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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Beyond - Legends X-Wing: Rogue Diplomacy - Complete 5/20 (Sequel to Genesis. Syal, Tycho, Wes, Hobbie, Doran, Rogues)

Discussion in 'Fan Fiction- Before, Saga, and Beyond' started by Lane_Winree, Mar 1, 2011.

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  1. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    "The way Cerulo's people shoot, worst that'll happen is Syal gets grazed in the leg or the arm," Hobbie said. "I mean, that's only a few days in a Bacta bath, right?"

    The Hobbie Klivian perspective on things. :p

    Wes looked incredulously at Hobbie for a moment before shaking his head. "I keep telling you, Hobbs. Bacta tanks are not a substitute for a proper vacation."

    [face_laugh]


    That was all too appropriate a fate for Dia. During her tenure with the Wraiths, she had repeatedly expressed disdain for slave culture. In her younger years, she had been ripped away from her homeworld of Ryloth and forced into the slave industry. The trauma of those dark years had left deep emotional scars.


    Poor Dia! :(


    "It's been months now, though," the commander said, running a hand through his graying hair. "She hasn't come to terms with it at all. If anything she's worse now. On edge more often, distracted, short-tempered with her pilots."

    "I can't imagine being a commanding officer of a combat squadron is easy. Stress?"


    Yeah, a very specific kind of stress. :(

    Staven hesitated. "I think it's more than that. About eight weeks ago I got a medical report on my desk with Syal's name on it, standard operating procedure whenever a squadron commander sees a medical specialist. The XO gets a copy of the report so they're aware of any medical issues that might impact the commanding officer's ability to lead."

    Oh-ho! It has begun. [face_worried]


    The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood up. The overwhelming concern he felt for Syal just moments earlier was suddenly pushed into the back of his mind.
    ...
    Doran wasn't quite quick enough. The last thing he remembered before his vision blacked out was the blast of the explosion knocking him into the back wall.
    ...
    The numbness gave way to a feeling of complete horror as Syal's eyes locked onto a lifeless arm protruding from that pile of broken duracrete and transparisteel.


    LANE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?


     
  2. JediMara77

    JediMara77 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 5, 2004
    Yes, Wes had witnessed every terrible, absurd thing the Galaxy could cook up.

    Including Daala as Chief of State!

    A cursory glimpse inside just one of the buildings revealed the true nature of what was occurring in this part of Orvax IV's capitol city. The businesses were merely fronts that somehow managed to legitimize slaver operations. The wails and screams of terror from new slaves that had been smuggled in via covered cargo haulers made the purpose abundantly clear. Cridmeen had lied through his teeth. The slave trafficking wasn't just widespread, it was organized and ruthlessly efficient.

    Grrrrrr.

    If he were in one of the numerous action holoflicks he had seen over the years, Wes could assume that by stepping into the alley he was liable to be jumped by a group of rather unscrupulous thugs.

    That might happen anyway, with your luck.

    "I don't!" Wes said with a grin. "Makes this whole thing exciting, doesn't it?"

    Oh, Wes.

    Yay, Dia!

    "Syal, Kess, this is Dia Passik, former Wraith Squadron operative and the only woman in the galaxy capable of holding Face Loran's attention for more than five minutes.

    Bwahahahaha. Oh, that was a fun ship. :p

    A look of concern furrowed Tycho's brow. "Are you trying to tell me that Freedom Flight had nothing to do with the revolts on this world? You didn't instigate any of this?"

    "Force honest truth, General," Dia insisted. "Our efforts have been focused elsewhere. Tatooine, Blaudu Sextus, Klatooine. Most we've been doing here is reconnaissance and occasionally smuggling slaves off-world. Quietly smuggling them off-world."


    Hmmm. What's going on, then?

    The temperature had been plunging over the last several days.

    Well that's an ominous sign.

    He was terrified for her. Like the commander, Doran suspected that something wasn't quite right with Syal all those months ago. Their breakup had come out of nowhere. Despite his efforts, she refused to speak with him after that. That had been such a dramatic about-face for Syal. She had always been open with him. Could their separation be related to that awful note in her medical report?

    Uh, I think that's a big YES, Doran.

    Poor Syal. Mean old author won't let you be happy!

    Doran wasn't quite quick enough. The last thing he remembered before his vision blacked out was the concussive blast knocking him into the back wall.

    I hate you, FYI.

    The numbness gave way to a feeling of complete horror as Syal's eyes locked onto a lifeless arm protruding from that pile of broken duracrete and transparisteel.

    Did I mention that I hate you? Yes? Good. 'Cause I do. :p

    (Oh I cannot wait to get you back for these cliffies....)
     
  3. SWpants

    SWpants Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 28, 2004
    Greed, corruption. Does horrible things.

    *nods sadly*


    Given her incentive, definitely. But would she have helped out in a clear-headed fashion? I'm not so sure of that.

    Hmm. True. Something to think about



    Chapter Thirteen - Explosive

    Wes had seen just about everything the Galaxy could throw at a person.

    Yes, yes he had. I can?t even imagine what he (and the others) had to go through


    "I swear if I see another one of these scum sucking mynocks shoving a slave around again," Kessila said, "I will shove my lightsaber so far up their aft exhaust port their head will spin."

    Oh, if only she could.


    ""I would like to point out," Syal said, "that we are in a rather dangerous part of the city and have been led here by directions from some mysterious stranger."

    [face_laugh] I know it?s really not all that funny, but it humored me.


    The familiar, smiling face of Dia Passik was a more than welcome sight.

    Yay!


    "Are you trying to tell me that Freedom Flight had nothing to do with the revolts on this world? You didn't instigate any of this?"

    Good!!


    "You won't give into him," Dia continued, turning her back to them and briefly looking over her shoulder. "When you're ready to do the right thing, I'll be here to help. Until then, we're finished."

    I really hope she?s right and that she can. Because I don?t want to see Tycho succumb to the threats.



    "We assume that the resistance has someone with deep pockets footing the bill. If we work with that as a criterion, we have to immediately wipe Freedom Flight off the list of potential culprits."

    Very true, on both accounts. I?m glad Freedom Flight?s not getting the blame for it all.


    Something hasn't been quite right with her since she saw her two friends at the Isard Correctional Facility."

    Well, can you really blame her? Months don?t take away the pain, really.


    "It was enough for the doctor to give her a low-level psychological flag in her medical record."

    [face_plain] Uh-oh?.
    I don?t like the sound of that.

    Though again, it would be understandable.


    Their breakup had come out of nowhere. Despite his efforts, she refused to speak with him after that. That had been such a dramatic about-face for Syal. She had always been open with him.

    Aw, Doran :(
    Oh I really hope Syal tells him what it was all about. He deserves that.



    BAD BAD BAD noooo
    Doran!
    Syal!
    Everyone!
     
  4. earlybird-obi-wan

    earlybird-obi-wan Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Aug 21, 2006
    WOW explosive update, resembling real life.

    And revealing more about Syal. What's happening?
     
  5. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Hazel

    The Hobbie Klivian perspective on things.

    It's very pragmatic and focused on the not getting hurt ^_^

    Poor Dia!

    She had a rough upbringing :(

    Oh-ho! It has begun.

    Indeed. The seeds have been planted

    LANE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

    You shall find out in the morning :D

    Nanci

    Including Daala as Chief of State!

    Hissssssssssssss

    That might happen anyway, with your luck.

    Oh Wes, you and your lousy luck

    Bwahahahaha. Oh, that was a fun ship.

    Boy howdy was it ever!

    Hmmm. What's going on, then?

    Oh, only another six or so chapters til you find out!

    Uh, I think that's a big YES, Doran.

    Correlation! PROBABLY!

    Poor Syal. Mean old author won't let you be happy!

    Now that's not true! ... okay maybe it is.

    I hate you, FYI.

    Well aware :D

    (Oh I cannot wait to get you back for these cliffies....)

    Uh oh!

    SWpants666

    Yes, yes he had. I can?t even imagine what he (and the others) had to go through

    After a long, storied career, he's seen it all.

    Oh, if only she could.

    Ah Kess, she has her uncle's temper.

    I know it?s really not all that funny, but it humored me.

    Sometimes just pointing out the absurdity of it all is amusing :D

    I really hope she?s right and that she can. Because I don?t want to see Tycho succumb to the threats.

    Poor Tycho is really caught in a tough position :(

    Very true, on both accounts. I?m glad Freedom Flight?s not getting the blame for it all.

    They're merely an organization that's tangentially involved in the chaos, but they're a convenient scapegoat.

    Well, can you really blame her? Months don?t take away the pain, really.

    That's a sight that's going to haunt her for quite some time.

    Uh-oh?.
    I don?t like the sound of that.


    A flag of any sort is bad, bad news :(

    Oh I really hope Syal tells him what it was all about. He deserves that.

    He does, but she's a stubborn girl. She hasn't even admitted to herself that something's wrong.

    BAD BAD BAD noooo
    Doran!
    Syal!
    Everyone!


    And isn't that just a fun little cliffhanger? :D

    earlybird - What's going on in Syal's head is going to be unraveled in the next few chapters. We're past the halfway mark and racing towards the conclusion!



    Thanks for reading, all! New update in the morning.

    If you would like to be added to the PM list, please let me know :)

    PM List
    -------
    Hazel
    earlybird-obi-wan
    Katana_Sundancer
    SWPants666
    PRINCESSCAMBRIA
    InsaneIsta
     
  6. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Chapter Fourteen - Pointless

    It took Syal several attempts to get onto her feet again.

    The shrapnel wounds covering her arms and legs stung terribly, causing her to recoil in pain with her first few movements. Her mind was still foggy and the ringing in her ears hadn't yet subsided. As quickly as she could manage, Syal limped towards the pile of rubble. She barely noticed the blood from the cut above her eye clouding her vision as she began to toss aside the broken duracrete and transparisteel that covered one of her pilots. A pair of hands joined her effort. Syal spared a brief glance to see a slightly bloodied Hobbie working just as frantically to free the trapped pilot.

    "Hang on!" Syal shouted. "We're going to get you out of here!"

    Perhaps if she hadn't been trying to shrug off the effects of a bomb blast, she would have recognized that the arm poking out of the rubble had been completely still. If she had been only a little more aware, she could have steeled herself. Syal and Hobbie pulled Lieutenant Kellin Maru's body out of the debris, laying him on the closest patch of flat ground. In her still groggy state, Syal was incapable of immediately processing the sight before her.

    Once her mind finally cleared itself of the haze, a wave of nausea slammed into her. Syal turned away but couldn't push the image out of her mind. The moment she closed her eyes he saw his body, limbs strewn at impossible angles. She took a deep breath, trying to swallow the bile she felt rising up. Syal had never seen the body of one of her dead subordinates.

    Her knees gave out from under her. One hand shot to her mouth in a futile attempt to stop herself from vomiting.

    Syal felt a hand press brush against her back. Startled, she scrambled away from the touch. Her heart continued to race even after looking to discover it was merely Hobbie trying to get her attention.

    "The others ..." Syal weakly said to him.

    "Wes and Tycho are okay," Hobbie said. She didn't quite realize that he had wrapped an arm around her shoulder and had dragged her to her feet, leading her away from Maru's body. "Farlander's looks slightly concussed but she's on her feet again. Zorvan looks pretty spent, must have thrown up a Force barrier just in time to keep that blast from seriously hurting us."

    She shook her head vigorously, forcing herself to her feet. "No. No the others. My pilots. I-I need to find them. I need to get in there and-and get them out."

    "Syal, take it easy," Hobbie said, clamping a hand down on her shoulder. "Tycho's looking for-"

    A shout from a nearby alley cut him off. Tycho's voice could be dimly heard. "We're in!"

    In an instant, the nausea and feeling of horror left her body. She reacted before Hobbie could stop her. Ignoring the shooting pain in her right leg that seemed to be growing worse by the minute, she awkwardly hobbled as quickly as she could towards Tycho. She ignored the look of concern on his face and turned her attention towards Kessila Zorvan, slumped against the cafe's duracrete brick exterior. Her unlit lightsaber was perched on the ground beside her. To Kessila's left was a crudely cut hole, no doubt created by her Jedi weapon.

    "Is she hurt?" Syal asked, standing a bit more upright.

    Tycho cast a glance towards Kessila. "I don't profess to know much about the Force, but I think it's safe to say she's exhausted herself mentally and physically."

    With a nod, Syal stepped towards the makeshift entrance to the battered cafe, peering inside and into the kitchen. The lights had been knocked out, but she could still make out the scene of chaos. Ceiling tiles had fallen to the ground. Various cooking implements had been blown off their shelves by the shockwave and were strewn about the floor in a haphazard mess. Taking another breath, she set a foot through the hole and ducked under the opening.

    Tycho's hand grasped her arm. "This place is about to fill in around our ears. You're in no condition to go in there."

    Gritting her teeth, she ripped herself from Tycho's grasp, ignoring the shouts for he
     
  7. JediMara77

    JediMara77 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 5, 2004
    Syal spared a brief glance to see a slightly bloodied Hobbie working just as frantically to free the trapped pilot.

    Of course Hobbie is bloodied. It wouldn't be a mission if Hobbie wasn't bloodied!

    To the right of the upturned table she saw Haruko Skobra, cradling a body that had been burned beyond recognition. Dully, Syal realized that she was clinging to the lifeless body of Rixar Dain.

    I hate you.

    Relief washed over her. "You're okay," she managed to say, kneeling down next to him and scanning over him.

    "This is nothing," Doran replied with a weak smile. "You should have seen the wrestling matches me and dad used to get into." He reached up, but winced in pain and lowered his arm again.


    This is adorable in the middle of all this chaos. JUST KISS DORAN AND SHUT UP, SYAL.

    Quint.

    She took a knee beside Lieutenant Anthek and looked down at her executive officer. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she saw him looking back up at her. His face had gone rather pale, but he was still alert and, mercifully, still breathing.

    "Say something to me, Commander," Syal said.

    He winced. "Ow, ma'am."


    I hate you. So much.

    So very very very much.

    I TOLD YOU I LIKED HIM.

    "No," Syal whispered, shaking his shoulder with a little more force. "Not you. You don't get to do this to me too! Kellin's gone. Rixar's gone. Don't you dare walk out on me." Her entire body trembled as she desperately tried to draw him out of his slumber. "I need you. This damn squadron needs you! Get up!"

    She lifted her arm and struck Quint on the side of the face with the back of her hand. He didn't so much as flinch.

    "Get up!" she repeated, rising to her knees and grabbing him by the collar of his jacket. "Get up! Get up! Get up!"

    Just as she was about to strike her executive officer again, a pair of large arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her off her feet and away from him. She looked over her shoulder, only to see Doran was the one holding onto her. Syal let out a bloodcurdling wail, kicking at the air and pleading with the Jedi to let her go.

    "GET UP!"


    This is heartbreaking, Lane. So very heartbreaking.

    Syal heaved a sigh. "A Devaronian suicide bomber. Sounds like this was Cerulo's doing."

    Sigh :(

    I'm glad Jamee will be the new XO. I think she'll do well.

    Writing the Next of Kin letters...ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

    Okay fine you had a nice moment of heartwarming. BUT I'M STILL MAD AT YOU, LANE.


    Just remember - revenge is sweet!
     
  8. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    :_|:_|:_|

    This was heart wrenching, Lane, but excellently written.


    [face_worried] You see, this worries me because when Nanci is seeking revenge on you, all her readers pay. And you know how evil she can be.
     
  9. earlybird-obi-wan

    earlybird-obi-wan Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Heart wrenching update Lane:_|:_|

    And what now about Syal?
     
  10. SWpants

    SWpants Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 28, 2004
    Poor Tycho is really caught in a tough position

    He really is, and it doesn?t please me.


    Chapter Fourteen ? Pointless

    Perhaps if she hadn't been trying to shrug off the effects of a bomb blast, she would have recognized that the arm poking out of the rubble had been completely still.

    :( The things we don?t notice when our minds are elsewhere?

    Poor Maru. And poor Syal

    I?m glad that Hobbie had already assessed the situation and talked to some of the others already. Syal needed that.

    I am also glad that most of the others survived. That is very good news. I?m sad about the deaths, but at least it?s not most of them.


    His face had gone rather pale, but he was still alert and, mercifully, still breathing.

    "Say something to me, Commander," Syal said.

    He winced. "Ow, ma'am."


    *hugs him tight. But not too tight ?cause that?ll hurt*


    We weren't supposed to have to choose between a corrupt government and the a terrorist organization.

    No, they really weren?t :(
    (And there?s a typo there- you have ?and the a?)


    Just as she was about to strike her executive officer again, a pair of large arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her off her feet and away from him. She looked over her shoulder, only to see Doran was the one holding onto her. Syal let out a bloodcurdling wail, kicking at the air

    :_| NOOOOOOOOOOO NOT QUINT



    Idly she realized that it was nothing short of a small miracle that she hadn't been injured worse.

    I?m sure that, at this moment, she doesn?t fully care. She?s too numb with what had happened and with the pain of losing part of her crew.


    I know it's only a small consolation, but it could have been worse. If the bomber got three or four meters closer, that blast would have killed all of us."

    You have to look at and grasp a hold of that silver lining as tight as you can.


    "Yes, ma'am," Jamee replied somberly. "Are you sure you-"

    She did her best not to snap at Jamee. "Let me hear it."


    Best to get it over with [face_plain]


    "I'm authorizing an emergency field promotion for you to brevet captain," Syal said, cutting Jamee off. "Furthermore, I'm naming you Rogue Squadron's executive officer."

    Someone has to do it. Jamee is a good choice. I?m glad that she didn?t argue, and that she understands. And that she?s more than willing to take the job.


    Who was she writing to?

    I think she needs to talk to Wedge :( Just to hear that she?s not the only one who?s been in such a position while the pain was still fresh, the wounds still bled, and the numbness didn?t fade.


    If I hadn't brought them here they would still be alive!"

    Oh poor, poor Syal. I hope she comes to realize that it?s not her fault at all.


    "The first time I had to write one of these, I didn't know what to do," Tycho quietly said. "There was no way I was going to get any sleep with this hanging over my head, so I went to your father in the middle of the night for help

    1. Tycho is the next best thing.
    2. See?! Wedge!
    3. I?m glad Tycho (read: someone) is there for her in place of her father
     
  11. Katana_Sundancer

    Katana_Sundancer Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 13, 2009
    Oh Lane.

    I see why you were worried that would be rough on me. It was, a little. But it wasn't too much for me, and I know it must have been hard to write.

    I really felt Syal's reaction - you really do get mad at the departed.

    *hugs Lane*
     
  12. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Nanci

    Of course Hobbie is bloodied. It wouldn't be a mission if Hobbie wasn't bloodied!

    It's tradition!

    I hate you.

    I accept your verbal barbs :D

    This is adorable in the middle of all this chaos. JUST KISS DORAN AND SHUT UP, SYAL.

    Oh how I adore writing Doran. A bit of levity is always good.

    I hate you. So much.

    So very very very much.

    I TOLD YOU I LIKED HIM.


    Now, in fairness to me, I had him slated to be killed off before anyone got attached to him.

    And in deference to you, part of the reason I killed him was because I suspected it would impact Syal and the reader the most :D

    This is heartbreaking, Lane. So very heartbreaking.

    I was hoping to make this little bit the scene where everything begins to unravel for Syal. Looking back and reading it now, I think I got the point across :(

    I'm glad Jamee will be the new XO. I think she'll do well.

    Remember this for the third fic!

    Writing the Next of Kin letters...ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

    I don't know how Wedge did it without going mad :(

    Okay fine you had a nice moment of heartwarming. BUT I'M STILL MAD AT YOU, LANE.

    Mission accomplished! Trophy unlocked: READER RAGE

    Just remember - revenge is sweet!

    Uh oh ...

    Hazel

    This was heart wrenching, Lane, but excellently written.

    Thank you. This was a really, really tough chapter to write :(

    You see, this worries me because when Nanci is seeking revenge on you, all her readers pay. And you know how evil she can be.

    I accept full blame for whatever it is she?s done :D

    earlybird ? What happens to Syal now? Well, it?s probably not going to be pretty.

    SWpants666

    The things we don?t notice when our minds are elsewhere?

    Poor Maru. And poor Syal


    When you?re in a panic, there?s all sorts of details you?ll overlook.

    I?m glad that Hobbie had already assessed the situation and talked to some of the others already. Syal needed that.

    Military training dies hard. Hobbie launched right back into old habits there.

    (And there?s a typo there- you have ?and the a?)

    Whoops, thanks! Fixed.

    NOOOOOOOOOOO NOT QUINT

    I always liked Quint, I thought others would too, but I didn?t realize he?d be quite this popular :D

    I?m sure that, at this moment, she doesn?t fully care. She?s too numb with what had happened and with the pain of losing part of her crew.

    The shock of it all is just overwhelming. She?s missing the constellation for the starfield.

    Someone has to do it. Jamee is a good choice. I?m glad that she didn?t argue, and that she understands. And that she?s more than willing to take the job.

    Poor Jamee. That?s a promotion no one wants.

    Just to hear that she?s not the only one who?s been in such a position while the pain was still fresh, the wounds still bled, and the numbness didn?t fade.

    Syal, for all her strengths, is still a relatively fresh commanding officer. She doesn?t have much experience handling this stuff :(

    Oh poor, poor Syal. I hope she comes to realize that it?s not her fault at all.

    Easier said than done, I?m afraid.

    1. Tycho is the next best thing.
    2. See?! Wedge!
    3. I?m glad Tycho (read: someone) is there for her in place of her father


    She definitely needed that experienced voice right there :(

    Kat ? I?m glad it wasn?t too much for you, and I really hope you?re holding up okay. Poor Syal probably doesn?t know what to feel right now, which I suppose is a perfectly normal reaction.

    The next couple chapters are a bit easier to deal with, I think :)



    Thanks for reading, everyone! Sorry for the brief comment replies, I?m on the road and working off of my laptop today.

    New post below!


     
  13. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Chapter Fifteen - Recall

    This was a problem. No, that was putting it far too mildly. This had the potential to be a disaster.

    Wynn Dorvan tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the lift to reach the correct floor. All the while, the words on the report flashed through his mind. One day and someone had already tried to kill General Celchu? That was bad enough, but the news only got worse. About fifteen minutes after receiving that troubling bit of information, news of the attack on the Alliance Embassy on Orvax IV began to trickle in. Before long every major holonetwork on Coruscant was reporting it.

    The quickly assembled official report did little to alleviate the pit that had formed in Wynn's stomach. Four members of Rogue Squadron killed, two seriously wounded. Three more including Major Antilles were being held for observation overnight. In one day the entire stunt had gone from a public relations boon for a nightmare. His desk was already being flooded by requests for comment from Chief Daala by nearly every media outlet in the Alliance.

    Daala had gotten the distraction she needed to pry attention away from her struggles with the Jedi. Unfortunately, it was the wrong attention. Now the press were asking if the slave situation on Orvax IV was spiraling out of control. How bad was the terrorism there? If a noted dignitary like General Celchu wasn't safe there, when would the Alliance send in the military to clean up the mess? Was Daala even capable of fixing this?

    Mercifully, the lift finally slowed to a stop. Wynn moved past the doors and briskly moved towards Daala's office. Normally he would have knocked or depressed the door chime to signal his arrival. Today he was in no mood for such formalities.

    "We need to recall Celchu now," Wynn said as he stormed into his superior's office.

    The copper-haired Chief of state regarded him coldly. "They just got there."

    "Have you not looked at any of your reports today?" Wynn snapped, letting a rare tone of frustration seep into his voice.

    "I've been busy," she replied, narrowing her eyes at him.

    "Contracting with the Mandalorians to blockade the Jedi Temple again, I know. You've got bigger issues to deal with right now."

    She held her palms out, an annoyed expression still playing on her features.

    "They were hit by two separate attacks by the slave resistance yesterday," Wynn explained. "One attempt on Celchu's life and one suicide bombing at the embassy. If the General hadn't taken an unplanned detour, he probably would have been killed there."

    "Put them under guard and don't let them leave the embassy," Daala said. "As long as Celchu's there and giving the press soundbites every day like he's supposed to, we're fine."

    Wynn took a calming breath. "With all due respect, ma'am, I don't think you fully appreciate the gravity of the situation. We are on the verge of a galaxy-wide slave revolt that could be as violent as any uprising we have ever seen. The local government is about to fall on Klatooine and things are about to boil over on Tatooine and Blaudu Sextus.

    "We're at a tipping point," he continued. "Klatooine is all but finished and Orvax IV could be next. Other worlds are beginning to take note. If the slave resistance manages to overthrow Cridmeen we're looking at a ripple effect that could spread chaos throughout the outer rim. Tatooine and Blaudu Sextus will succumb to bloody takeovers. Once those planets go it'll be a matter of months before Nar Shaddaa, Thalassia, the entirety of the Sennex system fall as well."

    "What are you trying to tell me, Wynn?"

    "If President Cridmeen is ousted from office, we'll have perhaps five months until we're looking at a violent slave revolt movement stretching across at least twenty worlds and numerous systems. I think it goes without saying that after Corellia, Alliance citizens are wary of mass insurrections. Either we figure out a way to take control of this situation or you can watch your approval numbers get sucked into the Maw."

    A tight frown formed on the Daala's li
     
  14. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    "I've been busy," she replied, narrowing her eyes at him.

    "Contracting with the Mandalorians to blockade the Jedi Temple again, I know. You've got bigger issues to deal with right now.
    "

    :mad: * growls threateningly * :mad:


    Lane, can I shoot Daala [face_beatup] ?


    Left to his own devices, Wynn had no doubt that Celchu would personally see to it that the slaves on the planet were taken care of, regardless of the consequences.


    Yeah, no one wants that to happen. Can I hit Wynn too?

    ***

    Syal settled into formation behind Solo's stealth TIE starfighter, evening out her shield distribution for the return trip back to the fleet. She couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease in her stomach. All she had been doing was following orders to chase off Colonel Solo's pursuer, but had she known the pilot of that StealthX had been Skywalker, she wouldn't have fired. Shaking her head, Syal heaved a heavy sigh. She still had her pride. If only she had known.

    :confused:

    Syal awoke with a start, bolting upright and nearly falling out of her chair.


    Oh, it's a dream! :(

    ***

    I was glad to see Syal taking matters into her own hands. It was a good idea to call Nawara Ven and investigate sthings personally.


     
  15. JediMara77

    JediMara77 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 5, 2004
    I don't know how Wedge did it without going mad

    Wedge? What about poor Gavin? :(

    Trophy unlocked: READER RAGE

    :p

    --Just remember - revenge is sweet!--

    Uh oh ...


    Yeah you better uh-oh! ;)



    Chapter 15:

    Wynn Dorvan tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the lift to reach the correct floor.

    I still don't know what to think of this dude.

    Was Daala even capable of fixing this?

    No, because she's STOOPID.

    Daala's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean to suggest Celchu is on the verge of going rogue?"

    That's what they do best!

    "History would suggest it's possible. Maybe even likely.

    See?!

    "I'll issue the recall order myself," Daala finally said. "They'll be on the first available transport back to Coruscant. Will that be all?"

    For some reason, I don't think this is really over.

    Syal settled into formation behind Solo's stealth TIE starfighter, evening out her shield distribution for the return trip back to the fleet. She couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease in her stomach. All she had been doing was following orders to chase off Colonel Solo's pursuer, but had she known the pilot of that StealthX had been Skywalker, she wouldn't have fired. Shaking her head, Syal heaved a heavy sigh. She still had her pride. If only she had known.

    Uh oh. More crazy dreams!

    Slowly, Syal took her hand off of the eject lever and placed it back on the flightstick, leaning back into the flightseat and taking a breath in as she slammed into Centerpoint Station.

    Uh oh. Feeling suicidal, Syal? :(

    "Where's Celchu?" Daala demanded. "I asked to speak with him, not one of his bodyguards."

    BEYOTCH

    "I'm not interested in the opinions of a military jarhead, particularly yours Major Antilles. You would be wise to refrain from arguing further, do I make myself clear?"

    Clenching her hands into balled fists, Syal sat a little more upright. "Perfectly clear."


    It's a good thing Syal doesn't have the Force, or Daala might have found herself Force-choked from across the galaxy!

    After several moments, the display flickered to life, showing the image of a middle-aged Twi'lek male: Nawara Ven, attorney at law.

    YAY NAWARA

    "Quint, tell Kess and ..." She trailed off. Swallowing the lump rising in her throat, she tried again.

    Yup. I still hate you.

    The former Jedi Knight shrugged. "Not as dangerous as the time my uncle tried to use his to light a mini cigarra."

    Bwahahahahaha

    Kess' voice suddenly took on a backwater, outer-rim accent. "Oyah, that's right," she said, bobbing her head. "You're pretty sharp for a city woman."

    Syal looked towards Kess. "Please. Don't do that again. Ever."

    "I dunno," Jamee said, mimicking the head-bob and accent. "This is kind of fun."


    Ahahahaahahahahaah

    "I was afraid you would say that," Syal replied, rubbing the back of her neck. "I think things just got worse."

    I'll say it again - uh-oh!
     
  16. SWpants

    SWpants Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 28, 2004
    Military training dies hard. Hobbie launched right back into old habits there.

    Thank the Force


    I always liked Quint, I thought others would too, but I didn?t realize he?d be quite this popular

    So it was your initial plan to kill him? :(


    Syal, for all her strengths, is still a relatively fresh commanding officer. She doesn?t have much experience handling this stuff

    That is very true.
    Still, even with experience, one always hopes it will never be easy. Because once it is, you?ve basically lost your humanity (or, in the SW verse, your sentience)




    Chapter Fifteen ? Recall

    This was a problem. No, that was putting it far too mildly. This had the potential to be a disaster.

    Yup, that latter is a much better description of what?s going on.


    Now the press were asking if the slave situation on Orvax IV was spiraling out of control.

    I can answer that!
    Yes.
    And I?m glad they?re FINALLY paying attention to what the kriff is going on there.


    "Put them under guard and don't let them leave the embassy," Daala said

    Not going to solve the problem, you idiot.


    Either we figure out a way to take control of this situation or you can watch your approval numbers get sucked into the Maw."

    Heeey there?s someone with a brain. Of course, Daala?s only going to do something to look after herself, but at least they?d be getting help.
    Right?
    [face_plain] Or am I just being too overly optimistic about the situation?


    "Do you mean to suggest Celchu is on the verge of going rogue?"

    And you?d be surprised, why?


    Suddenly, the column of light seemed to explode with a blinding flash.

    When the light finally subsided, all she could see was Centerpoint Station and a few scattered capitol ships that had been out on the periphery of the combat zone.


    Uhhh?.say what now?
    *reads on*

    Okay, a dream. PHEW

    I?ll be honest though, any time I read about Centerpoint, I get a queasy feeling. That thing has BAD written all over it.


    The holodisplay came to life, revealing the rather imposing form of Natasi Daala. Syal felt a hint of disgust

    I?m surprised she didn?t throw up a bit :p


    "You have to be kidding," Syal protested

    Unfortunately, Daala doesn?t have a funny bone in her body :(


    Swallowing another breath of air and drying her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt, Syal took stock of her situation.

    *hugs her tight*
    That there?s her mother?s blood, IMO

    Now?how best to kill Daala?


    the display flickered to life, showing the image of a middle-aged Twi'lek male: Nawara Ven, attorney at law.

    :D <- Now imagine that about 10x bigger
    Nawara!!


    "Quint, tell Kess and ..." She trailed off. Swallowing the lump rising in her throat, she tried again. "Jamee, go get Kess.

    :( *hugs her again*
    I know Jamee understands the mistake


    "We just snuck into the Presidential palace without orders and the wardrobe is what you're going to complain about?" Syal asked.

    [face_laugh]


    They could travel there and perhaps look for additional clues that could definitively point to ...

    To something. Syal wasn't sure what, but it was better than sitting around and waiting for Nawara to get back to her.


    Agreed. And at least she?s taking matters into her own hands. I think she needs the mental distraction too.


    meant the shot had originated from a much higher angle. She turned around and scanned into the distance. There, perhaps a full kilometer away, was the only place the sniper could have gotten that shot off

    Mathematics [face_love] :D hehehe
     
  17. earlybird-obi-wan

    earlybird-obi-wan Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Daala:mad:

    But Syal is discovering something and stalling for time.

    Great update with all the action
     
  18. Draconarius

    Draconarius Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 27, 2005
    She does have that effect, doesn't she? Stupid Tarkin-loving Imperial witch...

    And Syal's just discovered some real evidence that someone important is backing the terrorists. Hopefully that will start them looking hard enough to find the Imperials.
     
  19. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Hazel

    * growls threateningly *


    Lane, can I shoot Daala


    Feel free. I?m not all that fond of her either :p

    Yeah, no one wants that to happen. Can I hit Wynn too?

    Eh, don?t kill him yet. He?s the only thing keeping Daala from going full-on crazy on the Alliance!

    Oh, it's a dream!

    A rather unpleasant one at that :(

    I was glad to see Syal taking matters into her own hands. It was a good idea to call Nawara Ven and investigate sthings personally.

    That?s Syal for you. Proactive girl :D

    Nanci

    Wedge? What about poor Gavin?

    Gavin had a real rough go of things :(

    I still don't know what to think of this dude.

    I'm actually rather fond of him. I'm hoping Allston does something cool with Wynn in Conviction.

    That's what they do best!

    See: Bacta War

    Uh oh. Feeling suicidal, Syal?

    She's feeling a lot of awful things :(

    Ooops, missed a quotation mark there.

    Whoops, thanks. Got it!

    It's a good thing Syal doesn't have the Force, or Daala might have found herself Force-choked from across the galaxy!

    Given Syal's precarious state of existence right now, highly likely!

    Yup. I still hate you.

    I'm evil :D

    Bwahahahahaha

    And you know he'd do it, too :p

    SWpants666

    So it was your initial plan to kill him?

    Well, not at first.

    That chapter was re-outlined about a dozen times before I settled in on who the final death was. Kellin Maru was the designated redshirt death to set the scene. It took a little while to choose between Rixar Dain and Haruko Skobra, but I settled on Dain because Skobra has been around in my writing a bit longer and I thought the reader might connect more with her agony as opposed to Dain?s.

    The last death was the tricky one. I needed one that would push the plot forward and advance Syal?s characterization. In my mind, that left two possible characters.

    The first was Jamee Farlander, her best friend in the Galaxy. There would definitely be an impact there, but was in quite enough?

    The second option was Quint Staven, her steady and level-headed executive officer.

    I wound up going with the latter because by this point, the narrative had painted a picture that Quint was a support structure of sorts for her. He was vital to her ability to function as a squadron commander, to do her job.

    Unfortunately somewhere along the way you all became attached to him :p

    Yup, that latter is a much better description of what?s going on.

    Never leave a Rogue, current or former, to their own devices.

    And I?m glad they?re FINALLY paying attention to what the kriff is going on there.

    Paying attention, but are they actually doing what?s best or just performing damage control/

    Not going to solve the problem, you idiot.

    Shhh, Daala?s busy tormenting the Jedi now :p

    Heeey there?s someone with a brain. Of course, Daala?s only going to do something to look after herself, but at least they?d be getting help.
    Right?
    Or am I just being too overly optimistic about the situation?


    Weeelll, it is Daala :D

    Uhhh?.say what now?
    *reads on*

    Okay, a dream. PHEW


    Well I got a bit more of a reaction to that scene than I thought I was going to get :D

    I?ll be honest though, any time I read about Centerpoint, I get a queasy feeling. That thing has BAD written all over it.


    Same. That station always gave me a bad feeling :(

    Unfortunately, Daala doesn?t have a funny bone in her body

    Nope. Just mean, vindictive, malicious ones.

    *hugs her tight*
    That there?s her mother?s blood, IMO


    I like to say that she?s her father?s daughter, but there?s a bit of her mother in there too :D

    Nawara!!

    He had to get a cameo!

    *hugs her again*
    I know Jamee understands the mistake


    Jamee?s a real trooper, doing what she can to support Syal.

    Agreed. And at least she?s taking matters into her own hands. I think she needs the mental distraction too.

    An Antilles at heart. She?s not going to just sit idly by.

    early
     
  20. Lane_Winree

    Lane_Winree Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Chapter Sixteen - Loyalty

    "I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time," Nawara said over the holofeed.

    Tycho cast a sideways glance at Wes and Hobbie. The former shook his head and the latter shrugged a silent response. A glance towards Doran Tainer yielded the same result. If they hadn't called for Ven, who did? Turning his attention to Syal, he got his answer. Her eyes didn't rise to meet his own. Supressing a frown, Tycho returned his attention to the Twi'lek attorney.

    "Not at all, though I must admit I wasn't expecting to hear from you today," Tycho said.

    Nawara seemed confused. "Major Antilles didn't tell you that she contacted me yesterday?"

    "No," he replied, glancing back to Syal. She seemed to be oddly fascinated with an old caf stain on the conference table. "She didn't."

    "I see. Well ..."

    Nawara told them of the recall order Daala had issued the day before, the order that Syal had chosen not to relay to the rest of the diplomatic team that she was a part of. While a part of Tycho was both upset and somewhat hurt by Syal's actions, the larger part of him was consumed by a dull sense of anger directed towards the Chief of State. He recognized just how absurd that was. He knew the moment he left Daala's office that this mission was little more than a public relations sham that barely registered on her list of priorities. They could have been recalled at any moment and given the attacks two days earlier, it only made sense that the order had been given.

    The logic was all there, but that didn't diminish any of the anger he was feeling. He was not fond of leaving a mission half-finished.

    "Syal asked you to found a way to subvert her orders, then?" Tycho asked.

    "Correct," Nawara said, a brain-tail twitching in response. "I think I might have something, a little known provision in diplomatic law. It's not much, but I think it could buy you time."

    "I'm listening."

    "Should there be unanimous vote by the members of your diplomatic council," the Twi'lek continued, "you may invoke the right to have the recall order sent to the Senate for review. It would take a sixty-percent supermajority to override Daala's decision, but the process to get to the vote itself would consume about three or four standard weeks, provided they have nothing else to debate."

    Wes nodded. "Given the reunification summit and the Daala versus Jedi sideshow, I'd say they've got a full plate to deal with. We're pretty low on their list of priorities right now."

    "Which would give us all the time we need to get something done here," Doran said.

    "There is a catch, though," Nawara said quietly. "It has to do with the contract Tycho drew up before leaving. Apparently the Chief thought you might try to invoke this clause if things got rocky."

    Tycho felt his stomach fall. "What do you mean?"

    "There's wording in the document that renders all promises of legal immunity null and void if you exercise the right to send a recall order for review. As near as I can tell, this was put in here to keep you in check. She figured you wouldn't dare undermine her commands if doing so would jeopardize Wedge's legal status." Nawara shook his head, a look of sadness on his face. "I let you down. I saw it on the draft she sent me but didn't say anything. I didn't think you would be in a situation where you would even have to consider it."

    "I ..." Tycho trailed off, taking a moment to recompose himself. "I see. And you don't see another option that would allow us to stay here without voiding the contract?"

    Nawara offered a mournful frown. "Nothing. I wish I could give you some sort of alternative, but it's either you go back to Coruscant this instant or you exercise the review clause and void the contract. I'm sorry Tycho. I messed this one up."

    "Don't beat yourself up over this," Tycho replied. "You couldn't have known. Celchu out."

    As he terminated the call, a painful hush fell upon the conference room as the full extent of their situation finally became apparent. Leave and allow Cridmeen and Cerulo to continue their reigns of oppressio
     
  21. earlybird-obi-wan

    earlybird-obi-wan Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Daala:mad::mad::mad:

    Nice speech Syal and what a horrible experience for her.

    And what's Kessila doing?

    Great update=D=
     
  22. Hazel

    Hazel Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 9, 2010
    Poor Syal, the further this story goes, the more I feel for her. But great characterization, Lane.

    It was also very interesting to dive into Kess's head. I wonder what she's up to?


    "All those in favor of telling Chief Daala to go kriff herself?"

    Almost in unison, eight hands appeared in the air.


    That's the Rogues for you. :p

     
  23. JediMara77

    JediMara77 Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 5, 2004
    Ch. 16:

    Nawara told them of the recall order Daala had issued the day before, the order that Syal had chosen not to relay to the rest of the diplomatic team that she was a part of.

    Oh that's not good, Syal.

    "Should there be unanimous vote by the members of your diplomatic council," the Twi'lek continued, "you may invoke the right to have the recall order sent to the Senate for review. It would take a sixty-percent supermajority to override Daala's decision, but the process to get to the vote itself would consume about three or four standard weeks, provided they have nothing else to debate."

    Ugh, I hate politics.

    "There's wording in the document that renders all promises of legal immunity null and void if you exercise the right to send a recall order for review. As near as I can tell, this was put in here to keep you in check. She figured you wouldn't dare undermine her commands if doing so would jeopardize Wedge's legal status." Nawara shook his head, a look of sadness on his face. "I let you down. I saw it on the draft she sent me but didn't say anything. I didn't think you would be in a situation where you would even have to consider it."

    Oh that beyotch...

    "This has become personal for all of us now," Tycho said, "but Syal has the greatest stake." He locked eyes on her. "I will respect any decision you make. If you want to leave, we will. If you want to take the review vote, we will do that."

    Syal appeared to be doing everything in her power to fight back tears. A wave of guilt washed over Tycho. Desperately, he wished he could make all of this right for her, but he knew that he was correct. He may have been the de-facto leader of the group, but this was no longer his decision to make.


    Ugh. Poor girl. Yeah, the downward spiral is starting...

    "I'm terrified of what will happen if daddy goes to trial, but if he were to ever find out that we walked away from our duty to protect him, he would be horrified.

    Just a suggestion, but I would reword this sentence to read "if he were to ever find out that we walked away from our duty in order to protect him." The way it reads now, it as if their duty is to protect him. /editor

    One by one they left, leaving Tycho and Syal behind in the conference room. Reluctantly, Tycho stood and strode towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I believe your father would be extraordinarily proud of you right now Syal. I know I am."

    Scrunching her face, Syal offered a nod of acknowledgment. Tycho took that as his silent cue, leaving the room in order to give her the space she so terribly needed.


    I don't think this is going to make her feel much better.

    It had been nearly three years since Kess had last seen Vik Kelrune.

    Vik!!!

    she studied under one particular identity artist of some fame (though Kess had to admit, it was strange to be taking acting lessons from a woman operating an excursion tour business).

    Hahahaha, is that a reference to who I think it is?

    And she could have taken a lot of lessons from Face Loran :D

    She had no idea what just be yourself meant.

    Ah, yes. The Mara Jade syndrome. :(

    Loyalty. To the Rogues. To Major Antilles. That was why she was now confronting the past she had run away from.

    Never good to run away from your past, Kess. It will only bring heartache.

    "All those in favor of telling Chief Daala to go kriff herself?"

    Almost in unison, eight hands appeared in the air.


    :D

    I have no idea what I would do without them."

    Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Oh, because it's you writing this.
     
  24. Katana_Sundancer

    Katana_Sundancer Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 13, 2009
    Intense chapter, Lane.

    Poor Syal, so strong and so fragile at the same time. Tycho giving her the decision... ouch, for both of them. Wedge would be so proud of her, though. I have a feeling that, even if Wedge does go to trial, he'll just make Daala look bad. Although she does a good job of that on her own.

    How's Tycho going to handle Downward Spiral, hmm? He's got to feel that it's partly his fault, whatever happened.

    Great emotion, great feeling in this chapter, Lane.

     
  25. SWpants

    SWpants Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 28, 2004
    Thanks for the background on what you were thinking regarding the plot! Very cool to read. As much as I became attached to Quint, I?d rather him die than Jamee. I think it?s better for Syal?s mental state too.


    Same. That station always gave me a bad feeling

    There?s just too much attached to it.


    I like to say that she?s her father?s daughter, but there?s a bit of her mother in there too

    Hehe yup!



    Chapter Sixteen ? Loyalty

    She seemed to be oddly fascinated with an old caf stain on the conference table. "She didn't."

    Heh. Not going to throw him off.


    "There is a catch, though," Nawara said quietly. "It has to do with the contract Tycho drew up before leaving. Apparently the Chief thought you might try to invoke this clause if things got rocky."

    *sigh* of course there is. Of course she did. Unfortunately, she?s not dumb.


    The room seemed to spin around Tycho for a long while as he tried to cope with the feeling of nausea that was churning within him.

    :( Oh poor Tycho.
    Poor Syal.
    Poor Wedge.


    Eventually, Hobbie broke the quiet. "Syal's right. It's what Wedge would want us to do. Stay."

    Phew, I?m glad someone so close to Wedge also agreed.

    Of course they all agreed though :)


    "I believe your father would be extraordinarily proud of you right now Syal. I know I am."

    [face_love]


    Working for Karrde had been emotionally draining. It was a constant struggle to assume new identities so she could work undercover for month-long periods.

    Wow. I?ve never heard of Karrde?s work being so draining. But it makes sense. I don?t blame her for wanting to get out.

    I like seeing more about Kess?s past. It really gives her more character. And explains a lot.


    She had no idea what just be yourself meant.

    Like that.


    She longed for her own identity, her own place in the Galaxy. She simply wanted to belong to something as Kessila Zorvan, not The Girl With A Thousand Masks.

    And she?ll have it, I know she will. She wants it bad enough. It makes me happy for her.

    And I?m curious as to what she?s up to (along with everyone else)[face_thinking]


    The important thing was the two pilots would make it, and that was news the members of Rogue Squadron desperately needed to get.

    Yes, and yes.


    Unfortunately, merely knowing the risks never seemed to be adequate preparation for when everything went wrong.

    No, it really doesn?t :(
    Life.


    I leave the decision with you and I will honor and respect whatever it is you choose. I will not be giving orders today because you have more than earned the right to make your own choices."

    I freaking LOVE Syal.


    "All those in favor of telling Chief Daala to go kriff herself?"

    MEEEE!!! ME ME ME!!!!
    *jumps around with my arms raised*
    Darn my only two human hands. I want more!


    "Honestly?" she rubbed her eyes with a hand. "I was terrified they would decide to go home. I have no idea what I would do without them."

    Heh, awwww.
     
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