Dees
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Post by Dees on Jan 31, 2019 1:40:39 GMT -8
Fleeing the First Order- Principal Authors: Myself
- Please feel free to PM me and critical responses
- I will mostly be using standard Universe rules
Location: Corellia, Coruscant, Hosnian Prime, Open SpaceTimeframe: circa 20ABY - 30ABYThis is the story on how my old Main Characters Ne'aol, De'ath, and AVI-D fled the galaxy with a million refugees.
In previous iterations of JvS, I had created a backstory for the people and clans my characters stemmed from. However, the appearance of the First Order would have caused them concern leading to the development of an FTL drive capable of transporting them away from the galaxy.
This time frame is roughly around the formation and initial rumblings of the First Order in the Unknown Regions and some of their first forays into the known galaxy.
This story will precede the arrival of my character into this universe on Endor by several years. |
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Jan 31, 2019 1:41:47 GMT -8
Chapter 1: A Quiet Life
It had been a good number of years since Dee had retired from the life of a smuggler. She tired her hands at multiple jobs that were a little more legal, but few could capture the allure that came with the adventure.
Now, she walked down the busy streets of Coronet City around the farmer’s markets she tended to spend her weekend mornings in. The smells, the sights, the people, and the delicious treats were sometimes too much to take in at once, but she wouldn’t trade it. Not now, at least.
For the first time in her life, she had a reason to remain planet-side. The vast majority of her life, she spent traversing the cosmos in artificial gravity. Now, she remained sure-footed on the ground. Something was keeping her here. Someone was finally holding her down.
She looked through the crowd to find Connie picking out fresh vegetables. They caught one another’s eyes. Dee stuck out her tongue. Connie replied in kind.
The past few years had been bliss. Connie was working as a registered nurse now at a small hospital on the edge of the city near their home. The two got married, found a lake house, and were happily unaware of anything going on outside their new home.
For Dee, this was the good life, and one she was willing to ride out for as long as she could.
Monday rolled around like normal, and Dee slammed her hand down on the blaring alarm. Connie was already on duty, having left before the first light of dawn. Dee had the luxury of leisurely making her way to the spaceport, time she utilized to pick up after the whirlwind her partner left behind.
Fuzzy pants were strewn on the floor, a half-eaten bowl of now mushy cereal sat perilously on the edge of the counter, makeup, and brushes scattered on the floor somehow, and her medicine bottle with the correct amount missing sat next to the sink. It wasn’t a recent development, but Dee always checked the count. Even in her morning haste, Connie was diligent.
Dee was too. This was just her normal routine of morning cleanup before heading to work, though to her it was barely even that. Setting the alarm, she jumped onto the bike and blasted off to the hangars.
She sat quietly as another test was underway. Monday morning tests were usually the worst, but she was in a good mood today. She sipped her cup of steaming hot caf and watched as her students frantically selected the options. Some were breezing through the exam, while a few others were sweating bullets. It wasn’t the best way to filter through those who would move on, as several of her students just were terrible test takers, but it did get rid of those who were unwilling to try. She knew who the capable ones were.
With the test completed, the students filtered out into the hangar where they began their general maintenance on their crafts. A few students stayed behind and spoke with her about the test and future plans and curriculums when a shadow stood outside her classroom door. It wasn’t unusual for old students and friends to stop by, and more often than not they waited for her to finish with her students. This one felt a little different though. She wasn’t entirely accustomed to this presence that waited on her.
With the last student out, a light rap came at the door.
It’s open.
She looked up and over at the man entering her classroom.
Ne’aol?! What brings you out here?
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Feb 7, 2019 2:22:47 GMT -8
Chapter 2: An Interesting Proposal
Dee had lost track of time as the two continued to discuss corporate politics, international affairs, and various technological advances that had come about in the time after the fall of the Empire. Neither one of them had been close friends, but she never skipped on an opportunity to rub shoulders with the top brass whenever she had the opportunity. It seemed as if he was pushing her to gauge her interest in returning to the company, but she was avoiding that line of questioning as long as she could.
She was rescued by one of her students who came in wondering when she was going to come help them with their projects. She stood up as Ne’aol did. He apologized.
Sorry for keeping you from your students. Times seems to have gotten away from us here.
She laughed lightly
Indeed, it has. How long are you in town for?
About four more days then I am heading back.
She thought for a moment as she tried to stop herself, but she couldn’t help but ask.
Well, how about the night after tomorrow, come have dinner?
He offered a slight smile and a bow of his head.
That would be fine by me. I’ll see you then.
She turned and gathered some paperwork from her desk as he made for the door. She mused out loud.
Though, I guess I had let the better half know we are expecting company.
It made him pause for a moment as he passed through the door before he headed down the hallway. A few minutes later, Dee was in the hangar assisting her students. She had a lighter step as she moved about from craft to craft. Something about his charisma seemed to give her a boost.
Ne’aol came to visit you? Did he ask you to go back to the company?
Dee swirled the wine in her glass as she sat on the other end of the couch from Connie. Something was on the Holoscreen, but she was lost in the possibilities.
No, but it seemed like he was hinting at it.
The pep that she got faded as the day had wore on and she became uncertain about herself and her future. She took a sip as Connie pondered.
You know, the pay is good. Would you take him up on it if he asks?
To command transport vessels once more? I don’t know. Maybe?
Connie sipped the last of her juice and set the glass down beside her.
Listen, I know how restless you can be on solid ground. Space would be good for you. You would be gone for a few days or weeks at a time, and then you would be back. It’s not that big of a deal. Besides, we’ve been married long enough; I think our relationship can handle it for a while. Save up and retire early.
Dee finished her wine and just stared at the empty glass.
Maybe. I would miss you.
And I, you. But you can’t let me hold you back from an opportunity to do something you enjoy.
But what if I don’t actually enjoy it anymore?
Then quit and come back.
Dee nodded and spun the glass between her fingertips. The light from the holoscreen made the glass glow. After a few minutes of silence, Connie grabbed Dee’s hand and guided her off the couch.
The table was set, and it looked pretty good. Neither Dee nor Connie had prepared a single thing, choosing rather to have the meal catered in since neither of them had the time to properly prepare or fix anything edible. They were both capable enough for their own dining pleasure, but when treating someone of his stature, they had both decided to spare no expense and get something delicious delivered.
Right at dusk, the doorbell rang, and Connie greeted Ne’aol who stood on the other side cradling a bottle of wine that was far more expensive than Dee would ever buy herself.
Connie, I brought you and Dee a dinner gift.
Oh wow! That looks expensive! Er, I mean delicious. Dee!
She shouted behind her as the two entered.
You and Ne’aol have a bottle of wine to finish!
She looked back at Ne’aol and silently mouthed “wine’s not my favorite, thanks though.”
Dee came around the corner wiping her hands on a towel and looked wide-eyed at the bottle.
Monsieur, what type of lady do you think I am? One who likes wine? Because you would be correct!
So, I suspect you know why I am here.
Connie was picking up the finished plates of food and clearing the table of the leftovers while Dee and Ne’aol sat reclined in the dining room chairs.
You want me to come back to the company.
Yes, that’s partly why.
Partly?
Ne’aol pulled out a datapad, shuffled through some of the documents on the screen, and then tossed it to Dee with a little help from the Force.
Tell me what you know about that.
She flipped the datapad right-side up and took a sip. Reading the headline of the journal made her nearly choke on the wine as her eyes went wide. Ne’aol sat unfazed by her reaction as he finished his own wine. Connie paused and looked at the two of them with a look of confusion.
Dee, what is it?
She swallowed and tried to speak between her coughing fits.
What are you doing with my thesis?
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Feb 8, 2019 6:12:03 GMT -8
Chapter 3: A Difficult Choice
Dee propped her head up with one hand as she lay on her side lightly scratching small circles on Connie’s back. They blue shadow of the moon cast odd shadows in the dark room. Normally Connie knew just how to put Dee to sleep, but tonight was different, and the roles were reversed. Dee’s head was swimming with dozens of possibilities and outcomes.
Connie’s first snore was the permission Dee needed to get up and satisfy her curiosities.
Stepping into her study, the lights illuminated to a warm glow, and she gently shut the door behind her. Pulling her fuzzy robes around her, she opened a closet and pulled out a cardboard box filled with papers. Carefully setting the dusty lid to the side, she fingered across the folders and documents the labels of which were beginning to fade already. She shook her head, refusing to believe how many years had passed since she had to defend herself before the board.
One folder had a picture of her, and her dad paperclipped to the side. She smiled and opened the folder behind it. She read the title under her breath.
The Mechanics of Hyper- Luminal Travel by way of Space-Time Folding by Jo’Ath Thu’ker Ph.D. et.al. Dad...
She opened the folder and began reading through the notes once again. She practically knew them by heart. Facts and figures that were close, but further refined later. She set the folder down and pulled out the one behind it and read its title as well.
Revisiting the Mechanics of Hyper-Luminal Travel by way of Space-Time Folding Outside of Traversable Hyperspace. I just had to make a long-ass title, didn’t I?
She smiled and started going through her paper. She found herself shaking her head and muttering about how crazy a person must have been to try this on something larger than a simple probe.
The expense must have been enormous. And for what? Those crazy bastards.
Shaking her head, she continued reviewing her old notes as she sat on the floor. After a while, she scooted over to her desk and pulled down her datapad and began reviewing the journals and documents sent to her earlier by Ne’aol. They were all in some way related to super and hyper luminal transportation.
Shielding, armor, inertial dampeners, hull strength braces, quantum neural pathways, Chrono stabilizers?
The deeper she went, the more she started to get in over her head.
It's been years since I even glanced at this.
Scooting back over to her own pile of papers, she began piecing together the project that was posed to her. A soft, sleepy voice came from behind.
Babe? How late are you going to stay up?
Dee looked up at the clock and then apologetically back at Connie.
Sorry, I couldn’t sleep.
It’s ok. Come cuddle me back to sleep.
Dee moaned as she unfolded herself to get up.
Sitting in the classroom, she ignored the stack of datapads with student test results on them, instead continuing to pour over the pile of journals she had on her own datapad. She heard someone enter the room but was too busy reading to acknowledge. Ne’aol’s voice woke her from her trance.
Busy grading papers?
What? No. You have really messed with my headspace. I can’t focus on anything else.
He sat down on the table in front of her desk and folded his arms in front of him.
So, are you interested in joining our little soirée?
Setting her datapad down on the table in front of her, she leaned back and gently spun in her chair.
Connie and I talked about it, and I think so. What about this class? Who is going to manage the students through their graduation?
She paused and looked at him and shrugged.
What about my wife? Can she come with?
He looked down and scuffed his foot on the floor.
Your class is something we can take care of. We will get Darnuul Thu’ker to come in and finish it for you.
She looked at him inquisitively and laughed.
That old sack of dust is still flying? Goddess I remember him trying to keep up with me when he was teaching me how to navigate hyperspace.
Ne’aol looked up at her momentarily and smiled. He knew her faux mockery of him was more reverent than it sounded and only came from someone who had deep respect.
Your wife, however, cannot come with you. This project is too top secret to allow any further knowledge to get out. At least for now. Let us get through prototypes, and we can reconsider. You will be able to return on leave when possible but as project director –
Wait, project director? Wait wait wait; you never mentioned anything about that!
He grinned and warmly continued
You will need to be on site to guide the project you and your father helped start. He was a good man and a great leader. From what I have seen of your actions, you will fill his shoes nicely.
She spun around in astonishment in her chair, mouth agape. She mouthed “Project Director” several times before stopping the slow spin.
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Mar 21, 2019 0:04:29 GMT -8
Chapter 4: Breaking Science
She spun in her seat as data pouring in on the screen in front of her. Dee reached for the mug to take a sip but got nothing but air. Jax walked up from behind and handed her the mug filled to the brim and she squealed what should have been a "Thank You" but turned out to just be noise.
Preliminary test runs with small probes had finally moved to remotely operated starcraft that were being launched out of rail guns into the void of space. At the other end of the borderless track that extended several light years, a capture device was set up to decelerate the craft at the end of their journey so the data could be sent back via holonet. Today they had just moved up to a heavily modified X-Wing piloted by their resident crash test astromech. Dee and Jackson both laughed that the poor droid had seen far more than it could have ever bargained for.
This time was like all of the others as the ship was trapped in the interdiction fields, the little droid blasted out all of the data it had gathered from the hundreds of sensors and probes covering the craft. Another day of similar results. Decent, but progress would need to be made soon.
The two made their way down to engineering where Lin and Cern were making adjustments to the next ship in their arsenal of testing. The twins waved enthusiastically at Dee and Jax and began showing off the light support cruiser they had been tinkering on for the previous two weeks. It was a long stretch from the probes they had started out with a few months back; moving onto a ship that was more than 30 meters in length was a drastic move from the fighter they were currently using.
The ship resembled no other Dee had ever seen, though it did start from an initial base ship design that was vaguely familiar. Most of the ships systems were completely stripped, identifying lines and curves were replaced with an array of probes and antennae, and two large circular hull structures were added to the fore and aft sections of the ship that formed rings around the nose and tail.
Inside the ring structures, an array of coils lined a track, where another ring rested suspended in the fields generated passively just by the existing materials they were constructed from. Dee wasn’t entirely familiar with the exact technology, but the twins had apparently based each of their dissertations on the intricacies of the odd ring structures. Sometimes, Dee knew just to smile and nod and try to pick up on the important stuff up front and read up on the details later. Sometimes, it was beneficial just to let the geeks geek out about their craft.
Several droids were suspended from racks nearby, two protocol droids and three astromechs. Beside them, four large boxes were being loaded onto carts to be taken on board. The twins were talking about the computer pilots operating the craft at specific set points while the droid crew would be fulfilling the analog tasks that needed to be done. Essentially, this ship was going to be another drone ship until the process could be refined and proven safe for a pilot crew. Jax mused about how neat it would be to ride along with. Lin and Cern both scoffed at the notion. Dee, however, was transfixed on the ship and the implications of its success.
“Its been a long time coming.” She said as she approached the vessel. Placing her hand on the hull, she wanted to imagine that its cool exterior was indicative of its cool demeanor going into the upcoming flights.
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The artificial lighting in her room informed her that is was time for bed. She set her work datapad aside and grabbed her personal pad and headed to bed. It was a mess; she hadn’t made it in weeks, and there were a few piles of clothes strewn around the room and on the bed. She opened up her messenger and read the mail, smiling when she read Connie’s daily. Dee was always relieved to know that things were still going well, even while she was away.
Sleepily, Dee typed a response. While she couldn’t give any details, she was happy to note things were moving according to schedule. She sent off the brief message but left out an important note about the upcoming holidays. Previously, she had informed Connie that she would miss them due to the schedule crunch. However, things sometimes change for the better.
She grabbed a nearby pillow and cuddled it tightly as the lighting in the room dimmed automatically.
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