his Galactic Cup championship rings.


“Right away, sir. I have no objections,” the guard said, backing off.


“You didn’t see me,” S’rily said. “Not officially.”


“No, sir, I didn’t see you.”


“Good. Let’s get this mess taken care of.”


As the pair made their way to the practice facility, they passed the main desk where S’rily’s wife worked. She raised her head to see the duo coming down the hallway.


“Somehow I had a feeling you wouldn’t be able to stay away for too long,” she commented.


“As it seems that I have a mess to take care of, you shouldn’t be surprised. Don’t tell anyone that I’m here, OK?”


“You got it.”


S’rily forcefully opened the closed doors to the practice facility, interrupting practice on the indoor fields. He was a man on a mission, and wouldn’t stop for anything at this point. The practice immediately quieted down as all the players and personnel noticed the new arrivals.


“I hear there’s some poodoo going down in here?” the Bothan asked.


“What are you doing back here?” Leia Adama shot back.


“It occurred to me that there have been some problems lately. I’m here to rectify those issues. So gather around, because if you want a speech, I’m going to give you one hell of a kick in the backside.”


Some of the players created a nebulous formation in the middle of the main field as the Bothan approached. Others were more skeptical and stayed put.


“I do not appreciate you interrupting my practice,” Cuth Hulu said in a monotone.


“Stow it, Hulu,” S’rily said. For a man who seemingly rarely got angry, he was locked-in and spitting fire. “Now, to business. Ms. Gamble says that there have been some issues in the locker room the past few weeks, something about a rift between highly-paid players trying to throw a ball into the back of a net, and a group of players trying to stop the other team from doing so. I may not be a professional in this situation, but even to me that sounds like a counterproductive situation. I would like to think that this can be solved.”


“Not by you interrupting my practice,” Hulu said.


“Need I remind you, Hulu, that I’ve won more Cups as a head coach than you have?”


There was only silence from the Khil due to the complete burn of a comment that the Bothan had made.


“That’s what I thought. Now, would some of you care to tell me why there is a rift on this team?”


“The damn offense doesn’t score points!” Wahay Contar yelled out. “We’re sick of trying to stop opposing teams and holding them down to only have the offense lay an egg!”


“Well then you will have to do better!” Bas Wren shot back.


“If you thought as much about playing the game as you did about your graffiti art, then we wouldn’t be stuck in this mess!” Contar countered.


“Take that back, tendril-head! I’m gonna kill you!” Wren said, but the Mandalorian was easily cuffed at the neck by the strong grip of Zeus Syndulla. Wren tried to escape the grip, but Syndulla was unforgiving in his hold.


“Shut up, all of you!” S’rily yelled at the crowd. “You see what’s going on here? There is a serious lack of trust going on here. It’s not just a disappointment . . . it’s a disgrace. If I had ever dealt with something like this when I was coaching here, half of you would have gotten traded before you could even say ‘Death Star’. This is completely disgusting. You’ve all dishonored yourselves by reverting to primitive impulses and bickering amongst yourselves rather than working to get better. If you keep fighting, then why are you even here? Just to get a paycheck? You know how many children out there look up to you? Disgusting.”


“We miss you, Coach,” Adama said after a long pause. “It hasn’t been the same since you left.”


“And yet none of you bother trying to talk to me, try reaching out to see if you can solve your issues in a productive way? What the hell is wrong with all of you? What I see is a lack of trust because there is no communication. Does anyone here actually get with the program? Contar, you’ve got a lot of guts for a player whose aunt was lightyears better than you. And you know why? Because she controlled her emotions. When things got tough, she got back up on the shuttle and kept riding. That’s why she has her name and number in the rafters here and at the stadium, and you never will unless you shape up. And Wren, cut the crap. Nothing here is conducive to a winning franchise. It’s just a mess and bickering for no reason. You all should be grateful to be here.”


“Why are you telling this to us? Weren’t you grateful for being here?” Adama asked.


“This job, this team, this franchise, meant everything to me. And to see it torn down by petty disputes between players over who got fired in the offseason is the ultimate spit in the eye. You are disgraces to the Senator brand if you fight like this. And none of you will ever win a Cup that way. The only way you win is to be together as a team. That’s why the Miners and Mercs always win. They play together. You can’t be a bunch of loose cannons and do your own thing. That leads to losses and players not getting their contracts renewed. For those who want to win, buck up and get along. You don’t have to love every player on the team, but don’t hate each other. This is a team. Your teammates are the only way you win; you have to be there for each other. So cut the crybaby crap and find the cohesion that you had last year. I know you had it; I saw it every day on this practice field. So I leave and it all falls to pieces? Who is to blame for that, I wonder?”


Many of the forwards looked towards Likali, the Chiss coordinator who had replaced the Bothan. There was a tense silence in the air as everything simmered out in the open.


“I didn’t win these two titles because the team was divided,” S’rily said, wiggling the rings on his fingers. “They had one dream, and one dream only: to win the title. Otherwise, why are you here?”


“It is beyond time for you to go and stop interrupting my practices,” Hulu said angrily. “Or I will call security.”


“A few security guards don’t scare me. They should be afraid of me,” S’rily said. “But I’m not done. Not until all of you get with the program. Gamble tells me that there are fights at practice and a lack of direction. Why is that? Get along or get shipped out; it’s simple. I’m sure Kessel would love to have some of you play for them. Dreadful place, that is. So, if you want to avoid being sent there, you need to get back to playing the right way. You have to respect your teammates by respecting yourself. Forwards, why are you mad at a coach for not being the same as the last one? What is so wrong about this new coordinator that you hate so much? Doesn’t click? Too bad, things take time to implement. Systems don’t change overnight. Otherwise I would still be here. Point is, it’s time to stop wishing I would come back and hating the new coach. It doesn’t get you anywhere. The coaches are here to bring out the best in you, so you need to respect that work. It’s not a zero-sum game by any means. Defenders, why are you mad at the offense? Sometimes the other team puts up more points. There’s nothing you can do about that but get back into the facility and work harder to make sure it never happens again. That’s the nature of this game. You always get back to the basics and keep improving. Or else you should just leave.”


“Doesn’t change anything,” Adama commented. “We’d rather have you here. You understood us. We don’t have that now.”


“Why is that? You, blue-face! What the hell are you doing to these players to piss them off so much?”


“Coaching,” was all Likali said.


“College isn’t like the pros. But if you don’t know your players, they won’t respect you. They respected me because I reciprocated the action. If you just ‘coach’, then you’re just here to get paid. And that’s silly. If you really want to win, you need to get with the program. There are a lot of talented forwards here; I should know. I coached most of you. Adama, how long have I coached you? Five years?”


“Something like that.”


“But I know your secrets, your desires, your goals. And that’s how I coached you, forcing yourself to push it to the limit but knowing where to stop. I listened to all of you when you needed to ask me something, even if it wasn’t Limmie-related. So why can’t this level of communication continue now that I have moved on to another job? Isn’t that what coaching is for? To get to know the players? Adama, you should know that taking the captaincy away from another player by ripping it off their jersey is just going to cause a rift. Be a professional and mend that work relationship. Gamble is your co-worker, so make it work. You did in years past, so why not now? This is silly.”


Christine looked over at Adama, who was staring back at her.


“Go on, apologize,” S’rily said. “And then I can go back to work where I should be. I’ve got a young team that needs me to run practice.”


“I need an apology first from you,” Adama said to Christine from a distance.


“What for?” Christine asked. “You went to that meeting and didn’t tell us.”


“I’m sorry, OK?” Adama said. “I’m under the most stress of any of us.”


“But that’s why we have to keep working. We can’t let this divide the team,” Christine replied. “What have we become?”


“Adama, I know you’re under stress. Your father is a legend. Trying to live up to his name has always been your problem. It’s time you figure out that you are your own captain and you have a team that needs an anchor,” S’rily said. “You’ve always had that in you; you just need to believe it.”


“You’re right. Christine, I’m sorry. For everything. You deserve a shot at the title. We all want our chance, but you’ve been here so long . . .” The captain spun around to face the rest of the team. “And that means I don’t want anyone fighting. From now on, I need to be the captain that my father always wanted me to be. I’m sick of hiding behind it. I want my Cup. And everyone who wants a Cup too should step forwards. Otherwise, get off my team.”


Several players stepped forward. Then another group, and another. Finally, all the players stepped forwards, despite their lack of certainty.


“I know it can’t be fixed right away, but I want to play for a Cup more than anyone,” Adama said. “I want my shot at it, and that means we all have to work together. We may not like it, but Coach is right. We have to put our differences aside and play as a team.


When S’rily left the facility, nothing had been completely fixed, but there was hope that perhaps the Bothan had done one last major favor for the franchise he had once saved from bankruptcy.


Against the Monarchs that week, the team that S’rily knew he had during his time as coach came to play. The forwards, despite their lingering dislike for the Chiss OC, knew they had to score points in order to win games. Adama led the charge; every time she noticed tension between players on the roster, she would jump in and try to change the subject. And the crowd noticed their captain being all over the field.


As for Christine, she looked down at the ‘A’ on her chest. Through her actions, she hopefully had saved the team and her dream. She wanted one chance at a Cup; that was all she wanted. Things weren’t completely fixed, because the defensive players were still getting angry at the forwards. The rift wouldn’t heal overnight, if at all this season. But if there was at least some begrudging respect, that was an improvement. And Christine would take it.

 

IC: Boutros Sabah
New Six Boroughs Stadium, New Vertica City, Nar Shaddaa

Boutros's knee was bouncing, her breathing deep and eyes locked at the floor. This was one of the games everyone on the team had circled on their calendar. Them versus the Smugglers a do not miss game for everyone on both planets, and many beyond. It was a game known for its harsh play, some might call it dirty play. It was a common saying at least on Carratos that the Refs just turned their backs when the Pirates and Smugglers played. Blood was spilt, bruises were gained but, so far not injuries have been sustained. Maybe that would change this day.

The nightmares still plagued her some nights but, her mind had been more focused leading up to this game. A new face was in her mind every day of practice she visualized Lerouex, the forward that she was always lined up against. They fought hard, very hard. She rested a hand against her side where she had some bruised ribs from their last engagement. A long finger ran along the edge of her jaw, she knew the forward had a mean right hook, 287 had taught her that. The game when their anger finally boiled over into the fight everyone had been waiting for.

She couldn't deny that they were similar, couldn't deny that they played the same way. She also couldn't deny that she disliked the human. Maybe it was because they were so similar that she had such a distaste for her counterpart. It was like facing a copy of herself, it was infuriating. When she hit her mark she wanted them to stay down, to grimace up at her when she put them on the ground. Lerouex never did she never showed the pain that racked her body, never gave anything away. Just like Boutros, she never showed weakness, if you do that, your foe will use it to tear you down every time.

The nerves shook out of her as she marched down the tunnel onto the field all together.They linked arms as the planetary anthem played. Either through luck or good planning on someone's part Boutros stood directly across from Lerouex, her mark, her target, her nemesis. This was just the start of it, soon she would line up against her, and there wouldn't be a yards of distance between them. She would not give her room to breathe, give her no room to move. She locked eyes, staring lasers from across the space. One could feel the tension hanging between them.

The tension broke as they took their places for the opening whistle. The crowd in New Six Burrows cheered. Looking up into stands she spotted the white flag flying. It wasn't a flag of surrender, it was one of war, a black skull and crossbones emblazoned upon it. The white spot seemed even bigger than she remembered from the last time. The dedication was spreading, the expeditionary force was growing stronger, their voices carrying on to the field.

"What do you do with a Drunken Spacer." The words echoed over the din of the other fans emboldening the defender. She wasn't alone her people were with her.


Her cleats dug into the turf with a satisfying crunch. Her breathing normalized into a rhythmic pattern

Breathe in

Breathe out

Breathe in

Breath out,

Each breath she took rung in her ears as the rest of the soundscape faded away. The crowd noise, her teammates, it all quieted becoming white noise. All that remained was the other team, and the field, the field upon which she would engage her mark in a duel. Not to the death, not to the pain, but, to the win. Their fight would decided the game...At least in her mind, and maybe Lerouex's as well.



The whistle sounded and the world snapped into reality, everything running a full speed. Cutty took control right off the start rushing down the field ball in hand. It was stopped by the goalie but, was slammed into the ground by the defense. That one play set the tone for the game. Vaillant offensive attacks and crushing defensive counters. Lerouex was quick to reply taking a pass from the half forwards and barreling down the field. Boutros stepped up legs carrying her towards her target. Her eyes were locked on they would not falter. Again her breathing echoed in her head the crowd faded away.

With a lowered shoulder she caught the forward at the waist carrying her a step back before slamming her into the ground with all her force. She could feel the wind being knocked out of the woman now below but, not groan, not shout of pain. Exactly what she would have expected from Shady. The ball came loose and Boutros tried to scramble to her feet but, Lerouex held her up pulling her leg out from under her as she tried to stand. As she slid on the turf Boutros sneared behind her Shady's hand still partly wrapped around her boot.

The next engagement was quick and dirty. Boutros swooped in low again aiming for the waist. As she closed a knee came up catching her in the chin knocking her head back. The world turned upside down as her body twisted and tumbled to the ground. She could feel the bruise forming on the underside of her chin, the first of this game. Her mark looked over her shoulder a grin on her face. That was no accidental contact, that was purposeful. Boutros didn't shout, didn't yell at the ref, this wasn't that kind of game. Not that any of the refs would care.

And it continued tit-for-tat neither player helping the other up after a hit, neither showing any 'sportsmanship'. The teams went back and forth as well, each team scoring a goal in turn. Cutty would score, then Lerouex would score, Leigh would make an awesome play, Paak would set up Brynner for an answer. It was a delicate balance both teams straining against each other in a tug-of-war. The crowd was behind them cheering on their favored team, struggling to be heard out of the mass of hundreds of thousands. Thought it was hard to hear, the Pirates could always see their flag waving.

Lerouex and Boutros clash again and again, each trying to hold the line, keep their team in the lead or take the lead. The defenders body bore the marks of her fight. Bruised ribs from an elbow being slammed into it. Sore legs from chasing down her mark when she got past the back line. The sweat dripping off her skin as the final minutes came up. They were both run down but they weren't giving up. Everything was left to play for and time was running short.

Leigh put a goal into the back of the net. Putting the Pirates up by a single goal with only one minute remaining. Now was the time for the Smugglers to rush. Boutros knew it, Lerouex knew it. This was the play that would decide the game. In that moment their eyes locked and the Zeltron saw the fire, the determination in her counterpart's eye. It was the same in her.

The ball made its way down the field, past the Half-Backs, past the midfield, and soon it was in the hands of Paak. Boutros was close to Lerouex not giving her any room to move, right in her face the snarls had faded, the anger wasn't there anymore just will and grit. The forward shoved off gaining a step on the defender, just enough room for a pass from the team captain. The bolo ball was in the air Lerouex was looking up eyes half on the incoming pass, and on the defender bearing down on her.

Boutros gave everything she had to gain that one step she needed to finally close in with her mark. To put a stop to Smuggler's rally, to finally put this game away. Again the world fell away,all she saw were the numbers on Lerouex's back, all she heard was her footsteps. Her breaths were labored her legs pumping with all her worth. If she could just a step closer, just half a foot and she would be just there. With a final push her arms found purchase, all of her weight falling on the forward dragging them both down sending both bodies sliding across the pitch.

The ball came loose and it was quickly snapped up by Qazi but, the game was over the moment Boutros made contact with Lerouex. As the crowd booed and cheered, depending on who they supported, neither player rose from the turf.

A moment later they both got to their feet. The game was over, they both were spent but, the look in their eyes was the same, pure determination. In that moment, they understood each other. They were giving their all to their team, rules be damned.

For the first time Boutros extended her hand, a genuine show of respect.

Between two players doing everything they can for their teams.

TAG: @Vehn

 

​

"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."

"Well we've had two straight weeks of bloodbaths in the HSN Top 25, but there won't be a third as suddenly stability reigns in the ranks of college limme with teams sorting themselves out either confirming or defying writer and expert expectations."

"So boring."

"With the Bucks near the top I'll take boring."

"You would."

"Only three teams in HSN's top 25 take losses this week, the highest ranking of which was number ten Druckenwell Technical University..."

"Think they drop out of the playoff picture?"

"The top 16, maybe for now, but they'll be close enough to get back in before the season ends."

"Not much time left to recover..."

"...while number 18 VCU and number 23 Garqi State University..."

"They'll fall out the rankings entirely now."

"...also taking losses."

"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: no one/everyone

​

HSN Top 25 after Week Six

1. University of Kashyyyk
2. The Ord Sabaok University
3. University of Zeltros
4. Grand Vulptur System University
5. University of Onderon Rupings
6. Norand University, Carratos
7. University of Csilla
8. Taanab A&M University
9. University of Shili
10. UB Telaan Valley
11. Prytis College of Natural Sciences
12. University of the Northern Industrial District
13. University of Kuat
14. Druckenwell Technical University
15. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead
16. College of Deredith & Millicent
17. Ryloth Ag and Tech University
18. Gargarrump University, Kashyyyk
19. Citadel University of Anaxes
20. Bakura Fleet Academy
21. Enarc Technical University
22. Vertical City University, Nar Shaddaa
23. Duro State University
24. University of Bison
25. Republican University

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Tomas Vigo missed curfew will not start Sunday against the Senators

TAG: @Runjedirun

 

IC: Shady Lerouex

Pirates Vs. Smugglers


Shady heard the internal clock in her head ticking away. Ticking away the seconds before her career became oblivion, before she became a distant memory, a potential marble bust in the Empress Teta Hall of Fame.



The roaring in her head continued after she received a crushing hit from her arch rival, Boutros. She heard the regulation buzzer sound loud and clear in the stadium and knew that at long last her fight was over. Carratos was victorious.



Boutros stood near and simply stared at her, exhausted. Shady had nothing to say. They'd spent everything fighting one another over their careers, through regular season match ups, playoffs, and all the games that ever mattered. This was their last contest. Their last fight and Boutrous had won.



Then the unthinkable happened. Shady saw Boutrous extend a hand. Shady may have at times hated Boutros' guts as a competitor but she respected the way Boutros played, the passion, the motivation, and the power. Shady met Boutros' hand and her grip lingered. There was a connection there.



Something special. Something unsaid. Something only two competitors who'd given it their all could ever understand. There was something else there as well as they sized one another up for the last time. They were both bloodied, bruised, and exhausted but there was something more.



Respect.



Euceron


"Come on, rally, rally!" Shady barked as the Euceron Officers, that felt weird to think that they used to be the Storm, charged down the field and hit the Smuggler's defense hard.



Zelena Wiles, blonde main flying in the air, roundhouse kicked the bolo ball back up the field with a great defensive stop. Shady caught the ball, juked past a defender, spun past another one and fired a shot toward the Euceron goalkeeper.....



This game was fierce, intense, and brutal.

Tag: @galactic-vagabond422 (great post on your end!); @Trieste; @jcgoble3

 

GM Post

We're starting to get a sense of the playoff picture now! Bonus potential to Bakura, Carratos, Coruscant, Euceron, Mando'ade, Nar Shaddaa, and Ralltiir.

Week 6 Result
Rydonni Prime Monarchs at Chandrila Patriots (18-8)
Bakura Miners at Stewjon Metropolitans (34-7)
Mando’ade Mercs at Carratos Pirates (4-4, OT 9-5)
Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at Euceron Officers (32-35)
Ralltiir Starkillers at Coruscant Senators (16-40)

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik @galactic-vagabond422 @jcgoble3 @Jedi Gunny @Runjedirun @SWNerd11 @Vehn

 

Sub GM Post

Bonus potential for Concorida (28), Druckenwell (28), Tatooine (28), Atzerri (28) and Thyferra (28)

Week LFL 5 Results
Concordia Crusaders @ Druckenwell Marksmen (26-23)
Tatooine Sandskimmers @ Atzerri Bandits (12-24)
Thyferra Force @ Rattatak Sea Devils (18-2)

Tags: @Bardan_Jusik @Vehn @galactic-vagabond422 @Jedi Gunny

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Queen Mother Sierra Chume submits anti-misandry law to Hapan Royal Court
  • Law establishes legal equality between sexes through provisions governing employment, compensation, and advancement
  • The law also notably requires high schools and universities to provide equal opportunities for athletics to each sex
  • Professional sports within the Consortium, including the noted Consortium Juniors league, are required to be integrated as well
• Royal Court, comprised of representatives of all 63 worlds in the Consortium, is not required to approve law
• Queen Mother releases a statement saying that while her word is law, “such a substantial shift in Hapan society deserves public debate before being enacted”
• Independent polling suggests that a majority of ordinary Hapans support or are undecided about such a change
  • Same polls state that Hapan nobility is overwhelmingly against such a change
• HNN political analyst says “Getting Royal Court approval of this change will be tough, but the Queen Mother is a goddess in the Consortium. What she says goes--even if the Royal Court doesn’t back her”

TAG: @jcgoble3

 

IC: Tomas Vigo

Tomas was excited about going to Coruscant. Not only did he believe he was going to have another break out game in which he proved to the Galaxy his greatness, he also had an opportunity to do something special for Von’kedo. On Ralltiir the majority of the population was human. Von’kedo had complained several times she couldn’t buy new shirts or dresses because they didn’t fit over her Lekku.

As soon as the shuttle landed on Coruscant Tomas dropped his bag in his hotel room and headed out to some shops with clothing designed specifically for Twi’leks. Tomas enjoyed picking out some dresses and a few shirts. He reached in his pocket for his data pad and to his horror barely had enough battery to bring up his payment method. With a dead data pad Tomas couldn’t pay for a ride back to the hotel. He’d have to walk.

Tomas thought he knew where he was going, ended up getting lost and feeling completely miserable. Typical Coruscant storms brought a downpour. Finally when Tomas was sure it was hours past dinner he saw the hotel in the distance. Tomas had a game in the morning so he ducked into a restaurant and ordered some take out. While he waited he was able to charge his data pad enough to pay for the meal.

It was 10 minutes past the 22:00 curfew when Tomas entered the hotel lobby. The curfew was silly, too early and he was a mere 10 minutes late. Coach Allin was outside his room waiting when Tomas reached his floor.

Tomas was still wet from walking in the rain, held an armful of shopping bags and clutched under his arm was his take-out dinner. Head Coach Ty Allin was relieved the kid hadn’t stumbled in drunk. Relieved and frustrated. “Can’t you keep track of time?” He asked angrily.

“I had stuff to take care of,” Tomas said. Suddenly feeling subconscious Tomas gripped his bags tighter so Ty couldn’t see what was inside them.

“I got a wife at home too,” Ty said. He wasn’t fooled. He knew ladies boutique bags when he saw them. “Look this isn’t easy. We’re starting Sniider tomorrow,” Ty spoke quickly. He just wanted to break the news and get this over with.

Tomas looked at the chrono on his wrist. “I’m 12 minutes late and you already made this decision?” He asked in disbelief.

“Dash and I discussed it at dinner. Doesn’t look good when a player misses dinner,” Ty tried to sound sympathetic.

“So that’s that,” Tomas spat angrily. His whole damn life was full of no special treatment for you. Tomas pushed Ty to the side and used his key card to enter his hotel room. Lawco was on one bed pretending to read his play book. Tomas felt a physical pain in his chest as he sat down at the desk against a wall and began unpacking the contents of his dinner. The pain was a familiar one. At great moments of distress Tomas often felt pain in his chest, it was a feeling he first felt back on that night when his father died.

Tomas forced himself to eat the dinner. After swallowing his last bite of food Tomas balled up his trash, tossed it in a bin and got undressed. A warm shower helped him settle his thoughts, a peak at the clothing he bought his wife allowed him to imagine them enjoying the treasures together in their apartment. He slept better than expected.

No one spoke to Tomas at breakfast. He felt alone. Alone and betrayed. During the hours between breakfast and game time Tomas wrote a letter to his step-father. He dropped the hand written note discretely in a mail chute on his way to the team shuttle. It was addressed to Jim Vigo. Tomas had no idea where his step-father was. His father’s brother would mail it for him. Replies came, in Trey Till’s handwriting. Even if Tomas never saw Trey Till again he took comfort knowing he was alive.

The game was a disaster. Not because Tomas didn’t start. Coruscant was more focused, more physical and dominated in every way. On the flight home Tomas sat wondering if he’d made the right choices in life. A familiar form sat down next to him, “You want to talk about it?” Coach Allin asked. Tomas looked at Ty with no emotion. “Come on we’ll go somewhere private,” Ty motioned his head and Tomas followed.

Tomas found himself face to face with Ty in a very familiar room. Uniforms washed in a machine and gear was piled neatly along the walls. As a water boy Tomas had helped pack and unpack this room many, many times. He didn’t feel like any time had passed since then, he didn’t feel any older, he didn’t feel like his position on the team was any more important. “Tough loss today,” Ty said trying to pull Tomas out of his thoughts.

“How do you do this?” Tomas asked.

“Do what?” Ty asked.

“Suffer losses like this every season. Doesn’t it start to get to you after a while?”

“I don’t have a choice,” Ty said with a shrug. “I can’t fix droids, much less build one. I have to depend on Ezra to fix broken appliances,” Ty said referring to his 9 year old son. “Limmie is the only thing I know. The real question is why are you doing this?”

Tomas thought it was a stupid question. What choice did he have? Everyone expected him to play Limmie. Ty himself had taught Tomas to play and told him what great potential he had. He took a moment before answering Ty. He thought back to Limmie before college. Before losses made him doubt his abilities. He remembered winning last week and the week before that. Why did last week seem so long ago? “I enjoy Limmie,” Tomas said plainly.

“Doesn’t sound like you enjoy Limmie,”Ty challenged.

Tomas wanted to spill everything. Missing his father, the pains in his chest, the burdens being too much. He couldn’t confide those things in anyone. He was a man. He was Tomas Vigo and he wanted to play Limmie. Limmie players were tough. You didn’t show your weaknesses. “It was a bad game,” Tomas shrugged.

“I can help,” Ty said. “That’s what I’m here for. Meet me in my office tomorrow morning. We’ll break down the tape of today’s game. It won’t be fun,” Ty warned. “But I can point out every time your man got away from you and tell you how to prevent it from happening next week against the Officers. And if you want,” Ty added mischievously. “We can prank Yolanda. Put a walker in her locker. I know they’ve been making you out be 10 years old all season. Let’s turn the tables,” Ty offered.

“You’re on, tomorrow morning.” Tomas confirmed as he got up to leave.

IC: Von’kedo

Von’kedo stood in the cold sterile med center hallway. Except it didn’t feel cold today. A thirteen year old girl walked slowly supported by a nurse on each side. Her first steps since surgery. Her recovery was ahead of schedule. Von’kedo knew the girl’s struggles were far from over. She’d already expressed being fearful of returning to school with a shaved head.

Von’kedo understood all too well the desire to fit in. Tomas had purchased her clothing on Coruscant. Von’kedo thought the clothes were too revealing for her chubby frame. To please Tomas she’d worn a dress he purchased for her on a dinner date just last night. She felt judging eyes from the minute she stepped out until she got home. Maybe 23 was too old for a short skirt.

Von’kedo had longed for a baggy sweater and denim pants. Tomas had only her best interest in mind. She had complained she couldn’t find good clothes on Ralltiir. She couldn’t tell him she hated the clothes. She hated the clothes.

The girl and her nurse escorts made it to the end of the hall and turned around just in time to see the lift open. A tall thin dark figure stepped off. The girl gasped in delight. Von’kedo felt a tingle of jealousy. She hadn’t performed the surgery, but she had assisted the surgeon by handing him the right tools. All Tomas had to do was dribble a bolo ball and somehow he had gained more respect.

Tomas smiled warmly and shook the girl's hand gently. He opened his duffel bag, produced a jersey and signed it for her. Before Tomas saw her Von’kedo ducked down another hallway to check on a different patient.

Tags: @Jedi Gunny and @jcgoble3 for brief game/upcoming game mentions

 

IC: Harle Quinn
New Ayotte, Stewjon

(Your music this week, which has a very prominent word that is not board approved, but is very much appropriate for this week )

“Here’s what makes Harle Quinn different than Kaepernick Kryze: he took a knee for peace. Kneeling, that’s an act of reverence. He was saying, ‘I love and respect Mandalore and the Mando’ade, but I see a different path forward for us.’ Even if you disagree with what he said, you have to admit he showed respect.

“But Harle Quinn? She raises her fist in the air. That’s a symbol of defiance, of militance. This is, ‘I am here to change things by any means necessary.’ Do you what ‘by any means necessary’ means? It means ‘by illegal means.’ Quinn is espousing a flagrantly radical agenda on the field. Not only does this not have a place in sports, it doesn’t have a place in public debate. Period.”

Isn’t that a great way to start your week? I know it sure made my morning when that clip popped up in my feed on the HoloNet! Nothing says, “It’s a great, brand new week where anything is possible!” like being called “flagrant.” Thank you very much, but I am not on fire. I am many things, but on fire is not one of them.

To be fair, I saw this coming. I mean, after what happened when I inadvertently protested the national anthem at Chandrila, I was pretty sure that everyone was going to jump on me for doing it on purpose. Did that mean I liked the vitriol spewed at me? No. Do you know what happens when people yell at me? I do the exact opposite of what they want me to do and twice as hard. I know. Isn’t that adorable?

Anyways, the entire week we’re on Stewjon they should rename HSN HQN: Harle Quinn Network. You can’t turn on a limmie show without someone talking about me. Heck, you can barely turn on other shows without them talking about me. Apparently everybody is afraid that players in lightball, zoomball, smashball, pod racing, blob racing, horse racing, and competitive sabacc (wait, that’s considered a sport now? What is the galaxy coming to?) is going to start protesting national anthems now. Yes, all because of little old me. Who would have thought?

I am in fine spirits the morning of the game at Kenobi Field. In fact, I happily hum to myself as I apply my eye black, observing my pink face in my compact mirror. At the Gardens I have a mirror hanging in my stall, but unfortunately nobody on Stewjon thought I needed one. Sexist much, Stewjonians? You’d think Rurra Eshka’mos would be more interested in gender equality and would have fixed this by now.

“Uh, Harle?” Jo Pawvelski interjects.

“Yeah Paws?” I ask, not looking away from the mirror and my work.

“Think you might have overdone it a little bit?” the Cathar asks.

“Hmmm? Why would you say that?” I query, snapping the compact shut.

“Uhhh...because you kind of got it all over?” Points for being right. I’ve completely covered my eye sockets with eye black, even on the backs of my lids.

“I know!” I exclaim. “Mr. C told me he liked my black eye after the win against the Monarchs. It got me thinking: maybe if I have a black eye in this game too, we’ll win! And this way is much less painful.” This is why I graduated from PCNS with honors. Logic.

Before Pawvelski can tell me that she really likes this look, I hear the highest pitch squealing. I turn and it’s Horst Penn with a huge grin on his face. He’s jumping up and down, pointing at me with one hand and covering his mouth excitedly with the other.

“You look like a raccoon!” Horst blurts out. “This is awesome!”

“What’s a raccoon?” I am nonplussed. That is a fancy word for puzzled. Once again, I graduated from PCNS. I am smart.

“The greatest animal ever!” Horst picks me up in a giant hug. “This is gonna be the greatest game ever!”

Yes. Yes it is.



At the first strains of Edelweiss, I defiantly put my fist in the air. I’m not backing down because some crybabies on the HoloNet got their knickers in a twist.

What I don’t expect is that two players down I hear Stephana Adiims mutter, “Frak it.” And then she puts her fist in the air. Later Stephana will tell me that she had a gay friend who got a raw deal once and she’s seen a lot of non-human friends who were treated differently because of their species. When she does, I will hug her and know that I have a friend for life.

To the other side, Jo growls, “When she’s right, she’s right.” Her fist, claws and all, goes into the air. Jo is not just a veteran on the team, but she’s also a Cathar and a Human police officer could easily feel “intimidated” by her on the street at night. This is real to her too. However, that’s not why my heart swells when she joins me. It’s because she’s my roommate and she’s got my back. From this day forward, I will walk over hot coals for Jo any time, any place.

Then Esheps’ blue fist rises. LouEl Calaran’s hand joins his. Kaffeen’s fury paw, the size of a dinner plate, goes up. Burrnsbacca joins his brother Wookiee.

And then, to my utter surprise, Horst Penn puts his fist in the air. Horst Penn the assistant captain, a member of the Noble Freaking House of Trieste, is raising his fist in the air. He is protesting what life is like on Bakura for non-humans. This idiot (all due respect, of course) from Agamar is standing with me.

I almost start crying.

I still notice that Garpet, Marnie Blake, Zey Rakko, and Lapaki Wenner join us. That’s when I realize that over half the Miners are non-Human. Korriban, we’re probably the most diverse workforce at one employer on the entire planet of Bakura. And we stand together.

I note who doesn’t stand with us. Marteen Riggles, late of the Bakura Fleet Academy. Kyr Irvin, who had a front row seat to the Kryze protests. And Niskat Deenver, captain, league MVP, leader of this team, keeps her hands down. I’m disappointed, but I’m not mad. I can’t fault anyone who isn’t prepared to go on this journey with me to join. But damn, it would have been something if we’d all done it.

And here I thought this morning I’d be alone. I was totally okay with that, but I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more okay being shoulder-to-shoulder with my fellow players.

This week is gonna be different.



And by different I mean, let’s-score-four-goals-and-three-points-over-the-bar different. That kind of different.

We are the Miners united against Stewjon. We click. I don’t know if it’s just that we’re finally settling in as a team or if it was almost the entire team finding unity in our shared protest, but we are working as one. Irvin is a beast at midfield, showing what made him great on Mandalore. Horst Penn and the defense come together and are a near solid wall against the best efforts of the Mets. This game is over at halftime.

It’s a team effort, but I know that I play my best game not just on the stat sheet, but on the field. Maybe this is what using the Force is like. I can sense everything and everyone. (Also, I swear that I can control beings’ minds and make things move during the game, which I’m 100% sure is what I read Luke Skywalker said the Force is.) I’m throwing shoulders left and right, rocking Mets up and down the field. I’m stiff arming defenders and putting them into the grass like I’m playing against six year olds (that’s not an insult--Jennie Mack was a darn good six year old player back in little league limmie). I’m vaulting over players. I’m setting picks for my teammates. I’m sliding under defenders, between their legs, to their utter surprise. There’s nothing I can’t do.

The Mets fans hate me. They boo every time I get the boloball. Every time I score I put my hand to my ear as if to say I can’t hear you. It only irks them more--not that many are left halfway through the second half when the game is clearly out of reach. Guess they wanted to get a jump on traffic.

After my fourth goal, I throw my fist into the air, this time in celebration. I know then that we are back in the hunt for the playoffs.

And we’re going home for three straight games, all the way to Truce Day.

Bakura, here we come.

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik and @Runjedirun who both provided insights into a couple players who had background on their worlds

 

​

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 defending Glactic Cup Champion Mando'ade Mercs. I'm Randy the Rancor, he's Justin Pitt. Liz Baker on the boards, with Kitterich on the other side of the glass and oh baby do we have a lot to talk about today."

"Wow, that was a hard fought game..."

"Yeah, it had me hurting just watching the hits being laid out, on both sides."

"It was a defensive struggle all the way..."

"Just the kind of game you love I know."

"I do, I really do."

"In the end though, the Mercs pull off the win, even though it took overtime to do it, and my goodness is it ever an important win."

"Even the OT was close throughout really."

"I was worried when Reppen made that early bar point to put the Pirates up by one early in the OT period."

"Yeah, with the way their defense had kept our forwards in check all day I thought that might be it too, but give the Mercs credit, they moved the ball up quickly..."

"Pic actually made a good play there, getting ther ball into the offensive zone."

"First time she'd done it all day."

"All day? Try a couple of games it seems."

"Yeah."

"Then of course you have Zapdos hitting a bar point of his own to tie the game up again at five all."

"And then things bogged down again..."

"Yeah it did, I thought for sure we were headed for a second OT."

"So did I, but then the broken play caught the Pirates just a little out of position and led to Arock getting the ball and he put it into the back of the net for a goal and suddenly the Mercs were up by three."

"Did you see that hut he took right as he shot the ball?"

"Oh yeah, they laid him out! I didn't think it was a late hit though did you?"

"Well, it was borderline, but they didn't call it. So no, probably not. didn't stop me from yelling at the holo-cast though"

"Still, it was a great hit, and we're lucky that ball went in, because he looked a little woozy after that hit."

"He didn't seem quite the same for the rest of the game, though we did get another point after the Pirates sold out to throw everyone at our defense and then Qazi made that poor pass to try to jump start things from their net..."

"Yeah, he jumped the gun there a little in a pressure situation which led to the easy Jaing interception and bar point as time expired."

"So, Mercs played great defense throughout and bring home a much needed win, still have to be concerned about the offense right now."

"Held to single digits in scoring for each of the past two weeks and we're lucky to go one and one in that time."

"Well, credit the Pirates for playing great defense this last game, but yeah, there have to be some concerns right now regarding the offense and the seeming inability to get the ball out of the midfield and to the forwards."

"They did a better job of it this week, just Carratos had Arock on lockdown."

"Still, we're going up against Irvin next week, and we all know what a menace he can be."

"Yeah, grudge match here for sure...and right when the Miners seems to be hitting their stride."

"Going to be tough...and the games don't get any easier after that either really."

"Or less important, Mercs will finish out the year with two in conference games."

"Those are going to be huge."

"Especially in the tightly packed Skywalker conference."

"The Solo is just as competitive right now, three games left in the season and no team in either conference has been eliminated."

"Yeah, seems like just about every team still has a shot not only at the playoffs, but conceivably the Commissioner's Trophy..."

"Any of those same teams could also finish in last too..."

"True enough. Seems we have a three game season now, with a few teams having a slight edge over others, but its all going to come down to the play on the field these last three weeks."

"I can't wait."

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Mando'ade Mercs front office reports that a strain of Balmorra Flu has affected several players who will miss this week's game at Bakura. Players include starting Fullback Aurora Terragone and starting forwards La'Bron Jaing and Aryanna Scythe. The Mercs locker room is undergoing an enhanced sanitation but backup Fullback Ett'a Candi and backup forwards Flad "Deadshot" Ly'ton and Jo'Ker will be in the starting lineup against the Bakura Miners

TAG: @Bardan_Jusik

 

​

"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."

"The last weekend of the regular season has come and gone in college limmie and conference championship games are set as teams make that one last push to bolster their resume and make a case for the top sixteen and inclusion in the postseason."

"Over in the Super 16..."

"Can we redo this weekend?"

"...the Starbucks of The Ord Sabaok University and the Pilots of GVSU went at it in The Game, this time with a berth in the S16 championship game on the line..."

"You're loving this aren't you?"

"...and the game didn't disappoint, with the Pilots converting a late penalty shot and then holding on to win 16-15."

"Kill me now."

"They'll take on surprise University of Kuat for the S16 crown."

"That's a gimme."

"Hey at least your team should still be in the top 16 and in the playoffs."

"Yeah..."

"Speaking of playoffs, #21 University of Bison will be looking for a big win over #4 Zeltros over in the Big Two Zero championship game...."

"Yeah right."

"A win there could put UB into the playoff conversation."

"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: no one/everyone



Final Regular Season HSN Top 25 after Week Seven

1. University of Kashyyyk
2. Grand Vulptur System University
3. The Ord Sabaok University
4. University of Zeltros
5. University of Onderon Rupings
6. Norand University, Carratos
7. University of Csilla
8. University of the Northern Industrial District
9. Prytis College of Natural Sciences
10. University of Kuat
11. University of Shili
12. Druckenwell Technical University
13. Taanab A&M University
14. University of Tatooine, Anchorhead
15. UB Telaan Valley
16. Enarc Technical University
17. Gargarrump University, Kashyyyk
18. Bakura Fleet Academy
19. Citadel University of Anaxes
20. Vertical City University, Nar Shaddaa
21. University of Bison
22. Wevern-Tylock College
23. Ryloth Ag and Tech University
24. College of Deredith & Millicent
25. Namaryne System University, Rydonni Prime

 

GM Post

HSN Headlines

• Euceron Officers locker room also falls victim to Balmorra Flu
• Starters Owen Magnus, Charles Brown, John Masters, and Peter Mitchell, along with several backups, are out for Starkillers game and will not travel to Ralltiir
• Sickened players are strictly forbidden from being in close proximity to players who are well until all symptoms have completely disappeared
  
• Aforementioned starters will be replaced on Ralltiir by Villi'ikan'amas, Morgan Patrick, Naomi Sunset, and Car’rick Adelaide, respectively
• Officers' locker room at Storm Stadium has been cordoned off for a thorough disinfectant cleaning
• Team will prep for travel out of the stadium's alternate home locker room used for high school and college games and use brand new equipment and uniforms while on the shuttle and on Ralltiir in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease

TAG: @jcgoble3 @Runjedirun

 

IC: Christine Gamble


The physicality shown by the Senators in all facets was evident. They wore down the Starkillers with a relentless attack that had been sorely missing all season from the Senator offense, a seemingly-rejuvenated Leia Adama leading the charge. While the stern lecture from Gark S’rily hadn’t smoothed things overly completely, as there were still some rifts inside the locker room, winning big was a good way to get back on track as a team. The players, despite any misgivings they held for their coaches or each other, played their best game of the year.


Christine was a big part of what the defense had planned for. Without Tomas Vigo playing for the Starkillers, the focus on defense shifted to the other Ralltiir forwards. Clearly not having Vigo hurt the visiting team, and it had made the game a lot easier for the home Senators. But that was what the sport was about, playing a game against a team regardless of who they trotted out onto the field. Injuries happened all the time, as was evident when Shaq’ille Oneal got landed on by a pile of bodies and limped off the field. Several Senator players were clearly beat up after the game, evident of the physicality with which they played the game. It was a fine line to walk.


Over the week, Christine had worked to mend fences with the other players. Several offensive players were still annoyed over something, and that would take a while to be fixed. So what she had to do as assistant captain was try and smooth things over best she could. The ‘A’ on the chest of her jersey was a symbol that had to be respected, but also carried with it a heavy burden of responsibility. She had to be a good leader on and off the field, and that required a mentality that not all players had. Christine had learned it the hard way, and now in her elder status on the team had to instill those characteristics into her demeanor. It was necessary to lead by example whenever possible.


Stewjon was up next in a home game for the Senators. After that, they had a trip to Bakura before finishing the season off with a home tilt against Euceron. The Mets would undoubtedly look for revenge for their defeat the prior season, so it was necessary for the Senators to pick up a crucial third conference win to stay in the hunt for the top seed in the Solo. The shorter season made for a sprint to the finish line, and any losses were brutal to take. It required a team to be on their game every week, especially considering the hell personified that was Bakura Gardens for the team in orange and black. The Miners always had their number, so it was necessary to get the win against Stewjon before going to Bakura. Otherwise, they risked dropping a pair and potentially missing the playoffs for a third straight year.

TAG: @Runjedirun, @Trieste (for Bakura bits)

 

IC: Shady Lerouex

Rydonni Prime

The Nar Shaddaa Smugglers were on a three game losing streak. They were staring up at the top of the Skywalker Conference rather than looking down as had been assumed by league experts prior to the start of the season. The team possessed the league's most potent offensive attack and a defense that could hold its own but there were cracks showing, there were points of weakness.

They were being exploited.

Shady tightened the laces on her cleats and felt the countdown begin in her mind. There were only three games left in the season. She wasn't going to go down without a fight. Not when she could see the playoffs on the horizon. They were so close. Not yet out of reach.

Game time.

Shady roared out of the tunnel as she felt a chorus of boos and nasty comments rain down upon her parade. She wasn't about to let anyone stop her. She wasn't about to let anyone get in the way of her playing for another title.

She'd won two in her career. Way back in '76 and '78. She'd gone again in '82 and '87 and lost. She wanted to end her career on top. She wanted to hoist the trophy high above her head and shout down to all those she'd vanquished to never doubt her. The road back to the final started today, against Rydonni Prime and then moved on to next week against Mando'ade and finally Bakura.


Shady gathered the Smuggler's offense around her, "We need to come out firing in this one! We can't afford to fall behind. One more loss and we're going to be watching the playoffs from our couches. I need you guys to rally to me. Let me be the focus of the offense this game. Let me fire it up out there. I know I can do this!"


The team yelled and broke their huddle.

Game on.

Tag: @SWNerd11 (brief Rydonni mention)