But I have problems with both major battles so far:
1. In order for Kirk's manoeuvres to be effective you need to show that the TF battleships weren't vulnerable to turbolaser fire from the dreadnought in the same direction that the Enterprise is coming from--I find it implausible that the dreadnought's fire can't damage the hangers on its own, especially as one MTL shot would be more powerful than an alpha strike from the Enterprise (right?) The hangers should have been facing the other way or something so that only the Enterprise can get to it...
2. For Picard's battle, if his ship had been designated a priority target it should surely have been disabled by TL fire from the battleships when he charged into the front lines???
Busily picking nuggets out of my well-greased ass.
But I have problems with both major battles so far:
1. In order for Kirk's manoeuvres to be effective you need to show that the TF battleships weren't vulnerable to turbolaser fire from the dreadnought in the same direction that the Enterprise is coming from--I find it implausible that the dreadnought's fire can't damage the hangers on its own, especially as one MTL shot would be more powerful than an alpha strike from the Enterprise (right?) The hangers should have been facing the other way or something so that only the Enterprise can get to it...
Hmmm...I have to go back and read it but unless I'm mistaken, Kirk times his alpha strike to take advantage of the shield being overloaded by a strike from the dreadnought. In other words, the dreadnought does overload the shield with a strike, but Kirk causes the damage by hitting it while unshielded. I think he took the second one down when it launched fighters and dropped that quadrant of its shields. This I assume is a weakness of the battleship design since Anakin manages to fly unimpeded into the hangar while the battelship is launching (or recovering) another sortie during the battle for Naboo. Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or I'm getting this all mixed up.
JodoForce wrote:2. For Picard's battle, if his ship had been designated a priority target it should surely have been disabled by TL fire from the battleships when he charged into the front lines???
It was designated a priority target for capture hence the use of ion cannons against the Enterprise and the use of fighters to try to disable the Enterprise. Jedi master Naz wanted the Enterprise relatively intact to find out what the hell was going on with them. His forces were unfortunately hamstrung in dealing with the Enterprise.
Thanks for the kind words and critiques, I always welcome someone's views on what could have been done better particularly in a battle scene. Its always nice too when someone else discovers my "other" work.
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Stravo wrote:
Hmmm...I have to go back and read it but unless I'm mistaken, Kirk times his alpha strike to take advantage of the shield being overloaded by a strike from the dreadnought. In other words, the dreadnought does overload the shield with a strike, but Kirk causes the damage by hitting it while unshielded. I think he took the second one down when it launched fighters and dropped that quadrant of its shields. This I assume is a weakness of the battleship design since Anakin manages to fly unimpeded into the hangar while the battelship is launching (or recovering) another sortie during the battle for Naboo. Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or I'm getting this all mixed up.
I'm not arguing about the weakness of the battleship design, what I am saying is that another stray TL bolt from the dreadnought would have done everything the Enterprise alpha strike had done and then more, considering the firepower disparity between the two and the fact that phasers are less effective against armor than shields! In order for the first scene to work you've got to show us why the dreadnought can't just fire a shot at the TF ship's hanger when it's launching fighters.
It was designated a priority target for capture hence the use of ion cannons against the Enterprise and the use of fighters to try to disable the Enterprise. Jedi master Naz wanted the Enterprise relatively intact to find out what the hell was going on with them. His forces were unfortunately hamstrung in dealing with the Enterprise.
And don't every SW ship have a few ion cannons? If that is indeed the orders the Enterprise should have been disabled after passing a few ships then exploded because of a warp core breach
Thanks for the kind words and critiques, I always welcome someone's views on what could have been done better particularly in a battle scene. Its always nice too when someone else discovers my "other" work.
I'm your typical book critic, I can point out flaws and holes all day but never come up with anything myself
Busily picking nuggets out of my well-greased ass.
Particle shielding vs. ray shielding, the hangar ray sields could easily have been kept up while fighters exited, and normally, you would see incoming missiles in more than enough time to raise the particle shields again.
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
Henry IV Part II Act 2 scene i
The Coruscant star system was perhaps the heaviest trafficked star system in the entire galactic Republic. Untold number of craft would enter and exit the hyperspace lanes in a perpetual stream of engine flare and hyperspace flashes. The traffic patterns swirled around the planet in an artificial ring of metal composed of millions of ships ranging in size from small one man ships to massive super bulk freighters hauling billions of metric tons of cargo.
The Coruscant defensive fleet was deployed along the polar regions of the planet, the bulk of them split between the North and Southern poles while the smaller lighter vessels were strung out in a leap frog pattern along the equatorial plane of Coruscant to act as both a deterrence to pirates and a ready reaction force for small threats like smugglers discovered by the over worked customs officials.
Tight formations of fighters, the bulk of them the newest models of Z-95 headhunters and the occasional squadron the newest fighters produced by Sienar fleet systems aggressively patrolled the outer ring of the planet’s zone of control. The twin Ion Engine Fighters or T.I.E. fighters were small globes with oversized solar panels attached to the sides of the central cockpit. The fighters were quickly gaining renown as the fastest ships in the Republic fleet. They were also maligned by the older veteran pilots as flying death traps, some going so far as to state that the fighters were a reflection of the Republic’s current obsession with disposal manufacturing, like the clones, their fighters were just as disposable.
The add to the criticism, the initial run of T.I.E.’s were piloted solely by clone pilot cadres. Now as the fighters entered manufacturing stage, regular troops were allowed to fly them and the younger pilots swore by the speed and maneuverability advantage the fragile fighters gave them in combat.
Into this chaos of ships the Starship Enterprise and her entourage of escort vessels emerged. The Enterprise soared past a wing of fighters and the Valor’s Gaze quickly took up lead escort position of the starship.
The Enterprise was rather unique among the other countless horde of ships in orbit of the Galactic Capital World. Its distinctive engine nacelles and saucer shaped primary hull made it stand out among the more utilitarian and modular designs dominating the Coruscant star lanes.
“On behalf of the Galactic Republic, Captain James Kirk I welcome you and your crew to the Galactic Capital of Coruscant.” Meerlinda stated with pomp.
Kirk stared at the view screen trying his best not to gawk.
“That’s a lot of ships.” Gary muttered.
“Well Meerlinda, we’re your guests here. I guess you can take us to your leader.” Kirk said with a boyish grin.
Meerlinda blinked, slightly confused by the wave of humor that swept among the humans on the bridge. Seemed that only Mr. Spock and Number One were unmoved by the statement.
“I take it that the phrase is some sort of pun?” she asked softly.
“Indeed it is and I apologize. As the duly appointed representative of the Federation I would be honored to meet with your Supreme Chancellor and any members of your government that would like to be involved in our initial contact meeting.”
“Of course, Captain. Please assemble in your shuttle bay and we will arrange for a shuttle to take us down to the surface.”
“We could always beam down.” Kirk suggested.
The young man standing to Kirk’s right immediately leaned over to Meerlinda.
“You can’t be serious. That is a glorified disintegrator.” Anakin muttered darkly.
“You seem rather intact, Anakin.” she replied with a soft smile. Anakin frowned heavily. He had not been able to transfer back to the Valor’s Gaze since being reintegrated in the transporter room of this vessel.
“That would be a splendid idea, Captain. It would be a sign of our cooperation that we arrive via your method of transit.” she stated with a diplomatic smile.
“Very well, Mr. Spock, Number One, Doctor Dehner you’re with me. Gary, take the con.”
“Aye sir.”
Kirk, Spock, Dehner and Number One stepped into the turbolift followed by Meerlinda and a scowling Anakin. The doors closed shut and the turbolift descended rapidly.
“I assume that they know we’re coming?” Kirk asked.
“Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has been eagerly anticipating your coming here. He also obviously got wind of the trap and dispatched two of our finest Jedi to help us escape the trap.”
Kirk eyes the grin looking young man. Anakin returned the gaze unflinchingly.
“Is there a problem?” Anakin asked.
“No, it’s just well…you look young to be one of the finest Jedi in the galaxy.”
Anakin smirked.
“Surface impressions, Captain. I am not what I seem.” Anakin replied darkly.
“No, I guess you’re not.” Kirk replied staring back at the young man.
Meerlinda felt the tension in the turbolift shoot up immediately and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Put two strong leaders in close quarters together and this was invariably the result. This show of alpha male dominance was precisely the reason why her master only trained human females. She smiled softly remembering the way he would shake his head and harrumph when he saw the young male padawans showing of whenever she was around.
She put a hand on Kirk’s shoulder.
“It will be the first time our government has ever met with an extra galactic government. These are exciting times.” she said with a calm smile. Number One eyed her suspiciously. Spock and she exchanged a furtive glance of concern.
Kirk nodded slowly, his eyes not leaving Anakin’s until the doors snapped open again.
They filed out towards the transporter room.
“This all seems rather sudden. Shouldn’t we have a meeting, a briefing, some kind of organizational meeting to prepare for this?” Dehner asked Kirk as they walked into the transporter room. Kirk stopped for a moment to think about it and shook his head.
“No Doctor, what would we discuss? I prefer to keep things informal. It keeps all parties involved relaxed.” Kirk replied.
“Ready when you are sir.” the transporter technician said eagerly.
“Jedi Knight Farstrider will provide you with the coordinates.”
“Weapons?” Number One asked Kirk softly. Anakin pretended to not notice, but his ears instantly perked up as Meerlinda quietly consulted with the transporter technician.
Kirk shook his head.
“This is a diplomatic mission and I think I’m a good enough judge of character to tell when we may be in danger. Besides, why fight as hard as they have to keep us in one piece to harm us now?”
“They are many things about them that trouble me sir.” she replied lowly. Kirk looked into his XO’s cold eyes and turned up one corner of his lip in thought. He did not like her, that much was clear, but at the same time she had served Pike faithfully during their five year mission and he had to start trusting her if this was going to work.
“I understand, Number One. Let’s play it safe with this one, but I will tell the tech to keep a constant transport lock on us.” Kirk replied. Number One nodded but looked skeptical about Kirk’s solutions for her concerns.
“The transporter is a risky and temperamental thing to be risking your life on.” Number One added then walked up to the platform. Kirk frowned slightly. This relationship was looking rockier and rockier with every passing moment.
“Mr. Spock, I want you to keep a running scan on your tricorder, let’s keep our eyes open.”
Spock regarded his Captain for a moment, recognizing a human idiomatic phrase that his prior Captain used.
“Of course sir.” he replied.
Kirk followed the others up to the pad and as he passed Anakin the young Jedi said only loud enough for him to hear.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
Anakin walked up to his own disk and fixed Kirk with a stern challenging gaze. Kirk returned it with a soft smirk.
“Faith is a virtue for those not willing to believe in themselves.” Kirk replied pointedly across the transporter pad. The rest of the assembly exchanged curious glances, all but Meerlinda who frowned.
“Energize.” Kirk ordered.
The group slowly vanished in columns of glittering light.
They reintegrated in a assembly hall. People were milling about, many in deep discussions. The crowds stopped and gawked as the figures materialized in their midst. Murmurs began immediately like a wave on the ocean spreading outward from the nearest crowds back to those who could not even see the scene unfolding in the assembly hall.
Kirk glanced around quickly. This was certainly not his first contact mission but it was the most important mission of his life. Here was precisely what the Federation had created Starfleet for, to seek out and find new life and new civilizations. Here was a civilization older and larger than the Federation and it was up to him to decide whether the Federation should forge ties with this Republic.
He wondered briefly whether it was fair to lay that kind of burden on a single man.
Spock immediately opened his tricorder and began scanning as Number One eased close to her Captain.
A troop was striding up to them wearing ceremonial (or so he hoped) blue armor and long pikes. They were led by an alien in long flowing gowns, his most prominent feature were two long thing horns rising off the sides of a massive bull like head. He paused, examined each of them and bowed his head.
“Welcome to Coruscant representatives of the United Federation of Planets. My name is Mas Amedda, Galactic Senate vice Chairman.”
“Thank you for your warm hospitality. My name is Captain James T. Kirk, My First Officer Number One,” Number One nodded politely. “My Science Officer Mr. Spock.” Spock also nodded politely, surreptitiously keeping his tricorder at his hip fully functioning. “Doctor Elizabeth Dehner our liaison who has worked extensively with Jedi Knight Meerlinda Farstrider.” Kirk stated warmly and smiled.
“Please follow me, the Supreme Chancellor is most eager to see you. I hope that the ambush the cowardly Separatists laid for you was not difficult to escape from. We only have sketchy details here.” Mas Amedda asked an outraged smirk on his face.
“For one thing, I wouldn’t exactly call them cowardly, they fought like a well disciplined military unit and they were most definitely out to disable and capture my ship.”
“That is a disturbing element indeed. It means that they know more about you than we would like them to.” Amedda replied darkly.
“How could they know more about us, sir? We were only recently informed about this galaxy. It seems that negotiations have been underway for months between our governments without any of us knowing about it.” Number One noted curiously, but her eyes were locked on Amedda. The Vice Chairman did not notice.
Amedda frowned heavily as they walked through the growing crowd of senators and aides, many were starting to point and speak excitedly as many began to realize who the newcomers were. Kirk eyed the ceremonial guards.
“Impressive aren’t they?” He asked Meerlinda.
She shrugged.
“The Senate has had this guard for as long as anyone can remember.” She added.
Kirk could not help but feel uneasiness in his belly and he couldn’t pin down why. They passed through the assembly hall and into a long but secluded corridor that led to a large office in the corner of the building. Along the way Kirk admired the beautiful art work lining the walls, the intricate marble looked old but beautiful.
“I bet a lot of this is older than the Federation.” Kirk noted curiously.
Number One glanced over at Spock’s tricorder readout.
“Geophysical scans pegs these art works as older than human Western Civilization.” Number One added with a nearly bemused smile.
Kirk raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise.
They stopped in front of a set of double doors. Amedda smiled politely and nodded to a duo of guards standing at the door. Their armor was different than the blue garbed guard, crimson instead of blue and a harsher more militaristic edge to it.
“The Supreme Chancellor has his own personal guard after a botched assassination attempt by the Separatists before the war.” Meerlinda commented, anticipating the question.
“They tried to kill him before the war?” Number One asked incredulously.
Meerlinda looked slightly uncomfortable.
“The culprits were never found. Palpatine’s commission issued a finding that it was Separatists conspirators.” Anakin interjected.
Number One frowned heavily.
“Logically, assassinating the leader of the government you are trying to secede from would only invite the wrath of that same Government. I would have to question those findings.” Spock added.
“You are not the only ones who have raised this issue. Bail Organna has risen as one of the loudest voices of dissent within our government. He heads up the peace faction of the Senate.” Meerlinda explained.
“Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is one of the wisest men I know. I am not comfortable with these insinuations that are hurled in his direction. He is trying his best to maintain order and keep the Republic together. Already the stresses of war have prematurely aged him. He suffers because of this war.” Anakin added darkly.
Kirk eyed the young man for a moment. There was a passion to the young man that was missing in Meerlinda. Where she radiated a calm serenity he was like a raging tempest held in check by force of will.
The doors opened silently and Mas Amedda led the entourage into the large chambers of the Supreme Chancellor. Kirk was immediately impressed by its size and grandeur, in fact it looked more opulent than the corridors outside. Statutes lined the walls and the marble work was amazing, it almost seemed to ripple like the surface of a lake.
“May I present Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.” Amedda announced proudly and with a sweep of the arm indicated the older man in a long flowing black robe flecked with blue along the seams. Palpatine smiled politely as he stood up from his chair and extended his hand.
“Captain Trason.” Palpatine said with a kind tone.
Kirk looked confused for a moment and realized how quickly events had unfurled that it was hardly possible that they would have reached the Galactic capital in time.
“Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, my name is Captain James T. Kirk. Captain Joshua Trason of the Lexington was called away at the last moment to deal with a medical emergency in one of our colony worlds. Starfleet assigned my ship, the Enterprise to take the Lexington’s place on this mission. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused as the substitution happened at the last moment in our galaxy and we were ambushed on this side of the wormhole before we could inform your government of the change.”
Palpatine looked confused for a moment, blinking and looking from Kirk to Meerlinda and finally Anakin.
“Captain Kirk? My apologies, Captain, I was fully expecting Captain Trason. But one cannot blame your Federation for the change. We all must look after our citizens, after all what else is government here for if not for the welfare of our citizens.” Palpatine noted civilly and indicated the chairs laid out in a semi circle in front of his desk.
“I must say that it is a most distinct pleasure to meet with beings that hail from another galaxy entirely. This is a monumental moment in the history of our Republic.”
“Thank you Supreme Chancellor, the pleasure is the same for us. The Federation founded Starfleet on the principles of exploration and contacting new civilizations.” Kirk explained.
“Excellent.” Palpatine replied with a smile.
Kirk shivered. Did not know why. It was odd, his grandfather had a saying for those odd feelings. Like someone was walking over your grave, he called it. Kirk laughed at such nonsense but now he felt oddly at ease but could not tell why. So far everyone, especially Palpatine was pleasant enough.
A terminal buzzed softly and the woman standing behind Palpatine quickly walked over to the terminal and quietly spoke into it. She was as white as now, every inch of her flesh and she wore an ivory cape and cloak, she moved with a languid precision that reminded Kirk of a feline.
“Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi and Captain Leeto of the Valor’s Gaze await admittance.” she reported, her voice like wind through silk.
“Of course, we must thank our noble heroes who helped save the Federation’s ambassadors. You will find, Captain that the Trade Federation are cunning foes worthy of respect, despite what others may think in this government.”
“I did indeed discover that Supreme Chancellor.” Kirk replied, liking the man for his honesty. Obviously people like Mas Amedda were deluding themselves into thinking that the Separatists were anything but a bunch of rabble rousers.
The doors slid open and Obi Wan Kenobi and Leeto walked in quickly,
“Which one of you is—“ Leeto stopped and saw Kirk. “You!” he exclaimed. Kirk slowly raised an eyebrow.
“You are a brilliant young human and I want to shake the hand of the man that led the defense of his own ship and fearlessly plunged into the thick of battle. I thought you mad, Captain, but now I see that there’s a warrior’s heart in you that refuses to be tamed.” Leeto exclaimed raucously and held out his long fingered hand.
Kirk smiled sheepishly. Palpatine smiled but his eyes narrowed on the young Captain as Leeto firmly took his hand and shook it.
“It’s like we were never there.” Anakin whispered to Obi Wan. Obi Wan shrugged.
“It was nothing really. Without you and your men I doubt we would have lasted more than a minute against those forces.” Kirk replied.
“Maybe so, but it does a Captain’s heart good to see potential allies with such spines of steel.”
“I must say, Captain Kirk you made quite an impression on one of our own finest Captains. I will have to watch your career here with great interest.” Palpatine said casually. Meerlinda paused. She thought she had seen something, a trick of the light she was sure but Palpatine had looked positively hungry as he watched Kirk for a moment basking in the glow of Leeto’s praise. It made her uneasy but just as soon as she saw it, the expression was gone replaced by the kindly smile and sharp eyes of the Supreme Chancellor she knew.
This war has been doing odd things to people, she mused.
“The Galactic Republic is most anxious to forge an alliance with your Federation captain and to show our good faith I am ready to provide anything you request, need or want to help you make your decision on this matter.”
“I appreciate and thank you for your sincerity, Chancellor. But I will not be the one making the decision. I will file my report with Starfleet, so will Doctor Dehner here.” Kirk said indicating the Doctor who smiled and nodded at Palpatine. She had been watching him closely. He seemed to be distracted, almost worried and it had begun the moment he had been introduced to Kirk. She did not understand why. Palpatine had no contact with Captain Trason before so why would he have put so much stock in having met Kirk instead? “The Federation council will make the final finding.”
Palpatine smiled softly and leaned forward.
“Captain, I have been in government service for the vast majority of my life. I recognize the power that you have even if you do not, I’m quite sure that if the intrepid Captain Kirk and the brilliant Doctor Dehner both agree that there should be an alliance the Federation council would have no choice but to agree.”
“I think you overestimate our power, Chancellor.” Doctor Dehner replied with a sheepish smile.
“I think you underestimate yours Doctor. I will not hide my motives, I need the Federation, the Republic is in desperate need of ships, men and more importantly a trading partner to off set the loss of a vast bulk of our merchant and industrial center. We are essentially at war with our merchants and businessmen and it shows in our moribund economy at the moment. Unemployment is skyrocketing and for the first time in memory, the Republic’s coffers are drying up. We are in a crisis both economic and military and your Federation has arrived as if in answer to the Republic’s prayers.”
“I can appreciate your position Chancellor, we in the Federation are also looking for a strong partner, particularly one as technologically advanced as your Republic. However you can understand if we are cautious about allying ourselves with a power that would lead us into a bloody conflict if we do not fully understand what we are becoming involved in.” Dehner replied.
Palpatine nodded.
“Indeed. I plan to show you that it is in the Federation’s best interest to enter into this alliance even with the threat of looming war.”
“I’m curious, Chancellor. I just came from a battle where your men spent more time protecting my ship than fighting the enemy. As a military man I feel uncertain as to what we can bring to this war of yours.”
“We are not beggars, Captain. The Republic is not looking for cannon fodder.” Amedda protested.
Palpatine raised a hand.
“Forgive Amedda, but his home world was one of the first subjected to orbital bombardment after the Battle of Geonosis. The Republic fleet was barely out of its berths when the Separatists struck at over a dozen key worlds. Amedda lost family in that attack and he has been a staunch foe of the Separatists since. A tragedy really.” Palpatine sighed sadly. “I’m afraid that this war has done nothing but visit tragedy after tragedy upon our worlds, Captain. That is the heart of the reason why we are so insistent on you joining. Any possibility that could cut this war by even days must be seized at this point.”
“I noticed that you didn’t answer the Captain’s question.” Number One noted coolly.
Kirk glanced over at Number One but remained silent.
Palpatine sat back in his chair and regarded each of them with a critical eye.
“I have nothing to hide as you will soon discover. Your ships are not what we really need.”
“Oh?” Kirk and Dehner replied in unison. Meerlinda and Obi Wan exchanged curious expressions.
“The clones.” Palpatine replied. “It has everything to do with our clones and our armies.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” Kirk replied curiously.
Palpatine smiled.
“You will be taken on a tour of our barracks and troops facilities here on Coruscant to see them for yourself. I will show you our entire military complex and perhaps you will see things for yourself. I would rather you discover for yourself what I have concluded from meeting your diplomats and reading your Captains biographies.”
Kirk was extremely curious.
“If indeed you are sincere in your wishes to provide us everything we need then I would like to make my first request.”
“Please.” Palpatine asked.
“I want to meet with your dissident parties, your opposition.” Dehner stated coolly.
Palpatine could not help but smile, it was almost as if that was what he expected her to ask and was amused by the payoff.
“Of course. Sly.” The pale ivory skinned woman inclined her head ever so slowly and nodded.
“Yes, Supreme Chancellor.” she replied, her voice an almost whisper.
“Please arrange for Doctor Dehner and Captain Kirk to meet with the peace faction and in particular a personal meeting with Bail Organna.”
“Of course, Supreme Chancellor.” She replied.
“This is Sly Moore. She is my trusted right hand and she will be my representative with your mission. She will be at your disposal and has my authorization to show you everything you require. Never let it be said that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is afraid of the truth.” Palpatine stated proudly.
“I don’t think anyone doubts that sir.” Anakin added.
Obi Wan shot Anakin a surprised look.
“Anakin, here is one of our great Jedi heroes. Defender of Alderaan, defeated the Separatists incursion in the Thalon belt and we believe may have defeated a dark Jedi in service to Dooku on Byss.”
“May have?” Number One asked.
Anakin smiled coldly.
“There wasn’t much left to identify.”
Meerlinda frowned. That was hardly the way a Jedi knight should conduct himself, Obi Wan frowned as well and looked at his young friend and ex padawan. There was a darkness around him, like a cloud and it had grown progressively darker since Geonosis.
“But enough of the praise, I hope one day to be able to praise your name Captain should the Alliance pass.”
Kirk smiled perfunctorily.
“It would be my pleasure to help you in this war, sir. I will be on my mission and I hope to be able to speak with you under less formal circumstances.”
“Captain, it is like you have read my mind. I am inviting you and your staff to a dinner at my estate. i would be more than happy to discuss these issues less formally, I have never been comfortable in the trappings of power.” Palpatine replied enthusiastically.
“It suits you well sir, you are leading your people through a hard time and it is my hope that perhaps we can do it together.” Kirk said smiling as he shook the Chancellor’s hand. Something about this man radiated strength and Kirk could respect him as a leader.
“Doctor Dehner?”
“Thank you for your kind attention Chancellor. I am however curious about the Jedi. I was wondering if we could arrange a meeting with their leadership as well.”
“Ah, now that is the province of these fine Jedi behind us, you will find Master Kenobi most helpful indeed as he has the ear of Master Yoda himself.”
“I would hardly—“”
“And he is quite humble as well you will find. Turned down a medal from the citizens of Davros for saving them from a Separatist attack.”
“I was doing my duty. The Alliance pilots and crews that lost their lives that day deserved the medal.” Obi Wan replied quietly.
“As it were, all matters dealing with the Jedi must be handled by the Jedi. They are independent from our government but partners with it as well.” Palpatine explained.
“Have no fear, Elizabeth, Master Yoda is eager to see you and if you wish I will take you there now.”
Dehner glanced over at Kirk who shrugged.
“Very well, let’s go.” she said and Meerlinda smiled.
“Thank you all and Sly see to their every need, they are guests of honor in the Republic.”
“Of course sir.” she replied.
The entourage slowly filed out of the room.
“Captain Leeto there really is no need.”
“Indeed there is Captain. Your actions inspired my men and it was all they would talk about during the trip over were your actions in the battle, fearlessly attacking no less than three Trade Fed battleships!”
“Now hold on a second I most certainly did not-”
“Launching a counter attack during an ambush into the teeth of the enemy!” Leeto crowed. “If only we had more such as you in command positions the we would not be bogged down in this damnable morass of a stalemate.” Leeto chattered on, his shout quivering excitedly.
“Uh, we were there too Leeto, as I recall I boarded the Mandalorian heavy cruiser that was about to make you one with the stars.” Anakin cut in tightly.
Leeto looked over at Anakin, then at Obi Wan and shrugged.
“You are Jedi, what was I supposed to expect?” he asked.
Meerlinda shook her head softly and smiled.
“We are victims of our own success, Anakin.” she added with a cheerful laugh. Kirk stopped and stared for a moment, the way she shook her head, the way her emerald hair cascaded over her left shoulder, the roll of her neck. He tore himself away to put a hand on Leeto’s shoulder.
“Captain.”
Leeto stopped his chattering.
“How about we get a drink after I meet with this Mater Yoda. Let me convince you I’m just a human being that did what he needed to do to survive and that you have far more experience under your belt as a Captain than I do.”
Leeto snorted.
“Very well, Kirk but mark my words you were born to this.”
Kirk fought the urge to laugh but noticed Number One and Spock’s cool gazes. He straightened himself up.
“Ok, Obi Wan, would you like to lead the way?”
Obi Wan smiled and extended his arm out in an inviting gesture.
“Right this way if you please.”
“Yes, we wouldn’t want those of us without Yoda’s ear to enter the Temple first.” Anakin teased. Obi Wan smiled and looked back at his young friend. There was a warmth there and it reminded him of those early days when Anakin was just learning how to use the force. When there was no dark shadow on his face.
“You keep it up young Jedi and I will have you leading the bucket brigades in the sewer network.”
“Oh, who am I to argue with a general.” Anakin replied with an even broader grin.
“Skywalker.”
Anakin turned slowly and Sly stepped close to him. She whispered and Anakin slowly nodded.
“Go on without me, the Supreme Chancellor needs to give me a message for Master Windu.” Anakin announced and Obi Wan frowned ever so slightly. The smile and laughter were replaced by the dark shadow again. He watched Anakin hesitantly walk away back towards Palpatine’s office.
Sly nodded to Kirk.
“Captain, I will be accompanying you and your group to all of your meetings as a representative of the Supreme Chancellor.”
“That will be fine.” Kirk replied with a boyish smile.
“I hoped it would.” Sly said with a mysterious almost embarrassed smile. Kirk paused for a moment as he caught her intense and meaningful gaze.
Meerlinda swallowed softly and gazed at both of them. She felt the unfamiliar prick of something she never thought she would feel.
Jealousy.
“Let’s be on our way.” Obi Wan urged and led the group back down the corridor to their waiting transport.
Palpatine sat quietly at his desk. Amedda and Sly had left, he had exchanged a knowing gaze with Sly as she left and remained seated staring at his desktop. His fingers rested on the hard crystal fully extended and taut as his mind quickly spun through so many possibilities.
How could it be? There were no contingency plans for this possibility because this possibility should not exist.
His hands trembled slightly now as if struggling against an urge.
Raw anger was coursing through him like plasma.
HOW WAS THIS POSSIBLE?
He wanted to scream, to shout it to the very heavens themselves. It was all laid out perfectly, Doctor Dehner played her part well, no variance from her part, the others save for Anakin were unimportant pieces to a very complex puzzle. But the main piece, the one that would be manipulated like a puppet on a string was missing.
He looked back at the empty chair now and replayed the conversation he had a million times in his own head, the conversation that had unfolded like a holo play so many times in his visions.
Save that the face looking back at him was not the dashing young Captain Kirk but the sober older Trason.
With one exchange it had all chaotically unraveled.
But what disturbed him most was not Kirk, not his sudden hold on his officers, not his probing questions that Trason would never ask because of his anger at having nearly been killed by the Separatists' ambush. None of these mattered because Palpatine could think his way out of any situation. What disturbed him most of all was a very simple question.
“Why did I not foresee this?” he whispered angrily.
The door chimed.
“Come.”
Anakin stepped in slowly.
“Sir?”
Palpatine beamed at the young Jedi.
“Come Anakin, we have so much to discuss.” Palpatine said warmly the mask of anger gone like smoke.
Wherever you go, there you are.
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I have to bump this thread as soon as I post due to baord errors
BTW Soundtrack suggestion: Atreides Theme from Children of Dune soundtrack when the Enterprise arrives at Coruscant. Those that know the song will know immediately why.
Wherever you go, there you are.
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“You are not the only ones who have raised this issue. Bail Organna has risen as one of the loudest voices of dissent within our government. He heads up the peace faction of the Senate.” Meerlinda explained.
Nice. Amidala obviously once held this position.
The twin Ion Engine Fighters or T.I.E. fighters were small globes with oversized solar panels attached to the sides of the central cockpit.
They're radiator panels, not solar panels.
"You know what the problem with Hollywood is. They make shit. Unbelievable. Unremarkable. Shit." - Gabriel Shear, Swordfish
"This statement, in its utterly clueless hubristic stupidity, cannot be improved upon. I merely quote it in admiration of its perfection." - Garibaldi in reply to an incredibly stupid post.
The Fifth Illuminatus Primus | Warsie | Skeptical Empiricist | Florida Gator | Sustainability Advocate | LibertarianSocialist |
*engage rabid warsie mode* No, they are solar panels, what they do is focus the energy of any nearby sun(not just what hits the TIE, its entire output) into an nigh-unstoppable energy beam. *disengage rabid warsie mode*
Oh, and nice chapter Stravo. Definitely an amusing change from the EU perception in SW that 'a dozen Jedi and twice as many snubfighter pilots won the whole thing'.
Stravo, I suggest you start using the first officier's name. Isn't "Number One" a sort of a nickname between the captain and the first officier, not an official designation? It sounds odd for Kirk to introduce her as "Number One" instead of using her rank and name.
David wrote:Stravo, I suggest you start using the first officier's name. Isn't "Number One" a sort of a nickname between the captain and the first officier, not an official designation? It sounds odd for Kirk to introduce her as "Number One" instead of using her rank and name.
David, unfortunatekly the problem is that her character never had a name. She has always been referred to as Number One and the cast listing at the end of the Cage lists her as Number One and the official ST Encyclopedia also lists her name as Number One.
Wherever you go, there you are.
Ripped Shirt Monkey - BOTMWriter's GuildCybertron's FinestJustice League
This updated sig brought to you by JME2
"You know what the problem with Hollywood is. They make shit. Unbelievable. Unremarkable. Shit." - Gabriel Shear, Swordfish
"This statement, in its utterly clueless hubristic stupidity, cannot be improved upon. I merely quote it in admiration of its perfection." - Garibaldi in reply to an incredibly stupid post.
The Fifth Illuminatus Primus | Warsie | Skeptical Empiricist | Florida Gator | Sustainability Advocate | LibertarianSocialist |
David wrote:Stravo, I suggest you start using the first officier's name. Isn't "Number One" a sort of a nickname between the captain and the first officier, not an official designation? It sounds odd for Kirk to introduce her as "Number One" instead of using her rank and name.
David, unfortunatekly the problem is that her character never had a name. She has always been referred to as Number One and the cast listing at the end of the Cage lists her as Number One and the official ST Encyclopedia also lists her name as Number One.
Fragment of the Lord of Nightmares, release thy heavenly retribution. Blade of cold, black nothingness: become my power, become my body. Together, let us walk the path of destruction and smash even the souls of the Gods! RAGNA BLADE!
Lore Monkey | the Pichu-master™
Secularism—since AD 80
Av: Elika; Prince of Persia
Stravo wrote:But what disturbed him most was not Kirk, not his sudden hold on his officers, not his probing questions that Trason would never ask because of his anger at having nearly been killed by the Separatists' ambush. None of these mattered because Palpatine could think his way out of any situation. What disturbed him most of all was a very simple question.
“Why did I not foresee this?” he whispered angrily.
interesting.....
"This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it.” -Tom Clancy
That was a very good read. Anakin is but a dark cloud in a fleet of white.~JAson
I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season."
This story is really starting to catch steam Stravo! Although I see that you are still in your 'Kirk fixation stage' ... you know they have creams for that now.
On a more serious note, at what point do you think Obi-Wan will become aware of the connection between his former Padawan and Palpy?
Η ζωή, η ζωή εδω τελειώνει!
"Science is one cold-hearted bitch with a 14" strap-on" - Masuka 'Dexter'
"Angela is not the woman you think she is Gabriel, she's done terrible things"
"So have I, and I'm going to do them all to you." - Sylar to Arthur 'Heroes'
Christ this was a blast from the past. To think I'm going to start writing the next chapter this week, you are almost prescient my friend. As to the Kirk fetish...hmmm....how can I put this, is there ANYONE else in Trek worthy of an epic tale like this? And yes, I consider him one of the greatest characters in Sci Fi ever, as if anyone could deny my feelings on that. However I am striving to make sure this story is not about him as much as an epic war story, I mean we have the fall of Anakin Skywalker, Rise of the Empire, the Temporal Civil War between Federations, Kirk's story is merely a personal one of discovery that will almost be lost in the scope of it.
My personal feelings on this story, best fucking writing I have done in a LONG time. I enjoy writing it and I feel that this is different to Star Crossed. Unfortunately it does not seem to have the following that Star Crossed has that irks me sometimes.
Wherever you go, there you are.
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Stravo wrote:My personal feelings on this story, best fucking writing I have done in a LONG time. I enjoy writing it and I feel that this is different to Star Crossed. Unfortunately it does not seem to have the following that Star Crossed has that irks me sometimes.
Well, in fairness you have been neglecting this in favour of Starcrossed. How did you phrase it? 'Two chapters of Starcrossed for each chapter of this and the Animatrix'?
Ehh, either way this has grown on me.
And you know I love you man, it's that I just like making fun of your Kirk obsession.
Η ζωή, η ζωή εδω τελειώνει!
"Science is one cold-hearted bitch with a 14" strap-on" - Masuka 'Dexter'
"Angela is not the woman you think she is Gabriel, she's done terrible things"
"So have I, and I'm going to do them all to you." - Sylar to Arthur 'Heroes'
Crown wrote:
Well, in fairness you have been neglecting this in favour of Starcrossed. How did you phrase it? 'Two chapters of Starcrossed for each chapter of this and the Animatrix'?
Ehh, either way this has grown on me.
And you know I love you man, it's that I just like making fun of your Kirk obsession.
To be fair as well Star Crossed is my first and will always have a special place in my heart. Besices, the story is drawing to a close and I don;t want to strecth it out too much and its not fair to the larger fanbase of Starcrossed and you Animatrix fans to make you guys wait while I indulge my Twilight War fun.
Oh, and no offense taken, I just needed to poke fun at the current batch of starfleet captain and their essential banality.
Wherever you go, there you are.
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interesting.....
