One Hour Before Banquet


Two people in Imperial uniform stood in the royal garden in the palace of Jeeda.  One was a tall, thin male with sandy blonde, messy hair and brown eyes.  He had the rank plaque of an Ensign upon his chest.  The other was an attractive female with long, dark hair and vivid green eyes.  Each had an arm around the other.

"So, how was it with Kal in control while I was gone?" asked the man.

"It wasn't too bad, he did work us a little hard with the simulators though," replied the woman.  "Though probably went a lot better than your trip, Than?"

"Do you really want me to go there, Skylla?"

"Yes, I want to know how it was."

"Hmmm, everything went according to plan until some revolutionaries decided that they didn't like the government anymore.  The sad thing is their attack was when things started to go well.  Have I ever mentioned how much I hate politicians?"

He was about to elaborate when Senior Crewman Enzadi approached the couple with a grin.  "So sir, did they ever make up an official reason for our short assignment to Misoo?"

"Sort of, but it was very vague," replied Kaph 1.  "Something about temporary assignment until we can be fit in somewhere else."

"I don't know why they can't make things simple and actually say we are on vacation," remarked the Strangler.

"You want to know why?  It is because the politicians would start complaining that we were taking a couple of weeks off when we could be doing something productive elsewhere.  This is while they are golfing at their expensive country club on Abrae or Naboo or where ever."

"I see why the higher ups gave us 'a temporary assignment,' now.  They didn't want you to go crazy on their asses after they forced you to deal with politics for a week."

Both Skylla and Sion laughed.  "Hey, you never know.  I guess we should head for our seats now.  We wouldn't want to deprive Lord Tenett of more praising time."


Kaph 9, Slightly Before the Attack


Skylla was at one of the Kaph/Nazgul tables.  She was eyeing up the ditzy blonde that the "Lord" assigned to Than as an assistant.  Well, she was officially more like a guide, but that didn't lessen the fact that she didn't like her.  Look how she is all over him, making it too obvious of what is going through her mind.  The little whore doesn't even like him, she just knows that he has power and thinks she can take advantage of that fact.  If she keeps it up I am going to end up damaging that pretty little face of hers before nightfall!

The little hologram waiter showed up in front of Than.  "Hello and welcome to the Royal Palace of Jeeda.  Lord Tenett and the rest of the Royal Family welcome you to their home and wish to express their great thanks for yours as well as your fellow Imperials service to this planet.  Do you wish to order at this moment?"

"Actually, I would, thank you," replied Than, seemingly oblivious to the suck up nature of the woman.  "I'll have the Fenii dish, please."

"Excellent choice, sir."  The waiter looked over to the blonde and repeated her pointless praise. 

"I'll have what the Lieutenant is having," said the assistant in her annoying voice.

"You know what, I'll have what Sion and Claudia are having too," cut in Skylla before the waitress could repeat the message again.  Don't even try it chicken legs.  I know what you are up to.  Back down, he's mine!

All of a sudden the holo system completely shut down and the lights dimmed to nothing...


Kaph Leader


Than Sion had a feeling that things were not right.  Of course, this was beyond the fact that Claudia hadn't been found dead in a dumpster somewhere yet for all the flirting she was mindlessly risking.  He undid the strap on his holster, ready to draw it on a moments notice.  Not carrying a gun was one of the many things he didn't learn while on his tour with the politician.

"Silence," ordered a cold voice.  It was actually commanding enough that everybody shut up.  His image was just about as friendly as his voice.  Sion found that his gun was out of its holster at this point and hiding under the table with his left hand.  "The Planet Lives!" seemed to be the code word for the men in black, who started against the walls, to attack. 

(OCC: Art, here is your paragraph.)
Than didn't need an invitation, he brought up his pistol and started dropping terrorists while barking orders to Kaph.  "One and Two flight, we'll be immediately making a dash for the eastern bunker complex and will be using the Interceptors when things open up.  We'll have to shoot anything that gets in our way, so pick up any bigger guns you can find on the ground.  I have a feeling that this thing is bigger than just this room, so we'll be providing air support.  Three flight, since C-3PX2 is the most highly armed out of all of us, you will be helping the Royal Family escape.  I  wouldn't care if it was just Lord Brown Noiser, but his kids did nothing to us.  Rendezvous with us in the air once you successfully do that.  That is all, keep your eyes open and watch each other's backs."

With that, Kaph split into two groups, one heading for the Royal Family, which was now taking cover behind their table which was on its side.  The other, which was blasting its way toward the nearest exit.

For their numbers, the enemy wasn't very well armed.  A lot had Galactic Civil War era blasters, but many were carrying slug throwers or only blade weapons.  Though that didn't make them fish in a barrel considering most of the Imperial guests only had pistols.  Thinking that it would come in handy, Sion drew his vibro blade from its concealed place within his tunic.  It wasn't going to be easy getting out of here, but on the other hand it was far from impossible.

(OCC:  Kaph opening post is up, get posting!  I gave only vague objectives, be creative on how you fulfill them.)

(1000+ Word Count)   

 
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ESC/ESN Than Sion/Kaph 5/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)(=MA=)[LoM][VC:S][CBV](x2)[MC:1][GWC]{VB}

--SC of Kaph Squadron

Elite is our title, we must defend this honor!

Krius stared around, not really caring for the chit chat that was going on between the Royal Family that they were escorting. The mission was so far dull and boring, and for an Elite Squadron, they should have been put to some better task then just guarding this filthy rich family. What ever, you're just gonna have to put up with them for a little while more, its not really that bad anyways... Krius thought to himself as he stared at one of the waitresses that had just walked by. Wow... She has a really nice rack.

Krius brought his gaze back to the family they were protecting. He found it kind of odd that a bunch of Navy folk were guarding a family. He would understand if they were guarding a convoy, but this right here should have been Army work.

Hmmm, who knows, maybe if we do get attacked, I can use my new fighting skills. I wouldn't mind smashing a few faces up... Krius grinned at the thought of that. He had just returned to the Squadron from leave due to an upcoming tournament that would make him go pro. Unfortunately he had lost the Championship match, and his chances of turning pro were shot down. The good thing was that he would have another chance again in about four to five months. For now though he had to focus on the Navy and move up the ranks. He was also now known as Kaph 11 rather then Kaph 7 like he used to be.

Krius turned to C-3 who was examining his surroundings. "Hey C-"

Just as he spoke the lights shut off, and a very eery sounding voice said something that Krius couldn't exactly make out. One thing he DID know was that this shouldn't have been happening. Krius turned towards the newest addition to the squadron, Aristoc, and let off a series of signals. In a matter of seconds they had managed to flip over the table and get the family behind it.

"Whats going o-" Lord Brown Noiser was suddenly cut off by the sound of Blaster Fire. Krius peeked over the table and saw a series of Terrorists making their way into the restaurant, only to be cut down by Than's blaster fire.

"Everyone stay down, don't even think about moving or else your screwed," said Krius trying to sound as stern as he could.

Seconds later Than could be heard sending in orders to the Squadron.

"One and Two flight, we'll be immediately making a dash for the eastern bunker complex and will be using the Interceptors when things open up.  We'll have to shoot anything that gets in our way, so pick up any bigger guns you can find on the ground.  I have a feeling that this thing is bigger than just this room, so we'll be providing air support.  Three flight, since C-3PX2 is the most highly armed out of all of us, you will be helping the Royal Family escape.  I  wouldn't care if it was just Lord Brown Noiser, but his kids did nothing to us.  Rendezvous with us in the air once you successfully do that.  That is all, keep your eyes open and watch each other's backs."

C-3 looked at Krius and nodded his head. Seconds later, Aristoc and Krius had managed to strip a couple of downed terrorists from their weapons. The droid C-3 had managed to provide his own weapon. Krius made sure his E-11 was armed and ready to go before popping his head over the table and sending a series of random shots aimed at no one in particular. Seconds later blaster bolts were flying by where Krius's head had just been.

"Whoa, that was way to close. So C-3, your in charge here man. What are we gonna do?"

The droid looked down at the floor, his eyes going dark for a second. The droid then turned his head up, his eyes as light as they had been before. "Were going to blast our way through here. Then we can figure out an escape route." Said the Droid.

"Alright, sounds like a plan. I'll lead the way, just cover me ok? And you four, keep your heads down."

Krius took a quick look over the table, and then hopped over as fast as he could. It looked as if the fighting had been taken outside. Than and the others were doing a good job of clearing out the enemy. Krius stealthily made his way across the now completely deserted restaurant, kicking aside knocked over chairs that were in his way. He turned back to the others and signaled for them to move up.

"Hey Krius," said Aristoc in a hushed tone. "Maybe we should take the back exit, I think it might be safer that way."

"Yes Krius, he's is right. Let's take the back, Krius, you guard the rear."

Krius quickly nodded and began following the others, cautiously stepping over dead enemy bodies. The smell of incinerated flesh was in the air, and it wasn't pleasant. Krius tried as hard as he could to not look at the dead bodies, but it was hard not to.

He quickly turned back around, making sure they weren't being followed into the kitchen. Just as Krius was about to set foot in the kitchen, he heard something. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but he had heard it. Something told Krius to move into the kitchen with the others, but he couldn't. He had a faint
feeling that they were being followed by someone. Krius quickly scanned the room one more time, making sure everything was clear, and then stepped into the kitchen.

Krius was spooked, but he wouldn't show it. He knew something was wrong, but he just didn't know what. Krius turned his back to the kitchen entrance and caught up to the others. Then he heard the sound again. It was barely audible, but it was their. It was a clicking noise. He knew he had heard this noise on some foreign planet, it was a form of communication. That was when it hit him.

"C-3, Aristoc, we got company!" Krius shouted as he dashed towards the back of the kitchen with the others. He then turned around and fired three shots which quickly illuminated the whole kitchen, and that was when they saw them. Four black clothed creatures were following them. They were built for hunting, and that was exactly what they were doing now...

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KaphSquadron
EFM/ LCR Krius/ Kaph 11/ Wing 2/ mSSD Atrus/ Pheonix Wing/ VEN/ VE/ (=A=)
Krius=Leon
Elite Squadron Flight member Kaph 11.

    "Aristoc, cover the Family. I am going to check it out." C-3PX2 yelled out. "Roger that." Aristoc responded as he moved into a position to provide cover fire and protect the family. C-3PX2 ran towards Krius' position. "Cease fire." He ordered to Krius. 3px2 decided that the best course of action was to start with peaceful conversation, something he wasn't very good at. He turned on his night vision, and looks towards the four strange creatures. "Identify yourselves, or we will shoot to kill." He yelled out to them. There was no answer, no response of any kind. "Krius," he said quietly as he handed him a stun grenade, "I'm moving to a better location to get a shot. Count to twenty and then throw the Stun Grenade at them." He ordered. "Yes, Sir." Krius Responded. C-3PX2 decided to run towards a dark window and try to see who it was. He ran past Aristoc and the royal family. He then found a window and slowly opened it. "Ten" Krius shouted outloud. He knew he was running out of time. Just as he opened the window he heard a small explosion, it was Krius throwing the stun grenade at the four creatures. He could hear screaming from the area where Aristoc was. "Aristoc, Sit-Rep now!" He yelled out. "Its nothing, the explosion scared some of them, that's all. He was glad, they can't afford any casualties. He then broke out the window and shoved his DT-57 out the hole and aimed it at the creatures. "Last Chance, Identify yourselves or we will kill you. Do not test us." He yelled out the window.

    "Krius set place a sensor down there and get over here. Aristoc, if that sensor goes off, shoot whatever if there." They did as they were told. Krius walked up to 3PX2, he handed Krius an explosive charge. "We are not going out that door. Put a hole in the wall for me. Make it a bang that will give us an exit, and put our friends out there down." He ordered, Krius then went to do as he was told. Just then an alarm went off over the flight's comm. "Lock and Load. You have clearance to shoot on sight. Aristoc aimed towards the doorway, thinking he would be ready for what ever came through. Just then a grenade was thrown at the sensor and detonated. There was a loud explosion, and there was smoke everywhere. C-3PX2 could see that Aristoc was at his post guarding the family, he yelled over "Aristoc, if you brought Electrobinoculars, pass them over here." Confused Aristoc did so, and C3PX2 made modifications to them that enabled him to see through the smoke and debris. C-3 then passed them back over to Aristoc, "try them now." Aristoc activated it and was amazed to see that they worked so well. "They work, good keep the family safe. C-3PX2 then went over to Krius, "We are pinned down in here, we are too easy targets. Our best bet would be to find a tunnel underground. We will set that charge at the door, and then give the trigger to Aristoc. Then we will have to find an alternate route." They set the charge and then quietly began searching for a way out of the building.

((Sorry for the Terribly short post, ist only 552 words))
 
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> : There is nothing wrong with fear.
> : You need never be ashamed of it, as long as it doesn't stop you functioning.
> : Fear is your natural warning system; it keeps you alive so
> : that you can can fight. Show me a man who isn't afraid,
> : and I'll show you a fool who is a danger to his entire ship.
==============================================================================================
> : -=Kaph Squadron=- : "We have Great Faith in Each Other, It's Called Stupidity."
==============================================================================================
> : EFL / PO2 C-3PX2 / Kaph 9 / Phoenix Wing (Wing 1) / mSSD Atrus / DEF / VEN / VE / (=A=), [MC2], [MC1]

Guys, I say this only in there interests of reality and having a good overall story.

1. Enlisted personnel would not have firearms on them let alone e-11s, sensor drones, explosives, or anything else.  In all uniforms except ceremonial, enlisted navy personnel do not carry weapons and officer's have sidearms presumably in shoulder holsters (they have them but no external holster).

2. Sentinel squadron is assigned to royal family escort.  It might be helpful to say that they had some NPC bodyguards escort them away while you go to your fighters.  The reason for this is that it is highly unlikely that security is so pathetic that a random group of 3 pilots is what tries to get them out of the room.

I mean this only as constructive criticism.

Thanks
 
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SCAP, WADJ/1LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/STCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]

The Palace of Jeeda, known to the local populace as the Hall of Nobles, is the planet's most impressive structure and the gem of the planetary capitol.  No expense had been spared in its design and construction, as if some long-forgotten Lord had wanted to impress visitors already overawed by the numerous shipyards in orbit.  Grand arches stretched even the simplest corridors into titanic proportions, easily large enough for an AT-AT to stroll along.  Marble columns held lintels of thick polished hardwood over every doorway, and higher up, balconies opened along the walls.

Even the janitor's closets, Aristoc Pere suspected, would have vaulted ceilings trimmed with gilt.

Aristoc was with the rest of Kaph Squadron, following a protocol droid that was taking them to the banquet.  A meal with high ranking nobles was not exactly what Aristoc expected when he was stationed with Kaph on this planet.  But it was a welcome distraction from the intensive sims that they had been going through lately.

Aristoc smoothed his jet black hair back from his forehead, a habit he had recently aquired.  He fastidiously straightened the silver braids falling down his right arm and smoothed flat the Elite Squadron sash that circled his slender waist, then hung in a loop down his left leg.  But with each long stride, the emerald and sapphire sash billowed out proudly, rendering his efforts immediately useless.  He desisted from a second attempt, and then noticed the other members picking even more nervously at their dress uniforms.  The Hall of Nobles apparently had that effect on people.

But not Aristoc.  The lavish expense spent in maintaining the monument might intimidate his fellow pilots, but he almost felt at home here.  Not that he could ever claim a rung on the social ladder with any noble, not even a common lord.  Not yet.  But this was a monument erected for the pretentious - for those with ambitions.

And the young Ksei had his ambitions.  That was the reason he wrangled himself into every meeting he could, looking for those rare chances to stand out, to be noticed.  Someday, he felt it strongly in both of his hearts, I will have a place of my own just like this.  Of course that day was certainly far off.

Aristoc eyed his flight leader, it was rather unusual to see a droid in such a position, let alone a battle droid.  He wondered if perhaps he might have found something, Someone, he is my flight leader that he might be able to engage in a discussion of past events, it was rather hard to find someone that had been in action during the rise of the first great Empire.  Of course that depended on how far back the droid's memory banks went.  It was rather humorous to see the same Elite Squadron sash on C-3; it almost seemed like the droid was wearing a skirt of some sorts.  Or perhaps a kama, Aristoc couldn't help a small smile from escaping.  That was certainly an interesting image.

Etan, Krius and Strangler seemed to distract themselves from the extravagant surroundings by discussing flight maneuvers.  Demonic seemed to frequently cross his arms and then place his hands behind his back before reverting back to the cross-armed position.  Aristoc knew that the dress uniform did not allow for much confort while walking, and could sympathize with his XO.  Skylla and Than were listening to the maneuvers conversation, but not actively part of it.  The other Kaph members Aristoc was not quite familiar with just yet, their names escaped him although he could easily match their number designations to the faces.  Hopefully the banquent would allow him time to socialize with these other pilots.

After the excesses of the grandiose hall, their final destination came to something of a surprise.  Aristoc was fourth through the door, right behind one of his flight mates, Krius.  The dining room that they entered was fairly spartan, at least by the opulent standards of the Hall of Nobles.  No extremely lavish artwork decorated the walls; no overstuffed chairs occupied the floor.  Nearly all the tables were filled with nobles and planetary celebrities.  The squadron found seats situated at tables near Lord Brown Noiser, who had invited them.  As his fellow pilots took seats, Aristoc quickly analyzed the room.  It was a seemingly cold space despite the warm conversations bubbling like champagne around the room; marble tile floors and bare walls of dark-stained hardwood that reflected voices with a sharp echo.  The only windows were narrow and set too high for a view.  There was little compromising in this place - it seemed more suited as a severe room for discussing harsh matters rather than a place of happy gathering.

Just as Krius turned to C-3PX2, their flight leader, to start a conversation, the lights flickered once quickly and then faded to black.  The first thought was some sor of presentation, but then the holowaiters would still be on, this was obviously a blackout.  Only a very dim light from the raised windows allowed Aristoc to interpret some hand signals from Krius that, although crude, were easily understood.  Aristoc Pere immediately pushed himself out of his seat and helped Krius overturn the table the Lord and his family were situated at.  He was, after all, the most reasonable target should this blackout be an attack.  Lord Brown Noiser, well used to being pampered, found Aristoc pushing him to the ground rather harsh, but quit protestations as soon as some blaster fire came.

As soon as the blaster fire had ceased and the dining hall was secure, Than shouted to Kaph over the chaos, Aristoc was unable to hear most of it, but he got the part that involved his flight escorting the royal family.  C-P and Krius were discussing the probable course of action while Aristoc kneeled over a dead bodyguard, one of the four that were with the family, all dead from the quick firefight, as he carefully undid the tight grip on the blaster rifle, he made a suggestion, "Maybe we should take the back exit, it might be safer that way."  C-3 agreed, and took the lead while Aristoc situated himself right behind him, Krius was in the rear of their escort party.

The smell of burnt flesh lingered in the air, reminding the Ksei pilot of why he prefered the vast expanse of vaccuum to any sort of ground based operation.  It was too... personal.  Aristoc prefered the silent kill in space, it was almost always a clean kill, the only exception was when the controls of an enemy pilot explode or burst into flames, leaving the occupant to moan, weep, or even scream into the open comms. But even then, you don't smell the flesh being burned, you don't see blood at all, if a body does escape to space, it won't be recognizable as a body at all thanks to the vaccuum.  Indeed, space may seem to be the deadliest environment of all, but it was the safest for a quick death.  The irony wasn't lost on Aristoc, but he didn't have time to fully think about it when he was dodging enemy fire.

C-3 must have found a map of the palace somewhere and had it uploaded to his memory banks, as he was moving with a sense of direction.  Aristoc ducked with him into the kitchen, which had also lost power in the outage.  C-3's eyes cast an eerie glow that reflected of the numerous pots and pans hanging from their racks.  Someone had left a sink running in the confusion of the attack, and the sound filled the room, echoing off every surface to give an eerie mood.  Krius shouted something, even without hearing the exact words, Aristoc knew from his tone that it wasn't something good.

Catching a glimpse at four shadowy shapes illuminated by Krius' blaster fire.  C-3PX2 ran towards Krius and Aristoc followed orders to duck behind a steel counter that still had salads laid out ready to serve.  There were five royals they were escorting, the Lord himself wish his wife, two daughters, and son.  A brief explosion threw debris, knocking the greens and Creamy Emperor salad dressing onto Aristoc.  There was another explosion, this time a grenade, and then some quick blaster fire as men wearing black masks ran into the kitchen after hearing the explosions, Flight Three was helplessly out numbered.

Aristoc felt a twinge of fear.  He knew this feeling all too well, Run! a small voice at the back of his head made itself heard over the clamor of banging pots and blaster fire.  Almost at the same time Krius shouted the same word and they all went out the hole in the wall into one of the grandoise halls.  The royals were surprisingly fast, despite their frail frames.  Of course gun-firing terrorists chasing one can make even the slowest sentient run like hell.

Up ahead, there were guards in the palace's ceremonial uniform, half of them ran towards the pilots to assist, the other half ran the opposite way.  Apparently to be on the palace guard all you have to do is look good in uniform Aristoc shook his head.

Finding a small fortified area to settle into, Flight three fired short bursts while shouting ideas to each other.  Eventually a body guard kneeled by the pilots, "Thanks men, we'll take the Lord right now.  You pilots get into the hanger."

Tally
 
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SCAP, WADJ/1LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/STCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]

Bonus tally.
 
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SCAP, WADJ/1LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/STCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]

    The third flight of Kaph needed to be silent. Any sound could alert enemies of their location. They had many challenged to overcome, there was along way to go to get to the hanger. The forest was thick with trees, and it made it very hard to see. There were sounds of blaster fire all around them. Not one of them made a sound as they ran quietly through the forest. Then there was a sound, one that stuck out from the rest. There was a massive explosion. C-3PX2 looked to the sky and saw a thick could of smoke. "Stop here. We need to plan our run; this forest is too thick to just run it." He said. The three of them found a small cave. "We can go in there; it will work for a temporary camp." They approached the cave carefully; they did not want to be surprised. It was a dark cave, with no light coming in except at the entrance. C-3PX2 sat down, and then pulled out a small Holo-projected that he had stored in his hull. He began to work with it to form a map of the area. "Krius, Aristoc; take turns covering the entrance. Keep alert for any allied forces, though I don't expect any." He said. "They then began their shifts guarding the entrance. The cave was very small, but it fit their needs. In the future it could be made into a medic station or something similar. It offered protection and a view of the surrounding area.

    The sounds of battle could be heard all around them, as a thin fog rolled in. It gave the area a ghostly appearance. They could hear Blaster fire and explosions everywhere. They still had a distance to travel before reaching the Imperial base, and getting fighters. The continent was more of a he gulch than anything. It was an island, with mountains surrounding it, keeping the water out. It had a forest covering what wasn't populated. Along with the four temples, there were two imperial bases, one to the East and one to the west.  The temples were evenly spaced, all surrounding the capital city. There was plenty of room to hide, but nowhere to run. There was no direct road to the imperial base, at least not one they could take. The only road to the East Base was a main highway for the capital. It would most likely be heavily guarded. C-3PX2 could tell that his flight was tired, even though they refused to show it. This mission was his first command, he was still unsure on how exactly to command. He wanted to get the mission done, but at the same time, he didn't want any causalities on his side. "Who ever is not guarding the entrance, will get some rest. You both are tired, and it would be best to be rested before we moved on. Also I only have 2 ration packs," He handed the packs to them, "use them wisely." He looked around and all he could hear was destruction of blaster and bolt.


((another samll post :( ... 517 words))
 
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> : There is nothing wrong with fear.
> : You need never be ashamed of it, as long as it doesn't stop you functioning.
> : Fear is your natural warning system; it keeps you alive so
> : that you can can fight. Show me a man who isn't afraid,
> : and I'll show you a fool who is a danger to his entire ship.
==============================================================================================
> : -=Kaph Squadron=- : "We have Great Faith in Each Other, It's Called Stupidity."
==============================================================================================
> : EFL / PO2 C-3PX2 / Kaph 9 / Phoenix Wing (Wing 1) / mSSD Atrus / DEF / VEN / VE / (=A=), [MC2], [MC1]

Etan stood in front of the mirror. He brushed the hair around his face for the twentieth time, adjusted his sash for the fouteenth time and cocked his beret from the left side to the right sidefor who knows how many times."Okay.I'm ready." he said to himself. A quick inspection of his fingernails and he'd be on his way."Oh no.". There was a big chip missing out of one of them. Now that just wouldn't do. He sat on his bunk, pulled the foot locker out from under it. Opening it he found the heavy metal file he used for just such occasions. He filed it down, but now he had to do the other side to match. After he was finished, it actually became more like a talon, very sharp and pointed at the end. As long and as thick as a wookies nails could become, properly maintained, they could be formidable weapons. Etan returned the file to his locker, which he slid back under his bunk. Now he was ready to go. " Wait. Did I mess anything else up while I was filing my nail. I better check." he said to himself. " Nevermind you dumb wookie. You can't stall forever." he decided. With that, he started toward the dining room.

Almost as soon as he left his quarters a young local boy dressed for the occasion gestured to Etan that he would be escorting him. Etan nodded. He followed the boy through a series of hallways that ended in the Grand Dining Room of the Royal family. Plain as it was, Etan like it. Etan was never real comfortable at affairs such as this. Give him a cantina full of lusty women and boisterios men and he'd be happy. Better yet, the cockpit of his customized X-1 advanced complete with sound system and some New Repulic scum to to track down and he'd down right drool. But hosh posh and formal attire, was not his game. Yet, it was required of all of them.

Not knowing what to do, he walked stiffly towards where Than and Skylla stood. Nodding to the various locals he passed by he stopped and positioned himself just a little distance away so as to not seem like he was intruding but still able hear the conversations they were having with the various members of the squadrons and locals. And there he stood wearing his Imperial sash and black beret slightly cocked to the right. He didn't mind. He was sure none of the locals had ever seen a wookie let alone understand a word he might say anyway.

The atmosphere to Etan was refreshing. Even though this was a tropical rainforest and Etan's homeworld was a temperate rainforest it still had a feel of home. Besides, wookies had ways of bearing extreme temperatures at both ends of the scale. His mind wandered as he gazed out the nearby window watching the palms illumated by tiki lights.. It took him back to a time when he was a small wookie. He and some of the other young wookies would go chasing thruogh the forest after Zeti lizards. They were big and powerful and could most likely eat a young enough wookie if one ever caught one. They were fairly rare now due to hunting and are now a protected species. But when one was found the young wookies would hollar and roar trying to see who could get the closest.                                                                                                                                                                                  Another thing he remembered about his forest was that most of the trees had thick vines that twisted all around them. So another game he like to play was "Jungle Warrior", a name he made up specially for him. He would climb a tree, grab a vine and swing from tree to tree until he either fell out or came to tree with no vines. The object of course was, well naturally not fall, but more importantly to make sure you picked a tree with vines to swing to next. He actually became quiet profficient at it.

His mind drifted back to the jungle outside. He wondered if he might get a chance to explore it some. He would ask commander Than if that might be okay at a more apprpriate time of course. It sure would be something to go tramping through the jungle again.

His attention returned to the dinner party at hand. Guest' and squadron member were still arriving. "I guess I could have delayed a little longer." he thought to himself. Oh well, no matter. He listened as Enzadi began a joke.

Enzadi quote: " So this VE Pilot is standing atop a hill when a VE Stoormtrooper comes walking by. The pilot shouts down to the trooper " why don't you go home to your mama you good for nothing piece of meat." He continues shouting insults until finally the trooper has had enough. He charges up the hill towards the pilot. the pilot disappears behind the hill. The trooper follows seconds later the battered and beaten trooper is stumbling back down the hill with the pilot shouting " Yeah that's right go home and change your diaper you worthless trooper. At the same time, two troopers are walking by. Seeing what they see, they charge up the hill after the pilot .As they near the top, the pilot again disappears behind the hilltop. The two troopers follow. Fighting can be heard and the next thing you know the two trooper are retreating back down the hill battered and beaten with pilot shouting obscenities at them. At that time a whole platoon of storm trooper are passing by and seeing what they see, they charge up the hill. Once again, the pilot disappears behind the hilltop. The troopers follow and one by one or two by two they go back down the hill battered and beaten. The pilot shouts obscenities at them as they retreat. Just at this time a whole battalion of trooper in formation come maching by. Seeing what they see they charge up the hill. As before the pilot retreats behind the hilltop. As the first trooper reaches the top he looks down, turns around and yells " GO BACK GO BACK. There' a flight of them." " end quote.

The moral of the joke of course is the power of a flight fighting together compared to the power of one lonely pilot fighting alone. Everyone laughed and Etan's hearty wookie laughter made everyone laugh a little harder. Soon the laughter died down and Etan decided to find a seat. There was one next to C3PX2. That looked as good a place as any. Etan sat nodding cordially towards C3PX2.

The holowaitress promptly popped up asking " Can I take your order ah.. sir or mam?" C3 spoke up for Etan " He's a he and I'm sure he'll let you know when he's ready to order. He hasn't even had time to look at a menu yet. Matter of fact I'll let you know when he's ready to order." The holowaitress went on to find somewhere else where she might be needed. " Thank you C3. " Etan nodded. " No problem friend. Just tell me what you want and I'll order it for you when you are ready. I for obvious reasons am not eating." C3 replied.

"You know Etan might I ask you opinion into something that has been troubleing me only slightly, but I would like a better understanding of." C3 asked. " Of course." Etan responded. " Why does everyone act like they trust me but then they do not. I can not quite explain it. Do you know what I mean?" C3 inquired. Etan responded " I think I know what you mean. Everyone finds you to be a very competent pilot able to receive instructions but without emotions they might not be to sure how your leadership capabilities might be. Am I close." " Yes Etan, very close I might add." C3 said. Etan went on without urging " I think it might be the fact that to most of them are not used to a droid that is wholly independent. To them droids are tools to be used to do their masters bidding. I, however, have found droids to be very independent when left to their own designs.. Also, I think some may fear anyone that seems to lack emotion. It scares them. Once again, I don't know about you who is a much superior entity than all other droids I have ever seen. But, I have known quite a few of the C3PO series units and they can be quite tempermental. Just tell one of them thier head is on backwards and see how flustered they get. Not only that but I have been around quite a few of the astro droids too, and they have quite unique personalities themselves. I just think you as a one of a kind superior droid actually keep your little quirks in check. Maybe it's time to let go, live a little, have some fun, give yourself a break. Does any of this make sense to you C3?"  "Most definetly Etan." C3 replied.

Etan returned to his menu. "I want the steak C3. Just steak. A triple order as rare as can be. and thanks again C3." " No problem Etan. We are all brothers here. Even the Nazgul, although we always seem to be in some sort of competion with them. So you might call them our step-brothers. " C3 replied.
(a dialog follows )
Etan: " Did you just make a joke?"
C3: " No. Just an observation."
Etan: " Yeah, that was a joke if I ever heard one."
C3: " It was not intended to be. So please do not insult my intelligence by inferring so."
Etan: " Okay, if you say so, but I still think it was a joke."
C3: " It was not. So please do not mention it again."
Etan: Okay, Okay I won't, so please just order my meal for me."
C3: " I will."
Etan: " Thank you."
C3: " You are welcome."

Just at that time Endazi had taken the empty seat next to Etan. The holowaitress was on him like a shark to cut fish. " And what would you like to order sir." she inquired. He started to cough a little. Holding up his hand he replied " I'm not really sure just yet. I might have to excuse myself." With that he got back up and made a beeline for the bathroom and you could hear one of those scratchy throated coughs that like to go on incessantly begin as he pushed his way through the bathroom door. " Poor man. Is he going to be alright." said C3. " I'm sure he will be just fine." Etan responded."



Alright that's it for now and I'm not really finished. And it only took me three and a half hours to type it all in. I haven't even gotten to the lights out yet. I lost count at 1500 words could someone give me an exact number. I could just prepare my next big juicy post and start with the lights out.



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Grammar, mechanics, punctuation, spelling, diction, effectiveness in the science, and larger elements are the facts at hand. The Harbrace College Handbook edited by JOHN C. HODGES

FM/LCR ETAN EVNSTAR/Kaph 7/flight 2/mSSD Atrus/def/VEN/VE/(=A=) Phoenix wing