Friday, February 29, 2008
Memories Ch. 1-3
Anakin leaned back in one of the chairs of the living room. He closed his eyes, and tilted his head so that it rested on the back of his chair. The Force felt like a babbling brook in the back of his mind, happy, peaceful. The whisper of information which it provided was a soothing comfort against the experience of being here.
He allowed his mind to drift on the Force, let its gentle currents take him where they willed.
All too soon, spoken words splashed across his awareness, jolting him from his trance. "Anakin! Hey! Anakin. It's time now."
He lifted his head to look towards Jaina as she stood before him dressed in the same linen tunic and navy-colored pants as earlier. Frowning, he asked, "What?"
"You asked me to show you around. Well it's time now."
Where does she get all that energy, Anakin thought as he stared at her while she hopped back and forth, from one foot to the other. Finally, he spoke. "You've not really changed at all, have you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" she said with an angry edge to her voice.
"Don't know."
With a frustrated growl, she reached down and plucked a pillow from the couch beside her. With a fling of her arm, she then sent the pillow flying through the air until it smacked into Anakin's face.
Anakin pushed the pillow away, a grin on his face as he stifled his laughter. "Yup. That's the Jaina I remember."
In a huff, she stomped towards the door. "You're lucky you're my little brother."
Anakin stood up, and followed after her, trying his best to not laugh.
In silence, they rode down the lifts. Then they stepped out from the building and into the bright, clean light of the afternoon sun. Jaina started walking forward, with Anakin quickly falling into step beside her. She led them through the side streets, until they come to a stop near the Jedi Temple. Anakin looked up at it, his eyes darting across the massive stone blocks, put into place by the enslaved Massassi thousands of years ago; the runners of plants which grew from the cracks, crevices and ledges of the Temple's exterior. Finally, his eyes landed on the mountain which was so close that the Temple almost appeared to be built into it.
"So," he began. "This is the Temple."
"Yeah. We used to have quarters and everything here. But there's just so many Jedi now that Uncle Luke didn't think that was a viable option any more. He turned it into a mixture of training facility, guest quarters and civil administration building for Yavin."
Anakin nodded his head as he looked around at the people surrounding the Temple. For a moment, he focused on a redhead, maybe a year or so older than he was. He watched as she knelt down next to some feline creature, and was scratching at it with her hand. A second girl, also a redhead, except this one had short, close cropped hair rather than the long braids of the first, appeared from around the corner, running towards the first girl. As she neared, she slowed down and dropped to her knees as well.
"So, that's why it's not empty?"
Jaina nodded her head. "Yeah, there's almost always someone here." She nods her head back towards the city. "Come on."
He turned away from the Temple and the two girls that had attracted his attention, walking beside Jaina as they neared the city.
She paused to point towards a gleaming multi-storied building, one just a few stories smaller than the building his apartment is in.
"That's BioTech's Yavin building. It's also our medical center. Part of the reason Uncle Luke let them come here is that they were willing to fund, and staff, a training hospital for the Jedi healers. I think it's been there four, maybe five years now."
Anakin frowned at that. It was brought in not long after I left that last time. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think I want them helping me."
Jaina looked at him, one eyebrow arched in confusion. "Why is that? Don't tell me you're scared of hospitals?"
Anakin laughed. "No. Not scared, I've just seen enough of them to last me a while."
Without another word, Jaina began to walk forward. Anakin looked at the hospital for a moment more and then turned to follow her, running a few steps in order to catch up. Silence stretch between them, and Anakin began to watch the people they walked past. He noticed a young girl, maybe a year or two younger than himself, as she walked beside her mother, a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, even though the weather was almost perfect. Then there was a crowd of mixed beings, almost enough to convince him that he was on Coruscant again.
They started to cross a bridge running over a river. Anakin looked to the left and saw a wide expanse of white sand, a small beach for the river front. Stretched out on a towel was a girl around his age with brown hair pulled into a number of tight ringlets.
Jaina seemed to notice his attention had focused on the river and stopped walking. She turned and went to the edge of the bridge, and started watching the flow of the water. "Y'know, I built a power generator that ran off of this river a few years back. It was big enough to supply power and a basic protein stable for the Jedi Temple."
"What happened?"
"Nothing," she replied with a shrug of the shoulders. "It got moved to make room for a power station that could supply the whole town."
Anakin nodded his head, and then allowed his eyes to trace the river, until he appeared to meet up with a larger one in the distance. He pointed towards the larger river. "This one meets up with the big river?"
Jaina looked at him for a moment, and then slowly nodded her head. "Yes it does. It used to be that no one ever went near the big river, but since we're building the new apartment complexes over there, I guess that will change."
Silence fell over them once more and after a few minutes of watching the river; Jaina turned away and once more began to walk.
Once off the bridge, Jaina turned to the left and went a few hundred meters and then stopped. Anakin stepped up beside her and looked down the street. Before them was a cluster of buildings, restaurants, stores, shops. They were the features of commerce that he remembered from Coruscant and the dozens of other worlds that he had visited with his mother on diplomatic missions.
Jaina gestured towards the buildings which lined either side of a wide walking path. "This is our shopping district; containing the finest eating, shopping and other businesses in the whole of the Yavin system."
"Isn't it the only shopping district in the Yavin system?"
Jaina frowned at him. "Doesn't mean it's not the best."
Anakin chuckled and walked forward.
Suddenly, someone to the left of them called out, "Jaina!"
Anakin and Jaina turned that way, and watched as two people walked across the street. She was around his sister's age, and had dark brown, curly hair. Absently he noted that she was dressed in the same style of clothes as Jaina as well. Beside her walked a guy about the same age, carrying four or five bags. He had bright blonde hair and was dressed in an eye-hurting yellow and red outfit.
Anakin glanced at Jaina. "Friends of yours?"
"Yes, they usually sit by me in classes." Jaina said as she waved at them. "Hey guys! This is my little brother, Anakin."
The girl bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you, Anakin. I'm Kiori Dinn.
Anakin nodded his head. "Hi."
The boy started to speak. "And I'm-"
But Anakin cut him off. "Her bagboy."
"What?"
Anakin arched an eyebrow at him. "You're carrying her bags aren't you?"
"Well... that's..."
Kiori sighed and shoved the single bag she was holding towards him. "Here, hold this."
The boy reacted without thought, taking the bag from her. "Sure!"
"Yup, you're a bagboy." Anakin stated.
Kiori smiled at him, and Anakin noted how happy and carefree she seemed. "Jaina has told us a lot about you." She then reached into one of the bags that the guy held and pulled out two drinks, holding them out toward Jaina and Anakin. "Here you both go! It's a present from us."
"Hey! I bought those." Raynar complained.
Kiori frowned and shot an elbow into his chest. He grunted and took a few steps backwards.
"Don't be so greedy, Raynar." Then she took a step closer to Anakin, pressing the drink into his hand. "Here you are."
Anakin looked down at it, and then back up at Kiori. "Uhm... thanks."
Anakin noticed the flash of jealousy in Raynar's eyes, and gave him a small smirk.
Raynar took a step closer to Anakin. "You can just stay away from Kiori, she and I... well we're-"
"Just classmates." Kiori cut in.
Raynar's face dropped, and he looked over at her. "Don't I at least get to be in the running for boyfriend?"
Kiori flipped her hair over her shoulder and started to cross the street. "Bye Jaina. Bye Anakin. I'll see you tomorrow in class. Come on, Raynar!"
Raynar took another look at Anakin and then darted across the street to follow Kiori.
As they disappeared into the crowd, Anakin burst out laughing.
Jaina frowned at him again, saying, "You were kind of mean to Raynar."
Anakin gave her his half-grin. "I know. But it was fun."
Jaina slowly shook her head and continued further down the street, with Anakin still chuckling to himself as he followed her.
Next Post
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Memories Ch. 1-2
My dream.
This is my dream.
I dream of a land; green and alive.
It is a land of towering trees and dense undergrowth. Old-growth forest, though I never knew what that meant until I arrived at this place. Slicing through my dream forest is a river-deep, black as night. It is a wide, roaring rushing thing of powerful currents and deep pools. I stand here at the edge of this river, terrified. I know I must go on, that I must travel this river.
I know I won't survive if I do.
I glance out towards the east, and note the storm clouds as they roll forward. They are dark, dreary clouds that are heavy with rain.
I look down and push the small raft the rest of the way into the river. It rocks, nearly tossing me into the rushing current as I climb on. In the distance I can hear my name being called out. A panicked yell. A desperate cry.
Using the long pole, I push myself the rest of the way into the river, just as he breaks through the undergrowth. He screams my name again, and I can feel the strength he commands as he launches himself forward, a single jump which closes the distance that separates us. He lands on the small raft just as it hits a rough patch.
A single exclamation rips from my throat, a harsh, shouted denial. I have accepted the fact that I won't survive this trip. I refuse to let him come with me. I couldn't stand it if he did not survive it.
A crack of thunder rolls over us, as he stumbles backwards, the raft flipping from the sudden change in balance. I find myself flying through the air, another scream - this time one of terror - erupting from my mouth. When I strike the water, the breath explodes from me, cutting the scream off suddenly, and I panic. My arms and legs flail as I try to get back to the raft or even try to stay above the water's surface. Then I slide beneath the waves.
The blue-green water swallows me; I can still make out the bright circle of the sun as it is slowly covered by the clouds and the depths of the water. I strike bottom, my lungs burn as I try to catch my breath. Finally, I can fight it no longer, my mouth opens with the instinctive need to breath and water rushes in over my tongue.
Even from under the water, I can hear him screaming my name. Hear him, as his voice echoes in my head.
This is my dream.
My... dream.
---------------------------------
The sound of a large crash jolted Anakin awake. He grimaced at the sun as it streamed in through the wide windows of his bedroom. Confused, he looked around cautiously. Where am I, he wondered to himself. As his eyes traveled the room, he slowly remembered: the flight from Coruscant, arriving on Yavin IV, the apartment his aunt and uncle assigned him.
Then he heard the sound of something else falling.
The roommate. Jaina, his sister.
He sighed as he sat up. He gave the room another look over, and then twisted around, putting his bare feet down on the floor as he stood. Quietly, he walked forward, and opened the door to the hallway to find Jaina darting from her room. She skidded to a stop in front of him, a sort of panicked expression on her face. Anakin looked her up and down, noting the little things such as the bright flush on her cheeks and the way her shoulders lifted and dropped with her heavy breathing.
"Uhm, sorry Anakin, but I'm running late for 'saber practice"
With that said, she darted once more into her bedroom, the door sliding shut behind her. Anakin stepped closer, so he could speak to her through the closed door.
"I thought that training didn't start until tomorrow."
Her voice came from the far side of the door, muffled slightly by the heavy wood. "They do, but there's kind of a dueling thing, multiple teams from the different training levels. I'm a team captain." The door slid open and Jaina stood there dressed in a light linen tunic and Corellian-style pants. "And I'm late for our practice."
She rushed around him, heading towards the front door. As she reached it, she turned back to him and said, "Sorry. I'll see you later."
Then she was gone. He frowned for a moment, and then ran forward. He stepped into the hallway just as she boarded the lift. "Jaina! Wait a second."
She placed her hand on the door to keep it from closing, and looked at him expectantly. "Yeah?"
"You think you could show me around later, after you're done with your practice?"
She gave him a smile and nodded her head. "Sure!"
Then she pulled her hand back and allowed the lift doors to close. Anakin watched the burnished steel for a moment, and then started to turn to go back into his apartment. As his eyes crossed over the door to his Uncle's apartment, he noticed the red head that stood in the doorway, watching him. She was around his mother's age and the black catsuit she wore showed off the curves of her athletic body. Her hair was pulled back away from her face, tied into a tail which laid over one shoulder, and her green eyes flashed with amusement as she caught his stare.
"Uhm... Hi?" Anakin began hesitantly.
For a moment, worry replaced the amusement in her eyes. But then it was gone, and Anakin wondered if he had imagined it. Her lips twisted into a small grin, something mischievous. "Don't you remember me at all, Anakin?"
Finally, it clicked, and Anakin remembered her. His uncle's wife: Mara Jade. He allowed himself to smile even as he felt a blush crop up on his cheeks. "Yeah, yeah I do, Aunt Mara."
She stepped out into the hallway, and Anakin watched the way she moved. It was controlled and precise with a gracefulness which Anakin rarely saw in the courtiers of Coruscant.
"So, are you happy to be back? How was your trip?"
Anakin nodded his head a couple of times. "Yeah, I think I'm happy here, and the trip was fine. The Falcon didn't break down once the entire time."
"Good. Now come here, I have someone that you need to meet."
Anakin frowned for a moment as she stepped back into her apartment, and the door hung open, waiting, expectant. Anakin swallowed and quickly walked into an apartment that was similar to his own. He gave the living room a quick look over, and noticed a few minor changes in decoration, such as a white synthleather couch rather than the navy blue cloth covered one in his apartment, and then the shelves filled with a collection of mementos from his Aunt's and Uncle's life.
"Back here," his aunt's voice drifted from the direction of the bedrooms.
Cautiously, he walked towards where her voice came from, and poked his head into one of the rooms. The room was painted a soft, light blue, and had childish, cartoonish cutouts of Banthas and Ewoks plastered over the walls. In the center of the room stood a round crib, with Mara leaned over it. She glanced over her shoulder towards him, and Anakin noted how her face seemed happier, smoother; as if what was in that crib was a source of unending joy for her.
She straightened, holding up a toddler, somewhere around a year old. She quickly closed the distance between them.
"Anakin," she said, holding the child out towards him. "Meet your cousin Ben. Do you want to hold him?"
"Oh, uhm... I never..."
"Good, hold out your arms."
Automatically, Anakin did as Mara told him, and she placed her son in his arms. Ben looked down at the boy, noting the patch of light red hair that adorned the child's head and the clear, blue eyes that stared back at him.
The child made a nonsensical sound and then reached up and grabbed the collar of Anakin's shirt. Ben tugged hard at Anakin's collar, and Anakin found himself laughing under his breath.
After a few more minutes, he returned Ben to Mara, and then looked around the room again. This time he noticed the nanny droid standing against the wall and a series of shelves with toys and books next to it.
He returned his attention to Mara, as she straightened up from putting Ben back into his crib. Smiling, she walked from the room, a quick nod of her head in his direction made it clear that she wanted him to follow.
A few minutes later, Anakin was settled on the white couch, with Mara holding out a tumbler of some amber-colored liquid.
"Thanks," he said while taking the glass from her. He took a swallow and then began to cough at the burning sensation in his throat.
He glared up at Mara as she laughed at his discomfort.
When her laughter fell off, she looked at him, with the amusement bright in her eyes and said, "Hard to believe that you're Solo's boy."
Anakin dropped his gaze, and looked into the tumbler, watching the amber liquid and for the first time noticed the tiny golden flakes that floated within it. A sign of a good Corellian whiskey, his father would say.
"I'm just me," he muttered.
"Excuse me, Madame Skywalker," the nanny droid interrupted.
Mara turned that way. "Yes?"
"It is time for Master Ben to have his morning snack."
Mara nodded her head. "Thank you, Inoh. I'll be there in a moment."
Mara watched as the droid rolled back toward the bedrooms and then turned to Anakin once again. He had to force himself not to recoil from her eyes. They had lost all sense of happiness and amusement, becoming pools of an emotion that Anakin could not easily identify.
"Being just you is a hard thing to do." She paused here. Her voice dropped lower, causing Anakin to strain to hear, as she said, "A hard thing to do."
It felt to Anakin as if she was talking more to herself than to him. Then she nodded her head once, a quick, decisive movement. "Yes, it's a hard thing to do. But if you can do it, then it's worth it. Show yourself out?"
Without waiting for a reply she turned away from him and headed towards the bedrooms. Anakin stood and watched her disappear, a slight frown etched onto his face.
He took a last swallow of the whiskey, letting the burn in his throat and stomach warm him and then placed the glass on the small table next to the couch. Taking a final glance down the hallway where Mara had disappeared, he walked out the door and across the hall to his own apartment.
Next Post
Alien Crossfire Chapter 10
Nelani walked behind Anakin, her frustration and fear waging war in her heart. She glanced up at him, at his back, as he purposefully strode down the hallway, intent upon something.
What that was, she had no clue.
Sometimes, she wondered if even Anakin knew or even realizes why he does the things that he does.
She looked back down at her feet, watching them as they moved on autopilot, following Anakin through the stone corridors of what at one time was their home. The coldness of the castle and the planet itself settled deep in her stomach, growing stronger with her every step. She rubbed her shoulders, trying to physically warm herself up, but the coldness was a spiritual one, unable to be so easily dispelled.
"Are you sure you don’t know where we’re going?"
He did not answer.
She slowly lifted her head, and looked around. Anakin was nowhere to be seen - just a long stretch of hallway. No turns. No doors. No Anakin.
"Anakin?"
Her voice sounded weak even to herself. She took another step forward, and then noticed the door.
She frowned; looking up and down the hallways, trying to figure out where this door had came from. She knew for a fact that it was not there before; that there was nothing on these walls; that she had been in a blank, featureless stretch of hallway.
She looked closer. It was the same as all the other doors that she had seen in Bast Castle. A sheath of metal, slightly recessed from the wall.
She stepped forward and it slid open with a shushing sound, revealing the darkened room beyond. She stepped into the room, her heart pounding away in her chest. She pulled her lightsaber and ignited it, the clean white glow filling the room.
She looked around the empty room, wondering why she was here.
Wondering where Anakin was.
She yelped as the door slammed shut with a solid thud. Slowly turning she found herself once more staring at a blank wall.
She started chewing on her lips as she slowly made a circuit around the room, walking every centimeter of each of the walls. All of which were blank.
She shoved her saber into the wall, and as she did it flickered once. Then again.
And finally sputtered out.
Startled she points the hilt away from the wall and turned it on again. The clean white blade popped into existence without hesitation.
She sliced at the wall again, only to watch her saber sputter and die once more.
She pressed her back against the wall and slowly slid down, feeling horrid, alone.
Rejected.
She cried as she placed her arms around her legs, resting her forehead on her knees.
"Get up."
Startled she looked up to find herself staring at a girl about her age, with hair the color of the sun, and bright shining green eyes.
"What? Who are you?"
"Get up."
Nelani stood; she watched the girl warily - wondering what was going to happen next. The girl stared at her for a moment more. Her voice was filled with vitriol when she spoke again, "You’re not good enough for him."
Her eyes snapped open wide as shock rolled through her; quickly followed by despair and fear.
"I-I… no. I am."
"No you're not. You’re worthless. He still loves me, and you’ll never measure up. You'll never be good enough."
Nelani dropped to her knees again, shaking her head as the tears started to flow. "No. That’s not true."
The girl - and Nelani suddenly realized that she was Anakin’s Tahiri - grabbed her hair and yanked back on her head. "You know it is. Otherwise you wouldn’t be following him around like some lost whisperkit."
She snarled and smacked the girl’s hand away, feeling a shock of pain across her scalp. "You’re dead and a liar! He loves me!"
Tahiri laughed maliciously and Nelani suddenly remembered that she had her saber in her hand. Growling low in the back of her throat, Nelani ignited her saber, feeling more confident in the clean white shine of its blade.
She settled herself into a mid guard as Tahiri ignited her blade, its blue glow throwing highlights over her hair and face.
Nelani attacked, her blade cutting in fast and hard, with a simple flick of the wrist, Tahiri parried the attack away and Nelani could feel her anger growing.
She attacked again, feinting to the left, and as Tahiri raised her blade that way to parry, quickly swung in from the right. Her blade flickered diagonally through Tahiri. Nelani paused, her breath panting hard as she watched the two pieces of the blonde girl fall to the floor.
Then to her horrified eyes, Tahiri’s skin pulled away, pooling as a puddle which Nelani recognized as a masquer.
Nelani wanted to turn away, to not look at the face that was revealed, but she felt compelled to. Unable to not do look.
She stepped closer, and brushed the now black hair away from the face, and found herself staring at her own features. She screamed as she backed away, her back slamming into the wall behind her, where she once more collapsed down to the floor, wrapping her arms around her legs as she cried.
----------------------------------------
Jag stood in front of the big bay window overlooking the scraggly trees which surrounded the Hand of Thrawn. He could see a ghost image of himself in the window, a shock of white hair above a tapered scar running from his hairline down to his right eyebrow, the formal black uniform of Syndic Mitth'raw'nuruodo's household phalanx, attached to the collar was the sparkle of gold which was his commander's insignia. A summer storm pounded against the window, rivulets of water streamed down its transparent surface, and a strong wind caused the short, stunted trees to quiver and shake in the force of nature which was the storm.
Within the room, silence reigned. No hint of noise came through the window.
Jag realized that this was a good example of the Empire of the Hand in general. A firm belief in their own superiority. A firm belief that they were a silent bulwark against the confusion, destruction and unbridled chaos of the galaxy at large.
Yet he could not help but wonder if those forces of nature would not one day overrun the fortress. That entropy would always win, chaos ultimately sunder order.
Then the door behind him opened. He turned around and saw his father walking into the room and quickly saluted.
Soontir Fel settled into one of the chairs situated throughout the room, giving his son an appraising glance.
"I understand you want to take a force back out to the Known Regions."
Jag nodded his head. "Yes sir."
"Why?"
Jag exhaled slowly, taking the time to organize his thoughts. He knew that what he said next would affect his permission to return to the Known Regions.
"Because the Yuuzhan Vong are destroying the Known Regions. It is only a matter of time before they turn their attentions towards us. We need to be helping the others in defeating these beings."
"I don't think the Hand's forces made much of a difference while you were out there."
Jag shrugged his shoulders slightly – recognizing it instantly as a very human gesture. "There was nothing that anyone could have done to save Ithor. And since then the Yuuzhan Vong have used more traditional tactics."
"You've been trained by Chiss tacticians. Tell me: do we have the ships, weapons personnel or for that matter the knowledge to take on these invaders?"
Jag looked at his father. "No sir, we do not," Jag admited. "Permission to speak freely?"
Soontir gestured assent with one of his hands.
"The prevailing theory is that the Yuuzhan Vong have traveled for generations from wherever their home galaxy is to here. A little thing like our section of space being called the 'Unknown Regions' is not likely to stop them."
The baron sighed, and leaned back in his chair. He took a moment to just watch his son. "I agree," he said to Jag's surprise. "Unfortunately, the Chiss Parliament does not, and neither do Imperial leaders. The current invasion path leads towards the Core Worlds, and many in leadership positions believe that is a sign that they will bypass Chiss and Imperial territories."
Jag considered the implications, as he did so his eyes narrowed and he squared his jaw. "The Empire of the Hand has never been ruled by tradition-bound Chiss or power-grubbing Imperial politicians." As he continued, he allowed a wry smile to flicker onto his face. "Was a change-of-policy holocube issued during my time in the Known Regions?"
The general's eyebrows lifted, a scowl darkening his face slightly. Jag inclined his head, acknowledging the impropriety in his statement, but making no apology for it.
After a moment, it appeared that Soontir realized that Jag was not going to apologize and shifted his gaze out the large window, looking at the storm. "Chiss society knows that this phalanx is out here, but they like to pretend that we don't exist. Regardless of the fact that they send their sons and daughters to us for training, and gladly take advantage of the technology of the Empire of the Hand. Likewise, they are willing to accept what we can do for them – but they are insistent that we do it on their terms."
"But we can do more!" Jag stepped forward, an intense expression painted on his face, as he raised one hand in a balled fist. For a moment, his body language lost its stiff formality. "You know what we've faced. The Vong might have caught Fey'la off guard and unprepared, but the Chiss have long expected, and prepared for, something like this. Do not forget that we have beaten back foes that would have walked across the galaxy, leaving little behind for the Vong to conquer now."
The general's lips quirked slightly, and one of his brows shot upward. "You speak of yourself as one of the Chiss. Do you consider yourself one of them?"
Jag blinked; his train of thought broken by his father's words. "I was raised among the Chiss," he carefully began. "It is difficult not to consider myself one. I have always been measured according to their standards, accepted their standards, rules and expectations as my own."
"And you exceeded those expectations. Which is why you now are in command. But what you propose shows little thought for the pilots under your command."
Jag schooled his features, but straightened his shoulders, re-adopting his formal body language. "Sir, may I request a formal listing of my failures so that I can correct them."
"Do you know how to stop the Vong?"
Jag could feel his jaw tighten as he struggled to keep his emotions off of his face. "No, sir."
"Then don't you think you should find out before we commit our forces to an assault?"
Jag could feel his eyes widen slightly, this time unable to keep the expression off of his face as he said, "Sir?"
"Go. Find out how to stop the Vong. Once you have that accomplished, report back and you'll get your squadrons back and more besides."
"Yes, sir!"
Soontir looked up at his son, and tossed a small metal cube to Jag. "Don't get too happy. We just got this holovid from sources in the Core. It contains among other things, an urging from Leia Organa Solo – telling those left behind on Coruscant to not give up, as she has not – despite the loss of one of her children."
"Do we know which one?"
Again, the elder Fel lifted an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Which of Solo's children died?"
"Jacen. The eldest son, I believe." Jag looked down, staring at the floor for a moment. Soontir watched in silence, and then continued his briefing. "With Coruscant fallen, the Republic will be in a lot of disarray. You will be flying into a maelstrom of dissent and most likely be unable to connect with a group with a clear chain of command."
Jag glanced towards the window again, taking a moment to watch as the storm beat silently against the window. "It was what I was trained to do, no more."
"Then it's settled. Also on that holocube are details concerning the latest military updates as well specs on the new long-range scout fighters you will be taking with you. You get to pick which pilots you will take."
"Shawnk'yr'nuroudo, my second-in-command will accompany me, as will Ben." The general started to protest, and Jag lifted one hand to forestall comments. "You said I need to consider my responsibility, and you will need those pilots more than I will. Besides there is no reason to risk Chiss lives needlessly."
"And Shawnk'yr'nuroudo?"
Jag grinned slightly. "She is a true member of a renegade phalanx. She would not stay behind even if I had ordered her to."
Soontir barked a short, sharp laugh. "I see. And your reason for wanting Ben?"
"You know his capabilities. What he is. His skills should prove useful."
Soontir stroked his chin for a moment and then nodded his head, giving permission.
Jag gave his father a stiff, military bow. "I'll be on my way within the hour, sir."
And then he turned and walked away, heading towards Kyrn's quarters to tell her to pack for an extended trip to the Known Regions.
Next Post
Monday, February 25, 2008
Memories Ch. 1-1
Memories
Dramatis Personae
• Anakin Solo - male Human
• Tahiri Veila - female Human
• Jaina Solo - female Human
• Tenel Ka - female Hapan
• Sannah - female Melodie
• Nelani Dinn- female Human
• Mara Jade Skywalker - female Human
• Ikrit - male Kushiban
• Raynar Thul -male human
• Kiori Dinn - female human
• Ganner Rhysode - male human
• Miko Regali - male human
• Eyrl Besa – female human
• Eelysa - female human
Chapter One-1
As seventeen year-old Anakin Solo took his first step off the landing-ramp, his foot squished and sank slightly in the muddy grass of the field in which the Millennium Falcon rested. He looked around, seeing the main vegetation of Yavin IV's rainforests; massive purple trunked trees which encroached on the edge of the open space that served as a landing place for the larger starships such as the Falcon. Then he turned and faced forward; looking towards the Jedi Temple. It was a huge stone ziggurat, where he had spent so much time while growing up, stood tall in the morning light. Its shadow stretched on the far side of the Temple, cast over the city that had grown up in support of the Jedi Academy. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, a ghost of a grin appeared as he savored the warm, rich fragrances.
Opening his eyes again, he saw a simple stone bench set a few meters away.
With a grunt, he resettled his bag up onto his shoulder and took a few hesitant steps away from the Falcon. Then a few more until he had at last arrived at the bench. He dropped his bag onto the stone bench and glanced back at the cockpit, seeing his father there behind the clear, transparisteel viewport, he raised his arm in farewell. With a hiss and a blast of repuslor energy, the Falcon slowly rose up from the field. He allowed his head to crane, watching the old freighter as she lifted off. Within a few moments, she had risen far enough, and the saucer shape twisted around, her forward mandibles facing the cloudless sky. Then with a flash of blue efflux, she rocketed away.
Anakin sighed, and sat down on the bench beside his bag, the cold marble a slight surprise through his thin slacks.
Six years. It's been six years since I've been here. And I still can't really remember what happened back then. Looking down at his hands, he sighed again, and a lightning bolt of memory sliced through his brain. Him sitting on a bench just like this one, waiting for someone. Anger, fear, sadness, it was like all of his other memories: a snippet, a simple flash which he did not, could not, understand. They were emotions and images without context or meaning.
A shadow fell over him, and he looked up. For a moment, he wondered if he was still in the memory or if this was real life. Then his eyes focused as they strained against the sun; there before him stood a young woman, just a year or so older than he was. Her long, brown hair was pulled into a tight ponytail, and she was smiling at him. The simple jumpsuit she wore was soiled with odd colored stains, and she had a smudge of grease marring the porcelain of her right cheek. Brandy colored eyes flashed with happiness as their eyes locked and the smell of engine coolant tickled his nose.
He cocked an eyebrow at her, a hint of a grin appearing on his face. "You're late."
Jaina Solo chuckled. "You'll forgive me. Aunt Mara asked me to come collect you and get you set up in an apartment."
Anakin stood, and looked at his sister for a moment, wondering if his confusion showed on his face. "An apartment? I'm not living at the Temple?"
"Nope," Jaina said as she shook her head. "You're getting one of the new apartments. I'll be living there as well to help you get adjusted."
Anakin once more slung his pack over his shoulder, grunting as the weight tugged against it. In silence, the duo begun to walk down the path, heading towards the city.
He watched the trees of the forest just a few meters to his right, their scent strong and pungent in his nose, a mixture of decaying plants and the sharp, sweet tang of ychhla sap. He grinned at the sense of home, of childhood, which the smells brought to his mind. Yet as usual, it was a sense, a feeling, without any memories behind it.
They arrived at a large, multi-story building; one of the tallest on Yavin, even nearly overshadowing the Great Temple. Anakin craned his neck back to look up. It was a modernist building, all steel and glass and concrete - balconies stretching around to either side, broken from connecting with one another by the lift with its transparent canopy facing the outside world.
Anakin frowned, uneasy at this change to what he felt Yavin should be like. Finally he turned to his sister. "It looks like something that should be on Coruscant. Are there really that many Jedi training here?"
Jaina laughed. "Yeah, there are. Don't forget, even if one person out of every ten million is a Force sensitive, then there are still something like 10,000 Force sensitives on Coruscant alone. We're finding dozens daily-and Uncle Luke wants to bring as many families here as possible. This building is actually almost full of students and families."
"Then, shouldn't I have stayed in the Temple itself? So that I don't tie up one of these apartments?"
"Nope," Jaina replied as she shook her head. "Uncle Luke wants to reserve the rooms of the Temple for Jedi Knights who are stationed out in the galaxy as they come here for reports or meetings. Since you're here for training, you get one of the student's quarters. Besides they're building another one over on the far side of the river. Once that goes up, they'll start another one right beside it."
"Anything else change while I was away?"
Jaina shrugged. "Just the number of non-Jedi we have and the number of non-Jedi things there are to do now. Uncle Luke quickly found out that the more families he brought here, the more folks not associated with the Jedi showed up. We even have a branch of BioTech Industries here and the Corellian Engineering Company and Incom are in talks with Uncle Luke about putting up a corporate presence and shipyards here; which would mean that the Jedi would get first choice of starships from here on out."
"Ah," Anakin replied dumbly. He then looked back towards the apartment complex. "So, are you going to take me to the apartment now?"
Jaina blushed as she pushed her way through the doors, manual ones Anakin noted, and into the cool marble lobby of the apartment complex. With just a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure that Anakin was following, she walked over to the lifts, two polished steel doors, and pressed the call button. They waited in silence as the lift returned to the ground floor. Finally it arrived and a soft, non-musical tone sounded as the doors opened.
They stepped onto the platform, and Jaina pushed the button indicative of the top floor. It was yet another manual process.
Anakin frowned again. "What is with all the manual things? First there was the door and now the buttons on the elevator."
Jaina shrugged her shoulders. "You'd have to ask Uncle Luke. Part of the requirements of building on Yavin is that there is as little automation as possible while still being an effective building. Sometimes I think he would have rather had stairs put in then these lifts."
Anakin chuckled. "That sounds like Uncle Luke."
The tone sounded again and the doors slide apart, revealing a simple hallway which stretched the length of the building. Anakin could make out a small window at the end of the hallway, the bright Yavin sunlight streaming in through it. He then turned his attention to the walls, and noticed that there was only a single door on each side of the hallway.
"Only two apartments per floor?"
"Up this high in the building, yes. Those are Uncle Luke's and Aunt Mara's quarters there. But some of the lower floors have more, depending on how big the apartment is."
Jaina stepped forward, and pressed her hand against a piece of smooth black plastic next to the door. She turned and looked towards Anakin. "All the doors are encoded with biometric locks. You should be pre-programmed, but we'll make sure of that later, once we get you settled into the apartment."
A light flashed up and down around her palm and then the door to the apartment slid open. Jaina walked in, followed by Anakin.
"Wow," Anakin whispered. "It's even bigger than mom's place on Coruscant."
Jaina laughed. "Yeah, it's good to be related to the head of the Order and the son of the former Chief of State."
Anakin aimlessly strolled around the apartment, poking his head into the kitchen and common area, until he found the bedroom which his sister had claimed, the first of four. Anakin walked into the room right across the hall from hers, and tossed his bag onto the bed, looking into the closet.
He returned to the center of the bedroom, turning in a slow circle. Finally he dropped onto the bed beside his bag and stared at the wall. A short, sharp rap drew his attention and he focused on the door as it slowly opened and Jaina stuck her head in. She gave him a smile and walked into the bedroom.
Sitting beside him on the bed, she said, "You okay, little brother?"
"No krakana," Anakin replied as he nodded his head. It was an old, family phrase, one meaning that there were no problems. "It's just... I don't know. It seems so different, but at the same time, I don't remember what it was like before."
Jaina wrapped one of her arms around him and drew him against her. "I think I know what you mean. I have to assume that a lot happened back then. But it's good that you're back. I'm happy about that."
Anakin looked at her, and gave the half-grin which made their father famous. "Thanks, Jaya. It's good to be back. At least I think it will be."
Next Post
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I Want to be Your Knight - Ch. 27
The next week found us being pushed through a battery of medical and academic tests. The medical ones designed solely to ensure that we had recovered sufficiently that our next mission would not kill us, while the academic ones were designed solely to torture us. Or at least that was my guess.
Seha appeared to be enjoying them, and I don't think Jys minded them that much either. At least they did better on them than I did. A fact which Jys took the time to rub in. Repeatedly.
After I had finished my final batch of tests, I once more snuck out of the Jedi Temple and made the short trip to my favorite bar. Well, it wasn't my favorite, but it was the only one within walking distance, and I had already set up a line of credit with them that charged to an Intel account from my Guard days.
Two hours later, and on my third mug of the good Corellian ale which Uncle Han liked, she found me. I noticed her as she walked in. After all, the only thing more noticeable than someone in Jedi robes is someone wearing a Guard uniform.
She paused in the doorway, highlighted by the afternoon sun and all of a sudden I was thirteen again, and she was the older girl coming to chat with me about something I had done during training. She wasn't the first girl that I noticed in that special way, that would have been Nelani Dinn, Jacen's first victim, but she was awfully close to being that. And as she stood there, all those feelings slammed down on me again.
She really was a pretty girl. Great head of hair, a pretty smile, and as our time in Corellia's hospitals had revealed, she did have a killer set of legs.
As I watched her walk towards me, that last conversation with Jysella flashed through my mind again. She had left no uncertain terms that she thought I should accept Seha's advances.
Finally, Seha arrived at my table, and looked down at me, not quite smiling. "Hey Ben."
I gave her my best Uncle Han impression, and gestured towards the seat opposite me. "Want to join me?"
She smiled shyly, and slid into the seat. The waitress droid rolled over, and she ordered something, as I struggled to figure out just what I was feeling. I hated not knowing exactly what I was feeling or thinking. It made things too confusing, and the perfume she was wearing did nothing to help my state of mind.
Finally, she turned those green eyes of hers on me, and said, "We're finally alone, so let's have our chat."
I took another swig of my ale, and set the bottle down, nodding my head. "Yeah, I guess we better."
A tense silence stretched between us for a moment. She sighed, and looked away, one balled fist, propping up her cheek. "Kriff, how many times do I have to throw myself at you?"
I felt a blush begin to burn my cheeks. "I...ahh.. uhm... I..."
Her face shifted, and she started watching me. A smile began to curl her lips. "You're cute when you don't know what to say."
"Ah, thanks," I lamely replied.
She chuckled and then took a swallow of her ale. I leaned back in my chair, watching as she set the bottle back down onto the table top.
"I don't really know what I feel," I said. Her eyes widened as her face snapped back towards mine. "I've got to admit, I had a crush on you the first time I ever saw you. Yet, my mind's been so kriffed over so much since I was thirteen that I honestly don't know what I feel half the time. But, I think I owe it to you and me to find out."
She frowned for a moment. "So, exactly what are you saying?"
I sighed, and lifted my eyes to stare at the ceiling for a moment. "I'm saying that we should give it a shot. That we can try this dating thing and see how it works."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you want to try this dating thing?"
"Well, just because."
She sighed, and I lowered my gaze to lock onto hers for a moment. Finally, she said, "Say it clearly."
"Fine," I replied. "I like you."
I felt her eyes staring at me. Then she pulled out a datapad and tossed it onto the tabletop. "Write it down."
Frowning, I did as she asked, and used her pad to put down the fact that I wanted to take her out on a date, and that I did so because I liked her. She picked up the device, her eyes flicking over the letters I had written. A small smile twisted her lips, as she continued to focus on the datapad.
"I'm happy. I... I had never though I'd actually be happy. It's almost enough to make me cry."
I continued to watch her as she reread the datapad, and slowly came to the realization of just how much she liked me. I slowly realized just how much I had been hurting her by ignoring her feelings.
It was a painful realization, not quite the direct shot to the gut as Kyp's comments after that first kiss, but still. It showed me in no uncertain terms that I still had a ways to go before I would be worthy. It showed me that I still had a ways to go before I stopped being mean to those people around me, even when I was just trying to be their friend.
Next Chapter
Friday, February 15, 2008
Alien Crossfire - Chapter 9
Anakin was nervous. A cold sweat clung to him, as he stared out at the swirls of hyperspace. He was leaning forward slightly in the gunnery seat of the Jade Shadow, watching Nelani intently where she was settled into the pilot’s station, Luke hovering slightly behind her.
He watched as she turned back towards them. "This thing sure is different than the Scimitar."
Anakin laughed slightly. "The Scimitar was easily 60 years old."
She made a non-committal noise, and as the timer on the navicomp hit zero, she pushed the levers forward, dropping them back into real-space. The swirls collapsed and the stars flickered back into existence. Before them hung Vjun. Anakin grimaced as he once again saw the sickly yellow of the world.
And he could feel the Dark Side whispering its promises of revenge once again. He shuddered and looked towards his Uncle. "I-I don’t think this was a good idea Uncle Luke."
Nelani looked up at Luke, a frown etched on her face. "Why are we here?" Then she looked back out at the greenish-yellow ball before them. "And why don’t I remember this place giving me the creeps before?"
Luke radiated calm, as he answered Nelani, "We’re here to retrieve something. As for your second question - you are much more firmly entrenched in the Light now than you were before." He turned towards Anakin. "I think this is the perfect time for you to go do this."
Anakin bowed his head, an emotion which he did not often face swimming up from his stomach, causing him to want to vomit. It took a moment, but he finally placed it. Fear.
He swallowed harshly, keeping the bile down. "Yes, Master."
Luke watched him for a moment longer and then turned back to Nelani. "Take us to Bast Castle, please Nelani."
Anakin turned inward, focusing on the Force, and how it seemed so cold and alien yet inviting and mysterious. Part of him longed to give into the hate and anger again. To once more take up his blade and kill every Yuuzhan Vong he could find.
He gritted his teeth and unconsciously clenched his hands into tight fists. No! I’m a Jedi. I’m better than this. Uncle Luke has faith in me. Nelani believes in me. I won’t fail them again. I won't fail Tahiri again.
He shook his head, dispelling the thoughts and focused once more on the viewport - watching as Nelani expertly broke through the clouds and into the acidic rain which fell constantly on this dark world. A tense silence settled on the occupants of the cockpit; the only sounds were the rumble from the engines and the patter of the rain on the hull.
They broke out of the clouds and into the perpetual twilight of the open air. In the distance they could make out the silhouette of Bast Castle. It was an ominous building, made of the blackest of stones, backlit by lightning with red warning beacons flashing from the highest spires. It was designed to be depressing to all who view it.
And it succeeded in its designs.
Nelani throttled down, approaching the main hanger only on repulsors, coming to a hover as the giant doors slowly rolled back to reveal the cavern where Darth Vader kept his personal spacecraft. The Shadow slowly slipped into the shadows of the hanger. As they entered giant overhead lights flickered on; bright shining fluorescents which caused the polished stone of the floor to gleam.
The Shadow settled to the deck slowly, the hydraulics hiss as the ramp lowered and the ship settled onto her landing struts. Luke was first down the ramp, his eyes scanning the large room. As the other two came down the ramps, he turned to face them.
Anakin noticed that Nelani was shivering as her eyes darted about the room, and belatedly realized that he could feel the chill in the air as well. A coldness that was less physical than spiritual. He wondered for a moment why he did not feel it before.
Luke suddenly speaking startled him. "This is as far as I go. You two must find the answers you seek here for yourselves."
Anakin looked at his uncle, trying to figure out just what Luke’s game was here. He frowned for a moment, and then nodded his head, and started walking steadily into the darkened interior of the building. He could hear the slap of Nelani’s boots on the stone floor as she rushed to catch up with him.
They quietly climbed into the turbolift and Anakin pressed the floor indicator that he desired. The lift hummed slightly as it activated, and after a few minutes the doors slid open with a ding. Anakin and Nelani stepped off the lift, and took a few steps down the hall.
As the doors shut with a snap behind them, Anakin turned around, looking at the walls a frown flickering on his face. He felt distinctly uneasy in the dim lights of the corridor.
"This is the wrong floor."
"What?"
He walked past her, and hit the recall on the turbolift. "The wrong floor. This isn’t the floor I sent the lift to."
He looked at the button, and noticed that the indicator light was off. He jabbed it again, and with a slight electric arc and a puff of smoke Anakin realized that the turbolift was now out of order.
Anakin could feel his features stretch into a scowl as he looked around the hall that he found himself in. Choosing a direction he started walking down it, Nelani hot on his heels.
"Anakin, what’re we going to do? Where are we going?"
He shook his head. "I dunno. This way."
He smiled at her the noise of frustration she let out. They continued on in silence, not speaking, just listening to the slight echo of their footfalls. Anakin scanned the halls, looking for something, not entirely certain what. He came to the end of the hall and his frown deepened as he looked at the double doors in front of him. They were the quarters he used while they had lived here.
His grandfather’s quarters.
Vader’s quarters.
He took a step back, and then spun with a horrified expression settling on his face. His eyes darted around the hallway, looking for any sign, any thing.
One thought pounding in his head; one thought burning away his thought processes.
A single overriding thought.
Nelani was gone.
"Nelani!" The echo of his scream resounded down the hallway, and he ran down it, hunting for her. Casting his mind back, trying to pinpoint exactly when the echo of her footsteps had stopped.
He dropped to his knees, and slammed his hand against the floor, his body shaking with a silent sob.
He reached out with the Force, and could not sense her. He stretched further trying for Uncle Luke and failed to reach him as well.
Then he felt a presence. One that was powerful and seductive, calling to him. He twisted his head and stared behind him, back down the hallway to the soft gleam of the metal doors which led to Vader’s quarters.
To his quarters.
He stood, and slowly walked back that way, the presence growing stronger as he drew ever closer. As his fear escalated. As dread settled firmly like in a rock in the pit of his stomach.
He could hear the Dark Side calling to him.
Beckoning him.
Welcoming him.
He arrived at the door, his hand hovering against the manual release; he could feel the coolness of the metal. He yanked open the door, and stepped into the quarters. No matter how dim the lights in the corridor were, the room itself was even more so.
He stepped in, and the door swung to, plunging the room into what appeared to be total darkness. Anakin stood there, just inside the doorway, waiting as his eyes adjusted, wondering if it was some trick of the helmet which caused this room to never appear quite this dark.
A thudding sounded in his ears, and with a start he realized that it was his heart. He barked a short laugh and stepped further into the room.
Then he heard noises: an inhaling hiss, the slight slither of an armored foot against the stone floor. Anakin reached for his saber, and with a snap-hiss it ignited, lighting the room with its purple glow.
And Anakin instantly regretted it.
Standing there, less than a dozen meters was a massive warrior, the vondum crab armor grown and shaped to resemble the death head’s mask of the Vader armor. The rest of the armor was a sickly glistening black which pulsed slightly, a flickering, living cloak hung from hooks which extended from the warrior’s shoulders
The warrior lifted his helmet off revealing the usual disgusting and mutilated visage of a high-ranking warrior, yet this one had a zig-zag scar which came from beneath his hair, wrapping around his face, between his cobalt eyes, and down the side of his neck - a puckered red line which formed the basis of every scar, blight, blister and tattoo on the warrior’s face.
Anakin raised his saber into a mid guard.
The warrior pulled a slug from his belt, and ignited a saber of his own.
----------------------------------------
Wedge was settled into his desk, staring at the latest reports of supplies and munitions which Tycho had delivered to him. A knock on the door attracted his attention, and he looked up as a communications officer poked her head in.
"Sir, we have a shuttle in system, claiming to have the Advisory Council and Chief of State on board. They are demanding clearance to land."
"Demanding are they?"
"Yes sir."
Wedge leaned back thinking for a moment, and then nodded his head. "Get Rogue Squadron in the air, and then give them clearance to land, at an area well away from the rest of our ships. Have the Rogues fly escort, and give them permission to shoot this yacht down if it deviates from its course. Once the shuttle is on the ground have the 'Advisory Council' shown to the conference room."
The young girl saluted and backed out of the room. The door slid shut and then reopened. Wedge looked up to find Tycho leaning there. "What’s the news boss?"
"We got politician inbound. Gather the usual folks to sit in on this meeting."
Tycho nodded his head once, and turned leaving Wedge alone once more. He finished up a report, and stood walking slowly to the conference room, wondering which members of the Senate would show up. He walked into the conference room, and took his usual seat at the table, Tycho to his left, Lando to his right. He looked out over those gathered already, his eyes picking out those he knew, settling for a second on each of them.
The door was opened by a pair of Senate Guards and a group of senators walked in. In the lead was the Quarran Senator Pwoe, followed by Chelch Dravvad, Niuk Niuv, and Fyor Rodan,
Pwoe stopped in front of the table looking around for a moment. "Can we begin?"
Wedge raised an eyebrow slightly. "No, we’re still waiting on one of my staff."
At that second, Danni Quee slipped into the room, her face flushed from a mixture of embarrassment at being the last to arrive and having ran through the complex.
She waved to Wedge. "Sorry I’m late, sir."
Wedge allowed a grin to flicker on his face for a moment. "Not a problem Danni, we were just about to get started. Close the doors please."
The guard looked towards Pwoe, and he gestured towards them. Then the doors slammed shut, causing a slight echo to reverberate around the room.
Wedge looked around the gathered senators, disdain coloring his face. "I thought you told my communications officer that the Chief of State was onboard your transport. Where is Chief Fey’lya?"
Wedge was not good at reading emotions on a Quarran’s face, but he could see the anger that flashed across Pwoe’s. "Chief Fey’lya died during the invasion. I have appointed myself Chief of State."
"Appointed? That’s funny. Because I didn’t fight the Empire so that the Republic could have a self-appointed leader."
Wedge now had no doubt about the hate which flashed over Pwoe’s face as his tentacles twined around one another.
"We order you to hold this planet."
Wedge frowned for a second. "Let’s say that you have the legal authority to give me that order, what reinforcements will I be receiving?"
"None."
"Then no."
Pwoe sputtered in his outrage. "Th-that…that is treason!"
Wedge slammed his fist against the tabletop and leaned forward, his bunched muscles straining against his duty jacket. The Senator took a cowering step back.
"You’re one to talk of treason Senator Pwoe. But I will accept this order if, and only if, I get the remaining portions of the First and Second fleets, plus the Lusankya."
Pwoe turned to Tycho. "Colonel Celchu, you are hereby promoted to General and will carry the orders as I have outlined."
Tycho shook his head slowly.
Pwoe turned to Lando, and before he could speak, Lando laughed at him.
Finally Pwoe turned back to Wedge. "Fine. You get those forces."
Wedge leaned over to look at the datapad in front of Tycho. "If that is all Senator Pwoe, then I suggest you exit the system as quickly as possible. We received a report of a couple of coral skippers in orbit and are expecting more Yuuzhan Vong shortly.
Then he turned and began talking quietly to Tycho. From the corner of his eye he saw Pwoe standing there in the middle of the room, looking confused and ineffectual. Then the Quarran turned and stalked out, the rest of the Advisory Council following silently behind him.
Next Post
Monday, February 4, 2008
I Want to be Your Knight - Ch. 26
I stepped out of the refresher, glad to be out of the hospital gown. I was still drying my hair when I ran into Jysella, who had just stepped out of one of the cabins. She looked at me for a moment, as a bright blush appeared on her cheeks.
I found myself at an utter loss for words. I didn't know what to say or do, all I could think about was the feel of her lips on my cheek. As insane as it sounds, I wanted to grab her, hold her tight to me and spin her around. Maybe let out a yip of joy that we had both survived.
I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Which was probably a blessing in disguise. I remember one time when I was 15 or so when I had that same feeling in my heart at seeing a girl. I ended up comparing her to a fish. To be specific, an Orsa from Arcturus. Which as you may or may not know has been voted the most hideous creature for fifteen years now; one biologist postulates that their appearance to creatures that see in the visual light range is a survival mechanism. They're literally too ugly to eat.
After a few moments, she dropped her head, and then mumbled, "Sorry, excuse me." Then she had darted around me and rushed into the refresher. I stared at the closed door for a moment, wondering what I should do. After all, know that I apparently gotten her to understand that I was sorry for what had happened to her mother, I was still left with the problem of getting her to be my friend again. I missed the relationship that we used to have, and I still wanted it back.
Sighing, I finally turned away from the refresher and went into the common area.
Sitting on one of the chairs, with her back towards me was Seha. Her body was hunched over with her face cradled in her hands. Her shoulders shook and I could hear her cries: soft and heartbreaking. I stepped further into the room. "Seha?"
Like a frightened whisperkit, she sprang from the seat and spun around to face me. Streaks of tears stained her face, and her eyes were rimmed with red. "B-b-ben?"
Another step. "Are you all right?"
She worried at her lower lip for a moment, and then nodded her head. "Yes... no..." Then she sighed and dropped back into her seat. "I don't know... I really don't."
Fighting to keep a frown off my face, I closed the distance and sat down across from her. After a moment, I leaned forward, closer to her. My psychology book told me that that was a way to foster confidences and intimacy while trying to get information. "Do you want to talk about it?"
She looked at me for a moment, her teeth still biting at her lower lip. Finally, she snorted. "You really are as dumb as Jys says aren't you?"
I blinked. How exactly does one answer that question.
She sighed, and leaned closer towards me, delving deep into my personal space, her face less than a dozen centimeters from mine.
"What do you think of me Ben?"
"I..." And that was the question, I really didn't want to answer. Especially since I hadn't thought that hard about it.
"I like you Ben. A lot. Do you think..."
I sighed, and leaned back slightly; scared that if I stayed to close to her then I'd kiss her. "I don't know Seha... I really don't."
My eyes flicked over her shoulder and I saw Jysella standing there. A rock settled deep in my gut. Seha must have sensed my change in mood because she looked over her shoulder, and then glanced back at me for a moment.
"Think about it. But don't take to long, I won't wait forever."
Then she stood up and fled deeper into the ship. Jys stared after her for a few minutes, and then looked over at me; her eyes cold and hard. She turned away and was about to leave, when I called out, "Jys, wait!"
She paused, her hand against the bulkhead, her head lowered slightly. "What?"
"I..." I hated this. Not just asking for her thoughts, but the distance that was still there hanging between us. I struggled to figure out something to try and talk to her about; anything really. Finally, my mouth opened again, and words pooled out. "Do you think I can get some advice from you?"
Her Force presence suddenly shut down. Fast. For a second, I wondered if I should have just let her flee from me. "It's about Seha, isn't it?"
I blinked. There was something a bit off in her voice. "Yeah, it is."
She stood there, with her back towards me for a few minutes. I was afraid that she was about to bolt from the room again; and knew that if she did ourburgeoning friendship would be effectively dead. Then, somewhat to my surprise, she turned around and came over to take the chair Seha had just vacated. "So talk."
I watched her eyes for a minute. They were hard as if she had no desire to be anywhere near me. I began to tell her the various things that had been bothering me about Seha, most of which she knew, and I could tell that she was starting to get fidgety. I had just finished with that last conversation I had just had with Seha, and was about to tell her that I didn't think I was really interested in Seha that way, when Jys interrupted me.
"I don't see what your problem is. Just give it a try."
Jysella looked away from me, her eyes flicking off of mine and quickly jumping from item to item in the room. I leaned back in my chair, frowning. A felt an odd ache in my chest. I knew that that wasn't really what I had wanted to hear. Maybe, I was hoping for Jys to give me a reason not to date Seha. I don't know, but I do know that encouragement wasn't what I was after.
"I... I guess... Yeah, you're right," I replied.
Her eyes flicked back to mine for a moment, and then she looked away again. "She's a great girl, I'm sure you'll be happy.
Then she got up and turned away. Leaving me alone watching her back as she left.
And that was the last time she looked me in the eyes until after we got back to Coruscant.
Next Post
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)