"Time-out"
by Chun Li, escort pilot
Location: Main spaceport of Bonadan, Corporate Sector
Date: Vadris 19, 5ABY
***
Li reverted back to realspace and sighed with relief. The time in hyperspace had not been fun. After her escape she had made a microjump to the edge of the system before choosing her destination. Due to the condition of her ship she had very few options. In fact, Bonadan was the only possible location after she had made an inventory of her ship. While she could go further, she didn't want to with the damage on her ship. Her vertical stabilizer was shot of, together with the A-wing engine that was located beneath it. Some shrapnel had also shorted out her left engine, leaving her only one. She still had two missiles, but the swiveling mounts of her aft blasters didn't work anymore, making them next to useless. She had chosen to go Bonadan instead of some closer locations due to the fact that Bonadan was part of the Corporate Sector and therefore had good security. And as she could only barely defend herself, she needed this. On top they had good repair
facilities.
With only one engine, it had taken considerably longer then it should have taken.
"Bonadan control to unidentified fighter," she heard in her comm as two fighters pulled up alongside her, "please identify."
"Control, this is Fa'Rong," Li said, "I've been attacked by pirates and I request landing permission for repairs."
"Copy, Fa'Rong," the controller said, "come left course 214-12. Can you make a regular landing?"
"I don't know, control," Li said, "but as long as there are no sharp turns I should be okay I think."
"Copy, Fa'Rong. Just follow the beacons."
"Aye, control."
Li got a signal from the guidance beacons and followed it. As it was designed for bulk freighters it wouldn't have sharp turns. One hour later she was on the ground at the far end of the spaceport but that too was expected. She didn't carry any cargo and wasn't important, so she got the less interesting spot. Luckily for her a technician was already waiting next to the customs official. Due to the high amount of people passing through the spaceport every day, customs was a well-studied routine and quickly done. Next came the technician.
"I looks as some work might be needed," he said, "what happened?"
"Some pirates," Li said, "with a Corellian Corvette. I caught a turbolaser blast on my vertical stabiliser. It also shorted some electronics and stuff elsewhere. I have a list."
She handed him a datapad that she and Axon had been compiling during the long trip.
"That's quite a list," the tech said as he went over it, "but what's that about an A-Wing engine."
"It's a modification I've had installed," Li said, "an extra engine. Normally I don't use it, so I can use it in an emergency. But it can also be used together with the other engines for more speed. If it's possible, I'd like a real gunboat engine to be installed there."
"I think we have some," the tech said, "I'll have to check though, and it won't be cheap."
"Just make me a price and I'll see what I'll do," Li said, "I don't mind a second hand engine as long as it works. You need something else now?"
"Not at the moment," he said, "I'll first make a price and then we'll see."
"Okay," Li said, "I'll first find myself a place to stay and then we can meet somewhere."
"There's a good bar in the spaceport itself," the tech said, "The Barracuda. Meet me there in two hours."
"I'll be there," Li said, before moving of with Axon.
Two hours later Li entered the bar and immediately spotted the technician.
"How did it go," she asked.
"It won't be cheap," he said, sliding over a datapad, "but I do have a second hand engine."
"Good," Li said as she looked over the figures. Actually she found it not expensive. She had expected to pay much more. She made a mental note to check frequently the quality of the work. "How long will it take?"
"About a week," the tech said, "it depends on how fast some of the replacement parts come in."
"Okay," Li said. The idea of spending a week on this planet didn't really please her, but that's life. Maybe she should get Rylaa to pick her up. "Do you know people who I can buy missiles from," Li asked. She only had two left, and that was not enough.
"I might know some people who can obtain them," the tech said, "I'll give you a list."
"Thanks," Li said. She got the list and stood up after making some extra arrangements. Now she only had to find a way to contact Rylaa to get her of this planet.
"The Lab"
by Vincenzo Lapenta, Neurosurgeon
Sarah Lapage, Neurosurgeon (NPC)
and Jacob Baram - Head of the Neurosurgery Department (NPC)
Date: Vadris 19, 5ABY
Location: Laboratory for Neuroscience, New Plouton Neuroscience Institute
***
"And hereby I declare the lab opened," Vincenzo said with a smile. Everybody applauded. While they normally didn't do a 'grand opening' of a lab facility, Vincenzo couldn't resist doing at least a fake one. There were some drinks and food for the new team to hold a small reception, and it was for that the Vincenzo had staged a big opening of the lab, even though they had been running for about a week, testing their tests, calibrating machinery and all that stuff that needed to be done before you had a fully functioning lab. It had been a lot of work, but from now on they could start.
"The lab looks nice," Jacob said after a quick tour.
"It is," Vincenzo said, "and I've had a talk today with some representatives from the biochemistry faculty of the University to put some PhD students in the lab. I think I can think up some interesting projects."
"As long as you stay within your budget and get results," Jacob said.
"I might ask for some grants," Vincenzo said, "I know a couple of places I might go."
"Very nice," Jacob said, "you are trying to take over my job."
"Thanks, but no thanks," Vincenzo said, "I have to much administration as it is right now and I'd rather not have more."
"Speaking of which, I should be going back to my paperwork," Jacob said. After saying goodbye to a couple of people, he put down his glass on a nearby table and moved of.
Jacob was replaced by Sarah, who Vincenzo liked a lot more even though he couldn't express it at the moment.
"So, Dr. Lapenta," she said, "how does it feel to be an administrator?"
"I'm not," Vincenzo said, "I will still do surgery and stuff."
"Where 'and stuff' is defined as administration," Sarah said with a laugh.
"Unfortunately so," Vincenzo said, "well, at least there's surgery now and then."
"I hope none of your patients hear you say that," Sarah said, "it might be difficult to convince them to undergo the procedures."
All too quickly the 'party' was over and everybody went back to work. Vincenzo went back to his office to do his administration. While doing so, he had put on the news on his holoprojector. The attack on the Jau mining facility was a top item, but it didn't come as a surprise. While he didn't have many direct problems with the Jau, Chimaera was an occupied planet. And it would probably become more so after this attack. From what little he knew about the Jau, they would seek swift revenge. But that was something to worry about in the future. For now he had administrative work to worry about.
"Coming Home...More or Less"
By: Talara Sorenne
Keeve Zenarr
Kimara
Master Koran Darr
Kaylee Soras
Master Laedra Vorrel
Master Baen Novix
Master Liam Zaneth
Location: Jedi Safehouse, Vendra
Date: Vadris 19, 5 ABY
***
The Jedi convoy from the desert had moved quickly, bypassing much of the
city of New Plouton. They skirted the forest, coming close enough to the
Temple to see that it still stood, but they dared not linger. While public
opinion had warmed to them recently, they were still wanted by the Jau. And
by a contingent of the Imperial Remnant, according to Liam Zaneth, Talara
Sorenne, and Zari Zathmir's report.
It required three speeders to get the Jedi back to their hidden shelter,
where it had required seven to take them to the site of the battle. They
had not suffered the worst losses of the day, however. The ride was made in
silence. In the back of one of the speeders, Talara had leaned against
Keeve, her hand clasped in his. Occasionally, he would wipe the tears from
her cheeks, the pain of the loss of comrades far greater than the wounds she
had taken in the fight.
The general mood brightened slightly as the convoy reached the warehouse
district of Vendra. The speeders slipped in through a vehicle entrance
where they would be able to enter the Exile Temple, as it was being called
by some. Prefabricated habitation modules, commonly used in colonization
efforts, had turned the empty shell of a building into a living area. The
presence of the Jedi, Padawans, Knights, and Masters, had made it a home.
At least, it would be a home until the Jau were driven off and they returned
to their Temple.
The Jedi exited the speeders in silence, a solemn procession as they filed
through the doors that led inside their home. As they walked, Talara kept
her hand in Keeve's, unconcerned that any Padawans would witness the
affection with which she regarded him. After today, she needed that
closeness. His presence was a balm to the pain of the losses suffered.
She looked up at him as they passed through the door. "What we did today,
it was a good thing. Wasn't it? We rescued some. We have Yara and Va'Lesh
back. We did some good today...and the Jau didn't win." No one won today.
That was the truth.
"It was better than doing nothing at all," Keeve acknowledged. "I'm just
not sure how much of a difference it'll make. But you had to try."
"You're right," Talara said with a nod. "What we need to do is learn the
Jau's weakness and strike. This planet has gone through so much. A little
peace and quiet would be a nice change."
"Keeve!" Both Keeve and Talara turned as Kimara came rushing up behind
them. She flung herself into Keeve's waiting arms and showered kisses all
over his face. "You made it! When the news reports came in about the
ships, I feared..." Her eyes filled with tears and she clung to him even
more fiercely. "Thank you for coming home."
"Thank Kaylee. She watched my back while I searched for Tala." He smoothed
down Kim's hair with one hand and smiled to calm her. "Let's get to our
room. I think we've all earned some sleep."
Kim kissed his chin one final time, then took one hand while Talara took his
other. It would be good to curl up under the sheets and forget about
everything but each other for awhile. The Jau were still out there and they
wouldn't let the attack stand without reprisal. They would need their sleep
because the war was about to get worse.
***
In the Jedi Council chamber, Koran Darr stood near a monitor set into the
back wall. Beside him, Laedra Vorrel scrolled through a report on a
datapad. Master Brael sat in one of the chairs, eyes closed in meditation,
while Master Novix paced near the door.
In the center of the chamber, Kaylee Soras stood. She watched Masters Darr
and Vorrel patiently. They'd asked her to join them, and she knew it was
due to her knowledge of the Jau. Finally, Koran turned. "What will be the
Jau's next move?"
"They will begin to rebuild their mine," she answered. "In the past, when
an insurrection of this sort has begun, they will be more aggressive in
their replacement of their workforce. They will no longer limit their
slaves to the criminals. They will take who they will and force them into
labor camps."
"And you didn't tell us this before," Novix asked. His voice was calm but a
fire burned in his eyes. "Your failure to reveal this information may very
well have doomed this planet. How many more will be sent to their mines
now?"
"We have made the first attack," Kaylee answered. "We must not hide and
lick our wounds. The more time we give to the Jau, the stronger they will
become. We must continue to strike, to keep them off-balance and prevent
them from getting the slaves they require."
"We lost easily fifty percent of our strength today. The Jau only lost what
they had at that installation."
"What would you have had us do, Master Baen Novix?"
The Jedi Master watched her for a moment, then sighed. "Did you know the
Jau ships were capable of that."
Kaylee nodded. "This is the first time I have ever witnessed their firing
upon their own installations and their own soldiers."
Koran Darr turned. "What does it mean?"
"Either that they have more soldiers than they need and feel the slaves they
lost can be easily replaced," Kaylee said. "Or they are desperate and hope
to break the will of the people to stand up to them. I suspect the latter."
Koran nodded. "What is our next move? What would be your next move?"
"Continue the attacks. Small, lightning raids. It may bring reprisals
against the people. We must recruit as many of the planet's citizens to our
cause as possible. And we must get someone inside the Jau ranks. If we can
find out their plans, that may bring us a new strategy with which to defeat
them."
"If they have no compunctions about taking their anger out on innocents,"
Laedra asked, "then will there be enough of us to protect the Tae'Karadans?
Are we to patrol the streets?"
"It wouldn't hurt," Kaylee said. "We should protect the people and we need
to keep pressure on the Jau. Between the Jedi and the others who have
stepped up to fight, I believe we can do it."
Novix turned toward the center of the room and regarded Kaylee for a moment.
"We should direct our focus at their leadership, the palace. Strike down
their sa'taka and, while they may not crumble, they will be easier to
defeat in the chaos and confusion following the death of their leader."
"We are not going to be assassins," Koran Darr put in before Kaylee could
respond. "The Jedi do not operate that way."
Cocking his head to the side, Master Baen Novix glanced around the room.
"Koran, it may not be the approved Jedi tactic, but it is the most efficient
means to end this war and save this planet."
"Then we shall pass the suggestion on to our new allies," Laedra informed
him with finality. "If they choose to carry out such an act, then that is
their choice. It will not be ours."
"We should see if we can get someone into the Palace," Kaylee said. "Having
eyes and ears who can report back to us might be useful." She glanced at
Novix, then back toward Master Vorrel. "For intelligence purposes only."
"Someone on the inside," a voice asked from the doorway. When the council
members turned, they found Master Zaneth there. "I would have been here
sooner, but I've been with Yara and Va'Lesh. I think I might know of a way
to get reports from the inside without our having to risk getting someone
in."
Laedra tipped her head in greeting. "You have a source within the palace?"
"I may," Liam said. "While Yelara was reigning as High Princess, a man who
later turned out to be a Jau slave, befriended her. He cares for her a
great deal, and if I can contact him, it is possible he could help us. He
has no love for the Jau, but only serves because his family is held hostage
against his good behaviour. I would be willing to help him with his family
if he will help us in our cause."
Kaylee turned to him. "And if he takes every word you say to him to the
Jau?"
"Yelara is alive because of him," Liam said. "He risked everything to get
her safely out of the palace. I think, together, Yelara and I can get him
to help us. But, I will need to talk to her."
"And if he does not agree?" Laedra asked. "We will have divulged our scheme
to the Jau."
"I don't think he will," Liam said. "He betrayed the Jau by faking Yelara's
death and getting her out of the palace. If he agrees to help us, we have
eyes and ears inside. If he does not, he will put his life in jeopardy by
taking that information to the Jau. If he does not help us, he will not
betray us. It would be his own death if he did."
After a brief consideration, Laedra nodded her approval. "Does anyone
object?"
A chorus of approval went around the room, and the matter was settled. Liam
Zaneth would, with the assistance of his wife, see to getting Meer'esh to
report on the Jau's activities.
"We should schedule another meeting with the crimelord and the others,"
Kaylee said. "The Jau's counterattack was more damaging than we could have
expected. We will need to ensure that our allies are willing to stay in the
fight."
Laedra smiled. "You're worried about Rylaa Lyssander? I have a feeling he
hasn't been discouraged at all by today's loss."
"Not so much worried about him," Kaylee said. "There are others, though,
that I am worried about. Plus, we should make certain to show them that our
resolve to retake this planet from the Jau has not wavered. Though, I
believe we can wait until tomorrow to schedule any meetings."
"We've done enough for one day," Laedra affirmed as she rose, stretching out
her legs. "Goodnight everyone...and despite our loss, you all did well."
She tipped her head at her gathered friends before departing.
Kaylee bowed to Laedra, then to the others. As the Jedi Masters began
filing out of the room, so did she. While she wasn't certain she would call
the day a success, it was a beginning. Through the beginning, so would the
war end. She could only hope that when the dust had finally settled, the
Jau would be defeated.
Alone, Kaylee Soras returned to her room to shower, meditate and sleep.
Tomorrow would bring the next day in their war.
"Aftermath"
By: Rylaa Lyssander
Lorgal
Rashid
Location: New Dawn Safehouse, Vendra
Date: 19 Vadris, 5ABY
***
Rylaa Lyssander, criminal mastermind and lately rebel leader, thumped his head softly on the shoddy wooden table he was sitting at. Why he was thumping his head was from the news report he was holding in his hand, delivered by one of his operatives minutes ago. Since the Jau occupation, news from other parts of the galaxy came only in bits and pieces, usually tales told by the infrequent freighters to dock at Drogen. Many of Rylaa temples, still working hard to attract the masses, had taken to dispensing much of the information grabbed by the New Dawn's private network.
This particular piece of news, however, was one that Rylaa wasn't sure he should do with.
"What kind of man has that kind of luck?" he mused out loud.
Rashid, wrapped in his traditional robes, replied, "A man makes his own luck, Rylaa. You of all people should know and trust in this."
Rylaa scowled at the assassin. "That's entirely beside the point, my friend. First he manages to become a hero purely powered by the force of greed, something which I can admire, but then he has a touch of conscious and becomes a real hero. What then? Well he could just go off and do his own thing, but instead he decides to stick around. Becoming a hero over and over again. Then BAM! The Empire falls, greatly due to not only him, but his friends and his damned ship as well. Does he then take off like a good smuggler? Oh no, no no no. He sticks around some more and becomes a damned general! A general! And now this?"
Rylaa flipped the datapad around to Rashid could read the headline of that particular HoloNet News article. "PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA TO MARRY GENERAL HAN SOLO"
"You are jealous?" Rashid asked with a knowing half-grin.
"Course not!" The crimelord denied with a thump to the table with his fist. "Merely venting because I haven't anything else to..."
The small room shadowed as the massive form of Lorgal entered. The barabel had taken quite a beating at the hands of the Jau but his own impressive healing capabilities combined with swift medical attention by the New Dawn's private medical staff had done wonders. Bandages still covered parts of the reptilian killer where scales had been shorn off and where regrowing. A red optical lens whirred and clicked where his eye had become victim to a Jau blade, giving the already fearsome Lorgal an even more terrifying appearance. Clutched carefully his powerful hands was a personal holoprojector.
"You need to see this, boss," Lorgal rumbled and tossed the delicate machine to Rylaa who quickly set the projector up and pressed the button. The images of three men with weapons, and one small cloaked figure, came up. They appeared to be creeping around the aftermath of a slaughter.
"The mining facility?" Rylaa guessed.
"Yup."
"What were they doing?"
"Not sure yet, boss, but look at this." The holo image, which had obviously been shot at a distance, zoomed in.
"Imperials?" Rylaa started. Thoughts of the return one of his rivals, the self-proclaimed General Von Shultz, flashed through his head. "Get the spooks on this as soon as possible, I want to know everything, especially how they are moving around. Imperials don't rent speeders from the local Toydarian rent-a-wreck like every other tourist, and they sure as hell didn't ask for permission from the Jau to be down here."
"Already on it, boss. You might like to know that one of our boys reported an unauthorized log-in to one of our spy satellites yesterday as well. He didn't do anything about it as it was disguised as part of the local grid, but he sure as hell reported it."
"Blast, so they have a slicer with them as well. Alright, alright, we need to work things in perspective. First the Jau, then the Imperials, then Solo."
"Boss?" Lorgal cocked his head to one side as Rashid let out a chuckle.
"Never mind that last one," Rylaa growled, making a dismissive gesture. "Forget I said anything. Just do me a favor and make sure the latest batch of galactic news is distributed out, might make people feel better. Also, how's the spin going on the attack itself."
"It's going real well, boss. Along with Antorial and the Jedi, we've managed to hide just about all of the liberated slaves. Food, clothing, and medical supplies have been donated by the New Dawn and Antorial. Surprisingly enough, we actually managed to liberated more than enough slaves to cover the loss of the freedom fighters."
Rylaa's eyebrow raised at the news. Almost half of the freedom fighters to attack the mining facility had been killed and very few had made it back without any injury at all. "That's good, very good. Propaganda?"
"Flimsi's are being printed out and distributed and passed around all the major cities. I heard Thanatos held an impromptu street party until a few Jau came to round up the party-goers."
"Excellent. Keep me updated on the efforts and be sure to reply our gratitude to the Jedi and everyone else who helped. Set up a small trust fund for the children of the freedom fighters who died."
"Boss?" Lorgal cocked his head again. Rylaa never gave out free credits.
"What? I said SMALL trust fund. Few hundred credits ought to cover it, heh. Just enough hat we can plausibly say that we did it. If anyone complains at the lousy size, shut them up."
"Oh, ok, that we can do."
"No shit. Now get out of here, I have important table thumping to do."
The barabel cocked his head for a third time but wisely said nothing as he exited.