As we watched the super battle droids open fire at ARBE on the data screen, I sighed and sat back on my heels. Then I did what any wise person would do, I put someone smarter than me in charge. I looked over at the ARC that had accompanied us on the mission. “Captain, this is much more your area of expertise. Can you get me where I need to be?” He nodded, looking at my unit and the kit they’d brought. They were pretty well armed. In a matter of minutes he’d developed a plan that would get us in and where I needed to be with minimum casualties, if any. The success of the plan hinged on how stable the walls of the tunnels were. Since 100’s of metric tons had been stored above them, we guessed that they’d be fairly stable.
We silently entered the ground level of the facility and moved towards the entrance to the underground tunnel system. While all the clones have HUDs in their helmets, I have to wear what look like lightly tinted eye glasses that allow for night vision, a variety of other spectra, as well as showing me my droid’s camera view in the lower left hand corner of my left eye. Wearing those things can be quite the experience. My remaining droid, a DERA, hovered quietly behind me. I’d go in last with two of my troopers, Tak and Fi, so I’d have ample protection to try to deactivate the droids. Deactivating the droids was probably going to be a bit problematic for several reasons. The confined tunnels would most likely bounce my signal around a bit, which could be good or it could be not so good. Super battle droids also have better, more adaptive, programming which make them a little harder to slice into and turn off. But we’d deal with those issues when we encountered them.
At the entrance of the tunnel, the Captain, I believe he goes by the name of Mereel, had everyone get into position. My visual sensors went black momentarily as my anti-flash visor kicked in from the ordinance used. Then some blaster fire was exchanged, but with only two SBD. The front force turned them into small piles of rubble before I could do much with them. We slowly progressed down the hall, looking for any type of reading that would indicate a trap. About 100 meters in, I began receiving data from an unlikely source. My ARBE droid had started transmitting again. Apparently he’d thought it prudent to hide in an airshaft to get away from danger. I sent my DERA droid back to the entrance to cover our six as we went further in to the tunnel. After about 200 more meters, the tunnel opened up into a large room.
The troopers spread out and went in search of hazards and power sources. I stood near the entrance trying to determine which terminal to start at. The something caught my eye, something ARBE had transmitted. I had him retrace his last recon vector, but more slowly. I looked down and left, then blinked three times rapidly. My entire left eye now saw what ARBE did. I started running a program on my deck, then quickly sent the image I saw to the Captain, then to the rest of the troopers. Attached to the ceiling were a dozen spider droids, though they all seemed to be in sleep mode.
Within moments, the Captain was standing next to me, speaking over a secure channel. “Can you neutralize them?” “Yes,” I replied, "but not all at once, and they seem to be able to reactive themselves, so we might want to frag them when they hit the ground. I can do 6 at a time.” His head tilted back to look upwards. “I’ve not encountered these before, ma’am.” “Nor have I, Captain, but I don’t want to take one if it’s detrimental to the health of my unit.” He nodded his understanding. I couldn’t hear anything further, but from his body language, I figured he was talking to my unit. After a few moments, he turned his head towards me. “Let’s do this.”
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Monor II
I stopped wondering about the purpose of my missions long ago. I still wonder about the wisdom of them as they fall apart, but not so much so before the mission. We’re going to Monor II, which is in the MidRim, in the Dragonflower Nebula. Sounds pretty exotic, right? Well it’s not. I’m standing here, looking at a fairly flat view with an insane amount of storage facilities, far as the eye can see. As it turns out, until recently, Monor II was the storage planet for the bulk of the Separatist droid army. And no, I’m not going to mention exactly how short the trip from Naboo was.
Our purpose is to go through some of the facilities and see what we can find in regards to Separatist data. Not hard, though they did leave some droid forces to deter people from getting too nosey. Unfortunately I’m paid to be nosey, so I can’t heed the warnings and turn around and go back. The droid storage facilities are mostly above ground, but our ship sensors indicated an array of underground tunnels and rooms, so it’s most likely that all the equipment we’d need to look at would be in those areas. So far we’d only met resistance from normal battle droids, which are pretty easy to deactivate and even easier to shoot.
When we reached the entrance of the first facility, to be on the safe side, I sent my probe droid into the building and then down into the underground section. It was pitch black, which isn’t a problem for my droid. It’s funny the things a person can take for granted, such as light, breathable atmosphere, tall enough tunnels to walk through. ARBE, my droid, was happily meandering down the tunnels, tootling and beeping as it collected information. Then it made a bleating noise, swerved, and went dark. My unit stood gathered around my deck as I replayed ARBE’s feedback. These guys have no sense of personal space, especially in armor. This was the last thing that came back clearly from ARBE’s feed.
Not one of my favorite things.
Our purpose is to go through some of the facilities and see what we can find in regards to Separatist data. Not hard, though they did leave some droid forces to deter people from getting too nosey. Unfortunately I’m paid to be nosey, so I can’t heed the warnings and turn around and go back. The droid storage facilities are mostly above ground, but our ship sensors indicated an array of underground tunnels and rooms, so it’s most likely that all the equipment we’d need to look at would be in those areas. So far we’d only met resistance from normal battle droids, which are pretty easy to deactivate and even easier to shoot.
When we reached the entrance of the first facility, to be on the safe side, I sent my probe droid into the building and then down into the underground section. It was pitch black, which isn’t a problem for my droid. It’s funny the things a person can take for granted, such as light, breathable atmosphere, tall enough tunnels to walk through. ARBE, my droid, was happily meandering down the tunnels, tootling and beeping as it collected information. Then it made a bleating noise, swerved, and went dark. My unit stood gathered around my deck as I replayed ARBE’s feedback. These guys have no sense of personal space, especially in armor. This was the last thing that came back clearly from ARBE’s feed.
Not one of my favorite things.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Back In Space
I watched the planet get smaller and smaller as the shuttle I was sitting in neared the ship that I’d be on for two weeks. I was stationed on Coruscant, but there was need for a combat slicer and I was now available and in the area. I’d gotten to see my family for a bit, which was wonderful, I hadn’t seen them in a long time. My mom managed to stay on fairly neutral topics for end of my visit. The world became a small brightly colored ball, and the ship we approached came into better focus. I’d been notified that my clone unit would be on the ship, and that we would be en-route within four hours of my boarding time. Well, at least I got some camera free down time on the planet.
I walked towards where I was assigned quarters. It’s amazing how the insides of the ship all look the same, gray, metal and transperisteel. Then a familiar voice came from behind me.
“Commander!” I turned to see one my troopers striding towards me. I smiled and set down my stuff, “Vod’ika!” I gave my trooper a hug. Tak had been either in my unit or one that I worked with for most of the Clone Wars.
“How have you all been? Not blown the ship up, yet, I see,” I teased. He shrugged, “We’ve been busy with other things. How’d the show treat you? We’ve been watching it on the holonet.” He was wearing his helmet, so I couldn’t see his facial expression, but his voice seemed to imply something. “Anything you want to ask me directly, Tak?” He shrugged, “Of course not, far be it for myself or any of the guys to pry into your personal life.” I arched an eyebrow at him, “That’d be a first for you guys.”
We arrived at my quarters. The door silently slid open revealing a single occupancy room, which was a surprise, usually on short trips you end up sharing a room. I placed my stuff on the ground, sat on the bed and looked at Tak. “Have you guys been briefed yet?” He shook his head no, “The briefing will take place at 14:30. I took the liberty of synchronizing your watch to the ship’s clock.” He handed me my watch which I hadn’t even realized I was missing. “Thanks,” I said as I took the chrono from him. I already miss not having to wear it. “I’ll see you at the briefing,” he said, and sounded a bit awkward, but it must have been the voice modulator on his helmet. I nodded my head in agreement and watched the door close as he left. I lay back on my bed and stared at the ceiling. In less than 14 days I’d be on Coruscant, have a relatively safe assignment, and even had a possible discharge date. All I had to do was not get killed between now and getting to Coruscant. I can do that, all I have to do is not get shot, stepped on, or blown up.
It’s good to have personal goals.
I walked towards where I was assigned quarters. It’s amazing how the insides of the ship all look the same, gray, metal and transperisteel. Then a familiar voice came from behind me.
“Commander!” I turned to see one my troopers striding towards me. I smiled and set down my stuff, “Vod’ika!” I gave my trooper a hug. Tak had been either in my unit or one that I worked with for most of the Clone Wars.
“How have you all been? Not blown the ship up, yet, I see,” I teased. He shrugged, “We’ve been busy with other things. How’d the show treat you? We’ve been watching it on the holonet.” He was wearing his helmet, so I couldn’t see his facial expression, but his voice seemed to imply something. “Anything you want to ask me directly, Tak?” He shrugged, “Of course not, far be it for myself or any of the guys to pry into your personal life.” I arched an eyebrow at him, “That’d be a first for you guys.”
We arrived at my quarters. The door silently slid open revealing a single occupancy room, which was a surprise, usually on short trips you end up sharing a room. I placed my stuff on the ground, sat on the bed and looked at Tak. “Have you guys been briefed yet?” He shook his head no, “The briefing will take place at 14:30. I took the liberty of synchronizing your watch to the ship’s clock.” He handed me my watch which I hadn’t even realized I was missing. “Thanks,” I said as I took the chrono from him. I already miss not having to wear it. “I’ll see you at the briefing,” he said, and sounded a bit awkward, but it must have been the voice modulator on his helmet. I nodded my head in agreement and watched the door close as he left. I lay back on my bed and stared at the ceiling. In less than 14 days I’d be on Coruscant, have a relatively safe assignment, and even had a possible discharge date. All I had to do was not get killed between now and getting to Coruscant. I can do that, all I have to do is not get shot, stepped on, or blown up.
It’s good to have personal goals.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
The Peace of Home
Where: My parent’s house on Naboo
Listening to: My Mom
Feeling: like I miss the quiet of a Star Cruiser
After I left the BB:N house, I had 48 hours to myself. I figured I’d go visit my family, who all live in the Deeja Peak area of Naboo. Went straight there, didn’t stop to see what was going on in the world, the Galaxy, let alone the holonet. Probably should have checked out that last one before I went home. Granted most of the really compromising moments between myself and Dante mysteriously seemed to avoid video capture, we did flirt in full view of the cameras. I spent a lot of time in his, Jon and Fluke’s room. And why not? They did have all the video game systems in there. I had no idea that through the power of editing, it looked like Dante and I had spent time with each other exclusively. Apparently that had happened after Padme had accused us of having an alliance. Pfft, a two person alliance is totally impractical, you’d need a few more than two to make a successful alliance. But back to the issue at hand, my mom.
My mother is a caring person and really just wants what’s best for her kids. And she decided a while back that she felt Dante was not what was best for me. My dad liked him, my brothers liked him, but not my mom. They never clicked, in fact, they did whatever the opposite of clicking is. Dante was never overly fond of my mom. He was polite and tolerated her, but she wasn’t his favorite person.
As much as I hoped they wouldn’t, my whole family had watched the show, every week, and hadn’t missed an episode. My dad and brothers were encouraging and gave me lots of positive feedback on it. Then my mom weighed in, “It looked like you were spending a lot of time with Captain Typho.” Of course the way she said it made it sound like an accusation rather than an observation. “Why wouldn’t she,” my brother, Patrin, asked, “He was a familiar face, people tend to stick with what and who they know.” My mom was not put off, “Well, the last episode that aired made it look like you two were quite cozy with one another.” Patrin rolled his eye, ‘It’s the way they edit it, I mean, they make Senator Amidala look like a complete lush, and we all know she’s not, right?” He looked to me for confirmation. I nodded in agreement, but said nothing. “What about that pleasant officer who dropped you off at the house, he seemed nice.” “Mom, he’s my CO, and I try real hard not to date them." I paused, then continued, "And mom, there’s a pretty good chance Dante and I will start dating again, and you’re just going to have to deal with it.” Ok, so I didn’t tell her the complete truth, but I really did want my down time to be somewhat relaxing. I’ll tell her, eventually.
Listening to: My Mom
Feeling: like I miss the quiet of a Star Cruiser
After I left the BB:N house, I had 48 hours to myself. I figured I’d go visit my family, who all live in the Deeja Peak area of Naboo. Went straight there, didn’t stop to see what was going on in the world, the Galaxy, let alone the holonet. Probably should have checked out that last one before I went home. Granted most of the really compromising moments between myself and Dante mysteriously seemed to avoid video capture, we did flirt in full view of the cameras. I spent a lot of time in his, Jon and Fluke’s room. And why not? They did have all the video game systems in there. I had no idea that through the power of editing, it looked like Dante and I had spent time with each other exclusively. Apparently that had happened after Padme had accused us of having an alliance. Pfft, a two person alliance is totally impractical, you’d need a few more than two to make a successful alliance. But back to the issue at hand, my mom.
My mother is a caring person and really just wants what’s best for her kids. And she decided a while back that she felt Dante was not what was best for me. My dad liked him, my brothers liked him, but not my mom. They never clicked, in fact, they did whatever the opposite of clicking is. Dante was never overly fond of my mom. He was polite and tolerated her, but she wasn’t his favorite person.
As much as I hoped they wouldn’t, my whole family had watched the show, every week, and hadn’t missed an episode. My dad and brothers were encouraging and gave me lots of positive feedback on it. Then my mom weighed in, “It looked like you were spending a lot of time with Captain Typho.” Of course the way she said it made it sound like an accusation rather than an observation. “Why wouldn’t she,” my brother, Patrin, asked, “He was a familiar face, people tend to stick with what and who they know.” My mom was not put off, “Well, the last episode that aired made it look like you two were quite cozy with one another.” Patrin rolled his eye, ‘It’s the way they edit it, I mean, they make Senator Amidala look like a complete lush, and we all know she’s not, right?” He looked to me for confirmation. I nodded in agreement, but said nothing. “What about that pleasant officer who dropped you off at the house, he seemed nice.” “Mom, he’s my CO, and I try real hard not to date them." I paused, then continued, "And mom, there’s a pretty good chance Dante and I will start dating again, and you’re just going to have to deal with it.” Ok, so I didn’t tell her the complete truth, but I really did want my down time to be somewhat relaxing. I’ll tell her, eventually.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Quick Little Update
I packed my things and said my goodbyes. I didn’t want to leave. It’s not that I didn’t want to leave the house, if anything, I’m really glad for a change of view. But I didn’t want to leave the people. This whole experience allowed me to make some really good friends. Granted it’ll be nice to take a shower with no fear of a camera around, but I wish I had more time with those guys. Jon is a an Intergalactic Gladiator, which means he’ll be off and about, probably not even in this Galaxy. Fluke is quite the jetsetter, traveling the cosmos with Mr. Sprok. I have no idea when I’ll get to see either of them again.
And I miss Dante. A lot. But on the bright side, I’ll be on Coruscant for at least 6 months, and that’s where Senator Amidala is based now, so that’s where he’ll be. So happily I’ll get to see him some. And I think we’re back together, I never asked that question specifically. Now all I have to do is tell my friends, my troopers will find out, they’re pretty nosey.
I have to meet up with a shuttle in 48 hours, I’m needed on mission somewhere in the mid-rim. I’ll be spending the 2 days time with my family, and hopefully in several weeks time I’ll be on Coruscant.
And I miss Dante. A lot. But on the bright side, I’ll be on Coruscant for at least 6 months, and that’s where Senator Amidala is based now, so that’s where he’ll be. So happily I’ll get to see him some. And I think we’re back together, I never asked that question specifically. Now all I have to do is tell my friends, my troopers will find out, they’re pretty nosey.
I have to meet up with a shuttle in 48 hours, I’m needed on mission somewhere in the mid-rim. I’ll be spending the 2 days time with my family, and hopefully in several weeks time I’ll be on Coruscant.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Wedge Tagged Me
Wedge tagged me, and since the questions are a bit unusual, I thought I'd go for it.
1. Favorite Chocolate (Dark, White, Milk): Dark
2. Favorite Pizza Toppings: Pepperoni & Mushrooms
3. Favorite Food Question (It's obligatory that every quiz ask this): coffee, in latte form
4. Favorite Cheese Type: Can't pick just one
5. Favorite "Pirate" Word or Phrase: 'Yarrr' followed closely by 'trim the main sheet and hard to port' But sailing/pirate talk is so much fun because it can be subtly naughty.
6. Favorite Music Genre: pretty much all of them, though I'm currently in a bluegrass and electronica phase
7. Favorite Music Artist: Can't pick just one
8. What are you listening to now?: U2, Walk On
9.Favorite Movie Genre: Tie between Sci-Fi and Action
10. Favorite Movie: Don't have just one
11. Favorite TV show: Umm, Mythbusters I suppose, I don't watch any show regularly
12. Favorite Console Game: MarioKart
13. Favorite Computer Game: Don't have one
14. Favorite Board Game: Trivia Pursuit
15. Ever play Dungeons and Dragons?: Yup
16. Where are the Cheetos?: At the supermarket
17. Can I have a Mountain Dew?: Sure, they too are at the supermarket. But may I offer you a diet coke, or perhaps coke zero or diet cherry vanilla coke? And there might be a regular coke in there too if you look towards the back.
18. Believe in some sort of higher power?: Yes.
19. How many of these quizzes have you ever taken, email or blogs, in your net-surfing career?: More than I have fingers and toes
20. On a scale of banana to zebra, banana being "pink polka-dotted slippers" and zebra being "WTF?", how surreal would a guy taking a shower in a tub full of brightly coloured wrenches and monochromatic cat toys be?: Actually, that just sounds painful
21. Have any pets?: Yes, two siamese cats and an english bulldog
22. If yes on 20, what is the silliest thing you have seen them do?: Watching the monochromatic cat toys use the wrenches
23. You think Karnov should have ended this quiz 20 questions ago?: Oui
24. Ever Play 20 Questions?: Yes, currently, actually.
25. Think I get bored on my lunch breaks?: Only on your lunch breaks? I assume you are bored more than just at lunch.
26. Who would win in a fight between Mr. T, Chuck Norris, and that giant robot from that one goofy Beastie Boys Video?: Well, certainly not the insurance companies.
27. Could you conceivably use a Terrabyte Harddisk?: Personally? Perhaps this semester as I acquire insane amounts of PDF files.
28. HAH! HAH! I ACTUALLY HAVE A 28th QUESTION!!1! (Unfortunately it is more of a statement): Wee!
29. Paper or Plastic?: I bring my own bags to the store and they are canvas. Unless you are indeed talking underpants, which I would have to say cotton.
30. Who will you tag to take this quiz next (Pick 1-5)?: Nho Won and Nho Bhodee-else
1. Favorite Chocolate (Dark, White, Milk): Dark
2. Favorite Pizza Toppings: Pepperoni & Mushrooms
3. Favorite Food Question (It's obligatory that every quiz ask this): coffee, in latte form
4. Favorite Cheese Type: Can't pick just one
5. Favorite "Pirate" Word or Phrase: 'Yarrr' followed closely by 'trim the main sheet and hard to port' But sailing/pirate talk is so much fun because it can be subtly naughty.
6. Favorite Music Genre: pretty much all of them, though I'm currently in a bluegrass and electronica phase
7. Favorite Music Artist: Can't pick just one
8. What are you listening to now?: U2, Walk On
9.Favorite Movie Genre: Tie between Sci-Fi and Action
10. Favorite Movie: Don't have just one
11. Favorite TV show: Umm, Mythbusters I suppose, I don't watch any show regularly
12. Favorite Console Game: MarioKart
13. Favorite Computer Game: Don't have one
14. Favorite Board Game: Trivia Pursuit
15. Ever play Dungeons and Dragons?: Yup
16. Where are the Cheetos?: At the supermarket
17. Can I have a Mountain Dew?: Sure, they too are at the supermarket. But may I offer you a diet coke, or perhaps coke zero or diet cherry vanilla coke? And there might be a regular coke in there too if you look towards the back.
18. Believe in some sort of higher power?: Yes.
19. How many of these quizzes have you ever taken, email or blogs, in your net-surfing career?: More than I have fingers and toes
20. On a scale of banana to zebra, banana being "pink polka-dotted slippers" and zebra being "WTF?", how surreal would a guy taking a shower in a tub full of brightly coloured wrenches and monochromatic cat toys be?: Actually, that just sounds painful
21. Have any pets?: Yes, two siamese cats and an english bulldog
22. If yes on 20, what is the silliest thing you have seen them do?: Watching the monochromatic cat toys use the wrenches
23. You think Karnov should have ended this quiz 20 questions ago?: Oui
24. Ever Play 20 Questions?: Yes, currently, actually.
25. Think I get bored on my lunch breaks?: Only on your lunch breaks? I assume you are bored more than just at lunch.
26. Who would win in a fight between Mr. T, Chuck Norris, and that giant robot from that one goofy Beastie Boys Video?: Well, certainly not the insurance companies.
27. Could you conceivably use a Terrabyte Harddisk?: Personally? Perhaps this semester as I acquire insane amounts of PDF files.
28. HAH! HAH! I ACTUALLY HAVE A 28th QUESTION!!1! (Unfortunately it is more of a statement): Wee!
29. Paper or Plastic?: I bring my own bags to the store and they are canvas. Unless you are indeed talking underpants, which I would have to say cotton.
30. Who will you tag to take this quiz next (Pick 1-5)?: Nho Won and Nho Bhodee-else
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Lights Out, Part 2
continued from here....
"So it doesn't bother you that I'll be living on Coruscant after this is all over?" I asked, watching his reaction intently.
He shook his head. "After spending time with you again and seeing you every day, I've been dreading the inevitable moment when I get kicked out of this house, because I know I'll miss you. So, no, I won't mind having you on the same planet as me, Jardena. What, do you think I hate you?" he cracked a smile. "You're very easy to love. You know that."
When he said that I blushed, it was both thrilling and reassuring to hear that from him. He took my hand and caressed it softly. "I am surprised you don't hate *me*, though," he said thoughtfully. "And I do worry that... if we were to get back together, I wouldn't be able to live up to your expectations."
I let my hand remain in his. "I don't hate you." I threaded my fingers through his. "The only expectations I would have if we got back together is that you be honest with me and tell me if something isn't working instead of walking away. And I'd even give you time to work on that, I know talking about what's bothering you isn't always easy." I tilted my head slightly to better watch his face.
"Okay," he murmured. "That I can do."
He looked down into my eyes and said, "You're beautiful by candlelight, you know that? I bet you're the one behind this power failure." With that, he kissed my upturned face in surprisingly shy way.
I was going to protest my involvement in the power outage, but didn’t bother when he kissed me. A very loud argument started in my head. As badly as I may miss him and still want him, a part of me wanted to avoid the pain I knew he was capable of inflicting. After a bit, I gently touched the side of his face and pulled my head back a little to look at him, "Are you sure you're ok with that?" I questioned, "Do you have any conditions for me?” It was a question I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer to.
"I thought love was supposed to be unconditional?" he joked mildly.
He coverd my hand with his, then said more seriously, "The only thing I need is to know that you need me too."
"I do, very much so," I heard myself say clearly. Everything in me that had worked so hard to be independent, to not rely on anyone but myself for my happiness protested this statement, but it’d been said. I don’t think I’d ever admitted that out loud before to anyone. And I meant it.
He nodded and his expression softened. "This time, let's be more about 'us.' Okay? It's something I have to work on too."
I smiled at him, "Deal." I managed an innocent look on my face, "So any suggestions on what we could do with no power in the house and no camera men following us around?"
"I vaguely remember something we used to do that could take hours," he said, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"It starts like this," he murmured as he leaned over her and planted ticklish kisses on my collarbone. I let him kiss me, and while I suppressed a giggle, I couldn’t help reacting to the ticklishness of it "Yes, I seem to remember this activity."
Thanks to Cpt. Typho for providing his responses
"So it doesn't bother you that I'll be living on Coruscant after this is all over?" I asked, watching his reaction intently.
He shook his head. "After spending time with you again and seeing you every day, I've been dreading the inevitable moment when I get kicked out of this house, because I know I'll miss you. So, no, I won't mind having you on the same planet as me, Jardena. What, do you think I hate you?" he cracked a smile. "You're very easy to love. You know that."
When he said that I blushed, it was both thrilling and reassuring to hear that from him. He took my hand and caressed it softly. "I am surprised you don't hate *me*, though," he said thoughtfully. "And I do worry that... if we were to get back together, I wouldn't be able to live up to your expectations."
I let my hand remain in his. "I don't hate you." I threaded my fingers through his. "The only expectations I would have if we got back together is that you be honest with me and tell me if something isn't working instead of walking away. And I'd even give you time to work on that, I know talking about what's bothering you isn't always easy." I tilted my head slightly to better watch his face.
"Okay," he murmured. "That I can do."
He looked down into my eyes and said, "You're beautiful by candlelight, you know that? I bet you're the one behind this power failure." With that, he kissed my upturned face in surprisingly shy way.
I was going to protest my involvement in the power outage, but didn’t bother when he kissed me. A very loud argument started in my head. As badly as I may miss him and still want him, a part of me wanted to avoid the pain I knew he was capable of inflicting. After a bit, I gently touched the side of his face and pulled my head back a little to look at him, "Are you sure you're ok with that?" I questioned, "Do you have any conditions for me?” It was a question I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer to.
"I thought love was supposed to be unconditional?" he joked mildly.
He coverd my hand with his, then said more seriously, "The only thing I need is to know that you need me too."
"I do, very much so," I heard myself say clearly. Everything in me that had worked so hard to be independent, to not rely on anyone but myself for my happiness protested this statement, but it’d been said. I don’t think I’d ever admitted that out loud before to anyone. And I meant it.
He nodded and his expression softened. "This time, let's be more about 'us.' Okay? It's something I have to work on too."
I smiled at him, "Deal." I managed an innocent look on my face, "So any suggestions on what we could do with no power in the house and no camera men following us around?"
"I vaguely remember something we used to do that could take hours," he said, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"It starts like this," he murmured as he leaned over her and planted ticklish kisses on my collarbone. I let him kiss me, and while I suppressed a giggle, I couldn’t help reacting to the ticklishness of it "Yes, I seem to remember this activity."
Thanks to Cpt. Typho for providing his responses
Lights Out, Part 1
I decided to move some furniture around in my room. The room seems very open and empty now since my two room mates have moved out. Looking around at my handiwork, I was not impressed. The goal was to make the room a bit more personal and cozy. I had yet to do so in my mind, but this is as good as I think it’ll get. I moved some of the accessories around to make things look a bit more balanced.
Elsewhere in the house, the crew were trying to get some rewiring to overcome an annoying problem they were having. For some unknown reason, cameras were switching off and then back on again. Static would randomly pop up in sound recordings. They were plugging a lot of new equipment in to the system. Just as they plugged the last receiver into an overloaded socket, I decided to try to vacuum. In wonderful cosmic harmony, both the tech and I asked the system for more power than it could provide at the exact same time. A loud series of popping sounds came from the equipment room and one small ‘pop’ came from the vacuum cleaner outlet. In the dark, I wondered if I’d be blamed for this. But as far as I knew, it was just a vacuum cleaner. I opened the shades to let the light from the moons and stars come into the room. I then lit the decorative candles that are all over the room from the decorating challenge, which created enough light to read in. I decided to lay down on my bed, look through a book, and wait for the lights to come back on.
I wasn’t alone for very long. "Psst! I'm scared of the dark. Can I stay here with you?" Dante was standing in my doorway with a flashlight and a smile on his face.
I look up and smile. "Of course you can stay here. I have plenty of space." I sat up, making room on the bed "Something in your room didn't cause this, did it?" I asked jokingly.
"It's possible," he conceded. "We've got no lack of electronic equipment in that room and we're not shy about having all of it on at the same time. I'm not complaining, though. We get along pretty well, surprisingly enough." Closing the door behind him , he walked over and relaxed comfortably on my bed. It’s funny the habits and behaviors that come back without really thinking about them.
"You've got a nice setup here now that you've got a room to yourself. I was thinking about moving into the empty room, but that might be presumptuous. I could be out of here this round."
"I hope not," I said, and realized that I really meant it, "I've really enjoyed being here with you." I felt a bit silly and awkward admitting that to him, "And I don't know when I'd get to see you again. Have you thought of what you'll do when the show ends?"
“I've got a mortgage to pay," he said. "If money were no object I'd quit my job, but despite the stuff I told you about that I'd like to do... it ain't gonna happen." He shrugged resignedly. "I have to go back to Coruscant."
My mind perked up a bit when he mentioned Coruscant. "Is that where Padmè is most of the time?" I was under the impression she lived here and went to Coruscant for a few months."
He shook his head. "No, it's the reverse now. Mostly we stay on Coruscant. She's deeply involved in her senatorial work now, so she needs to be there."
"Well, then maybe we might possibly run into each other once in a while. That is if you wanted to, of course. I wouldn't want to interfere in your free time and social life."
"Oh?" he looked at me with interest. "Your ship makes scheduled stops on Coruscant? I would love to show you around when you're there."
I felt a bit self-conscious for a moment. "My next assignment isn't on a ship, it's planetside on Coruscant. I'm even going to be in civilian housing"
"Oh," he said quietly. He pauses for a beat, then said, "And you were hesitant to let me know."
"No, not hesitant, but definitely a bit nervous. I don't want you to think I'm some obsessive ex who isn't going to leave you alone. I'm not entirely sure what you think of me, sometimes I think I might have an idea, but then something happens that makes me think that I have no clue." I felt rather dumb, so I stared down at my hands.
"Something happens? Like what?" he asked. He reached out and squeezed my shoulder. As he asked the question, I realized that I didn’t want to sit here and go over all the things my brain had certainly over analyzed. I tried to change the subject a bit.
"So it doesn't bother you that I'll be living on Coruscant after this is over?" I asked, watching his reaction intently.
to be continued
Elsewhere in the house, the crew were trying to get some rewiring to overcome an annoying problem they were having. For some unknown reason, cameras were switching off and then back on again. Static would randomly pop up in sound recordings. They were plugging a lot of new equipment in to the system. Just as they plugged the last receiver into an overloaded socket, I decided to try to vacuum. In wonderful cosmic harmony, both the tech and I asked the system for more power than it could provide at the exact same time. A loud series of popping sounds came from the equipment room and one small ‘pop’ came from the vacuum cleaner outlet. In the dark, I wondered if I’d be blamed for this. But as far as I knew, it was just a vacuum cleaner. I opened the shades to let the light from the moons and stars come into the room. I then lit the decorative candles that are all over the room from the decorating challenge, which created enough light to read in. I decided to lay down on my bed, look through a book, and wait for the lights to come back on.
I wasn’t alone for very long. "Psst! I'm scared of the dark. Can I stay here with you?" Dante was standing in my doorway with a flashlight and a smile on his face.
I look up and smile. "Of course you can stay here. I have plenty of space." I sat up, making room on the bed "Something in your room didn't cause this, did it?" I asked jokingly.
"It's possible," he conceded. "We've got no lack of electronic equipment in that room and we're not shy about having all of it on at the same time. I'm not complaining, though. We get along pretty well, surprisingly enough." Closing the door behind him , he walked over and relaxed comfortably on my bed. It’s funny the habits and behaviors that come back without really thinking about them.
"You've got a nice setup here now that you've got a room to yourself. I was thinking about moving into the empty room, but that might be presumptuous. I could be out of here this round."
"I hope not," I said, and realized that I really meant it, "I've really enjoyed being here with you." I felt a bit silly and awkward admitting that to him, "And I don't know when I'd get to see you again. Have you thought of what you'll do when the show ends?"
“I've got a mortgage to pay," he said. "If money were no object I'd quit my job, but despite the stuff I told you about that I'd like to do... it ain't gonna happen." He shrugged resignedly. "I have to go back to Coruscant."
My mind perked up a bit when he mentioned Coruscant. "Is that where Padmè is most of the time?" I was under the impression she lived here and went to Coruscant for a few months."
He shook his head. "No, it's the reverse now. Mostly we stay on Coruscant. She's deeply involved in her senatorial work now, so she needs to be there."
"Well, then maybe we might possibly run into each other once in a while. That is if you wanted to, of course. I wouldn't want to interfere in your free time and social life."
"Oh?" he looked at me with interest. "Your ship makes scheduled stops on Coruscant? I would love to show you around when you're there."
I felt a bit self-conscious for a moment. "My next assignment isn't on a ship, it's planetside on Coruscant. I'm even going to be in civilian housing"
"Oh," he said quietly. He pauses for a beat, then said, "And you were hesitant to let me know."
"No, not hesitant, but definitely a bit nervous. I don't want you to think I'm some obsessive ex who isn't going to leave you alone. I'm not entirely sure what you think of me, sometimes I think I might have an idea, but then something happens that makes me think that I have no clue." I felt rather dumb, so I stared down at my hands.
"Something happens? Like what?" he asked. He reached out and squeezed my shoulder. As he asked the question, I realized that I didn’t want to sit here and go over all the things my brain had certainly over analyzed. I tried to change the subject a bit.
"So it doesn't bother you that I'll be living on Coruscant after this is over?" I asked, watching his reaction intently.
to be continued
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Lazy Grad Student Intern
Nothing new today, folks, sorry. My dumb intern claims she's been busy. I think its more that she's got crappy time management skills, but that's just my thought on it. Sheesh, the only way to get in touch with her is to hunt her down, and if you want her to remember something outside of school, you better staple a post-it on her forehead. And forget trying to get in touch with her by phone, she never takes the thing with her, and if she does have it, it's on silent. But she did get my Big Brother: Naboo post done, and she promises a post tomorrow. Still, no gold star sticker for her this week.
I'm off to hang out with the cute Captain, be back tomorrow. Ciao!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Handmaiden Fun
Yes, it's that time again, list time! Sadly there isn't much mischief for me to get into at the BB:N house. You can only put makeup on a Jawa so many times before you start to run out of lipstick. As I was sorting through the pile of clothing that Padmè left behind, I had to marvel at the amount and complexity of it all. I’d forgotten how long it took to get her all done up for royal functions. And then there was hair and makeup to consider. At least she doesn’t have to wear the white face paint and lipstick on one lip anymore. That was such a pain to deal with. While it was and probably still is hard work being a handmaiden, it was also lots of fun. So here is my list of 10 reasons its hard work being Padmè Amidala’s handmaiden.
1. The hair requirements. Your hair never truly forgives you for some hair styles.
2. The makeup requirements. Doesn’t do much for the cheek bones.
3. If one more person tries to hit on me by using the line of ‘I don’t know if anyone’s told you this before, but you look like Senator Amidala," I don't know what I'll do. I'll sic my clones on them, I suppose.
4. Having to be attentive and alert at all times. Some of those Senators never shut up, ever. And it takes them hours to saying something that should have taken 5 minutes.
5. Shopping with Padmè. It’s always been an adventure.
6. Clothes, but for a different reason. Padmè’s chosen to start sporting quite a bit of skin, especially in the mid-drift section. Do you know how many sit ups it takes to look like that??? Too many.
7. That annoying Skywalker guy always seems to be around. And he uses the worst lines to hit on her, ughh. "You are softer than sand," what kind of lame come on it that?
8. Pretty good chance someone will try to kill you, or do so unintentionally in an effort to get Padmè.
9. The clothes. Some took an hour to get on her. And then 30 minutes to get her out, then lots of time to put away.
10. Trying to figure out who’s cape is who’s, you’d think we’d have learned and put our names in them, but no, never did.
There are plenty of good things about being a handmaiden, and I’ll eventually do a list of those.
Please feel free to offer any suggestions that come to mind
1. The hair requirements. Your hair never truly forgives you for some hair styles.
2. The makeup requirements. Doesn’t do much for the cheek bones.
3. If one more person tries to hit on me by using the line of ‘I don’t know if anyone’s told you this before, but you look like Senator Amidala," I don't know what I'll do. I'll sic my clones on them, I suppose.
4. Having to be attentive and alert at all times. Some of those Senators never shut up, ever. And it takes them hours to saying something that should have taken 5 minutes.
5. Shopping with Padmè. It’s always been an adventure.
6. Clothes, but for a different reason. Padmè’s chosen to start sporting quite a bit of skin, especially in the mid-drift section. Do you know how many sit ups it takes to look like that??? Too many.
7. That annoying Skywalker guy always seems to be around. And he uses the worst lines to hit on her, ughh. "You are softer than sand," what kind of lame come on it that?
8. Pretty good chance someone will try to kill you, or do so unintentionally in an effort to get Padmè.
9. The clothes. Some took an hour to get on her. And then 30 minutes to get her out, then lots of time to put away.10. Trying to figure out who’s cape is who’s, you’d think we’d have learned and put our names in them, but no, never did.
There are plenty of good things about being a handmaiden, and I’ll eventually do a list of those.
Please feel free to offer any suggestions that come to mind
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Wheel of Morality
After a long campaign on a remote planet in the outer rim, weary clones and their officers return to the star cruisers that will return them to the Core. 3 clones walk towards their quarters on board the Duckncover, helmets in their hands, the armor covered in dirt and scuff marks, they have had a rough time on the planet below. Then one stops, obviously thinking hard about something. “Hold up guys, I’m confused.” The other two, TK266 and E775 stop and look at the other trooper, WK315. “Well, that’s not out of the ordinary,” E775 comments. “No, this is serious. I don’t know what the moral of that battle was, and it’s really bothering me.” E775 gives him a funny look, but TK266 nods sympathetically, “Well, we could consult the Wheel of Morality for the moral of today’s battle,” he offers. WK315 perks up at this suggestion.
From a previously unseen storage closet, TK266 pulls out a large contraption that looks like an up right wheel of fortune. It is segmented and colored, each segment bearing either a number or a prize. Next to the wheel is an old dot matrix printer. “Where in the Force did that thing come from,” E775 asks incredulously. “Oh, it’s some contraption Lt. Cmdr Oneida ripped off from some place,” TK266 replies. He then gives the device a spin. The wheel makes a noise like a playing card in the spokes of a moving bike tire. “Wheel of Morality, turn, turn, turn, tell us the lesson we must learn,” TK266 chants. The wheel spins round and round, slowing with each revolution. Eventually, it lands on a number, 7. The printer jumps into action, noisily printing out the moral of day. E775 tears off the paper and reads it outloud:
‘People who live in glass houses should get dressed with the lights out.’
The three of them stare at each other, a bit confused, but before they can question the Wheel of Morality, it is announced that lights out will be in 5 minutes. They hurry off to their bunks for some well deserved rest.
As they hurry to their bunks, elsewhere in the ship, a clone coming onto duty reports to his ambitious commanding officer. The CO is staring out the view window, deep in thought, but he notices the clone approach. “PK117, are you pondering what I’m pondering,” he asks the clone trooper. The trooper looks thoughtful for a moment, “I think so Lt. Brian, but burlap chafes me so.”
From a previously unseen storage closet, TK266 pulls out a large contraption that looks like an up right wheel of fortune. It is segmented and colored, each segment bearing either a number or a prize. Next to the wheel is an old dot matrix printer. “Where in the Force did that thing come from,” E775 asks incredulously. “Oh, it’s some contraption Lt. Cmdr Oneida ripped off from some place,” TK266 replies. He then gives the device a spin. The wheel makes a noise like a playing card in the spokes of a moving bike tire. “Wheel of Morality, turn, turn, turn, tell us the lesson we must learn,” TK266 chants. The wheel spins round and round, slowing with each revolution. Eventually, it lands on a number, 7. The printer jumps into action, noisily printing out the moral of day. E775 tears off the paper and reads it outloud:
‘People who live in glass houses should get dressed with the lights out.’
The three of them stare at each other, a bit confused, but before they can question the Wheel of Morality, it is announced that lights out will be in 5 minutes. They hurry off to their bunks for some well deserved rest.
As they hurry to their bunks, elsewhere in the ship, a clone coming onto duty reports to his ambitious commanding officer. The CO is staring out the view window, deep in thought, but he notices the clone approach. “PK117, are you pondering what I’m pondering,” he asks the clone trooper. The trooper looks thoughtful for a moment, “I think so Lt. Brian, but burlap chafes me so.”
Friday, March 03, 2006
Strut
So initially I was going to tell you all about a story about this guy I really like but have issues with, but then I realized there was a much more unusual story I could share. In continuing with the theme of my life to music, I have a story about my clones I think I should share.
Clones have a very particular walk, especially in armor. It’s a slightly stiff walk, and when they turn, it’s a very pronounced pivot. I believe the term we use for their movement in armor is highly articulated. The movements aren’t quite as pronounced when they aren’t in armor, but it’s still there, and they have this strange habit of doing this short head nod when they turn.
I never thought much of it until several units of clones stationed on my ship discovered that there was a sound system in their rec area. I’d long since given my clones access to my music, and would help them find stuff I didn’t have that they wanted. I never paid much attention to their musical proclivities.
One night, midway through third shift, one of my clones came to my work station to tell me that there was a disturbance in the rec facility. I didn’t think too much of it, there were ‘disturbances’ of varying types in there all the time, never anything significant.
When the door slid open, I was hit by a wall of sound.
I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
I just stood there and stared at the scene in front of me
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little tush on the catwalk
Not only were they doing their best ‘model walk’ they did little quarter pivot turns, complete with small disinterested head nod. And they were pouting and trying to give a smoldering look to some imaginary camera. And not a smile to be seen, when will guys learn they're much cuter when they smile? I was at a complete loss for words. I stepped back, shut the door and counted to 10. No way was this real. I must be coming down with a touch of the ‘space madness’ I reasoned. I took a deep breath and opened the door again.
I'm too sexy for my cat too sexy for my cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
Those that weren’t practicing their model like talents were dancing, well, they were dancing in a fashion. Clones don’t have very good rhythm, but that’s another post. I looked at my clone trooper, “TK266, are any of our unit in there?” “No ma’am, those are batch threes,” he replied, indicated to the mayhem within. “Right, well, I can think of only one way of dealing with this.” “Knock out gas, ma’am?” “Yup.” I leaned forward and closed the door again. “E775? This is Messenger Man, we have a green light, put ‘em to sleep, Sandman.” I looked at him, “I take it this was an outcome you were hoping for?” I asked. He smiled. “Notify Lt. Ynr we just put her troops to sleep for 12 hours.”
Through the door I could hear the music, apparently the song was on a loop. Working with clones never leaves a person lacking for excitement. And no, before you ask, that song was not in my personal library, I’d fess up to having that type of music. What I’d never fess up to having was formulaic pop music from Galaxy Idol, not that I have any, because I don’t.
I'm Too Sexy, RightSaid Fred
Clones have a very particular walk, especially in armor. It’s a slightly stiff walk, and when they turn, it’s a very pronounced pivot. I believe the term we use for their movement in armor is highly articulated. The movements aren’t quite as pronounced when they aren’t in armor, but it’s still there, and they have this strange habit of doing this short head nod when they turn.
I never thought much of it until several units of clones stationed on my ship discovered that there was a sound system in their rec area. I’d long since given my clones access to my music, and would help them find stuff I didn’t have that they wanted. I never paid much attention to their musical proclivities.
One night, midway through third shift, one of my clones came to my work station to tell me that there was a disturbance in the rec facility. I didn’t think too much of it, there were ‘disturbances’ of varying types in there all the time, never anything significant.
When the door slid open, I was hit by a wall of sound.
I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
I just stood there and stared at the scene in front of me
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little tush on the catwalk
Not only were they doing their best ‘model walk’ they did little quarter pivot turns, complete with small disinterested head nod. And they were pouting and trying to give a smoldering look to some imaginary camera. And not a smile to be seen, when will guys learn they're much cuter when they smile? I was at a complete loss for words. I stepped back, shut the door and counted to 10. No way was this real. I must be coming down with a touch of the ‘space madness’ I reasoned. I took a deep breath and opened the door again.
I'm too sexy for my cat too sexy for my cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
Those that weren’t practicing their model like talents were dancing, well, they were dancing in a fashion. Clones don’t have very good rhythm, but that’s another post. I looked at my clone trooper, “TK266, are any of our unit in there?” “No ma’am, those are batch threes,” he replied, indicated to the mayhem within. “Right, well, I can think of only one way of dealing with this.” “Knock out gas, ma’am?” “Yup.” I leaned forward and closed the door again. “E775? This is Messenger Man, we have a green light, put ‘em to sleep, Sandman.” I looked at him, “I take it this was an outcome you were hoping for?” I asked. He smiled. “Notify Lt. Ynr we just put her troops to sleep for 12 hours.”
Through the door I could hear the music, apparently the song was on a loop. Working with clones never leaves a person lacking for excitement. And no, before you ask, that song was not in my personal library, I’d fess up to having that type of music. What I’d never fess up to having was formulaic pop music from Galaxy Idol, not that I have any, because I don’t.
I'm Too Sexy, RightSaid Fred
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Shipping Out
I can’t imagine there has ever been a time where it’s been easy on a family to send a loved one out into the unknown to fight what, to many, is often unseen. My family rarely sees me off when I leave for a tour of duty. I’ve only shipped out of Naboo once. If I get to go home between postings, they will go with me to the space port and see me off. While the lack of someone to see me off is a bit lonely, I think it spares my family a lot of unhappiness, which I'm happy to do. I’ve seen even the most veteran family members become unglued standing near a bawling young wife and baby.
I think as the war has progressed, it’s become harder on families. The blow to moral was staggering when it was announced that all retirements and discharges were to be suspended indefinitely. Family members seem to now cling to loved ones a little harder and a little longer than they used to. Even homecomings have become more muted. As per my normal behavior, I listen to music during these times. I try to keep to myself and let others have their space and some semblance of privacy. I usually offer to take an early boarding time to let others linger. This is as much for me as it is for them, as hardened as some people think I’ve become (coughpadme&typhocough), I really am not.
Hold me
Even though I know you're leaving
And show me
All the reasons you would stay
It's just enough to feel your breath on mine
To warm my soul and ease my mind
You've go to hold me yet and show me now
Give me
Just one part of you to cling to
And keep me
Everywhere you are
It's just enough to steal my heart and run
And fade out with the falling sun
Oh, please don't go
Let me have you just one moment more
Oh, all I need
All I want is just one moment more
You've got to hold me yet, keep me now
Tell me that someday you'll be returning
And maybe
Maybe I'll believe
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really far
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really gone
So hold me
Even though I know you're leaving
I’m thankful my next assignment is on a planet. All I have to worry about there is loud neighbors and slow elevators. And never fear, tomorrow the perkiness will resume.
One Moment More by Mindy Smith
I think as the war has progressed, it’s become harder on families. The blow to moral was staggering when it was announced that all retirements and discharges were to be suspended indefinitely. Family members seem to now cling to loved ones a little harder and a little longer than they used to. Even homecomings have become more muted. As per my normal behavior, I listen to music during these times. I try to keep to myself and let others have their space and some semblance of privacy. I usually offer to take an early boarding time to let others linger. This is as much for me as it is for them, as hardened as some people think I’ve become (coughpadme&typhocough), I really am not.
Hold me
Even though I know you're leaving
And show me
All the reasons you would stay
It's just enough to feel your breath on mine
To warm my soul and ease my mind
You've go to hold me yet and show me now
Give me
Just one part of you to cling to
And keep me
Everywhere you are
It's just enough to steal my heart and run
And fade out with the falling sun
Oh, please don't go
Let me have you just one moment more
Oh, all I need
All I want is just one moment more
You've got to hold me yet, keep me now
Tell me that someday you'll be returning
And maybe
Maybe I'll believe
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really far
It's just enough to see a shooting star
To know you're never really gone
So hold me
Even though I know you're leaving
I’m thankful my next assignment is on a planet. All I have to worry about there is loud neighbors and slow elevators. And never fear, tomorrow the perkiness will resume.
One Moment More by Mindy Smith
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