#he’s like actually I forgot something in the unknown regions. and drops back off the grid

[zeb-z]

wasn’t Thrawn’s whole thing that he thought the Death Star was dumb as shit, a waste of resources and funding that could have been going into proper defensive fleets or whatever. like even if he is going to be part of this shadow council and work for the growing First Order, how long will it be until someone brings up Starkiller (or even more likely he just figures it out himself) and he’s like yeah okay fuck this actually

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

We’re The Bad Guys: Part 7

We’re the Bad Guys: Masterlist

Poe Dameron x Reader (eventually), First Order!Reader

Summary: From the day you were born, you were taught the rebels and their New Republic were the bad guys. But, after you crash land on a remote moon with only the Resistance’s poster boy for company, things begin the change.

Based off of this drabble and headcanon

A/N: Look at me having another part up within the next week instead of the next three months. Sorry, no Poe in this chapter either, but he will be back in Part 8, pinkie promise.  And as usual COMMENT AND REBLOG IF YOU LIKE THIS! I NEED VALIDATION TO LIVE!!!

Word Count: 2.0K

          Getting to Takodana was easier than one might expect for a member of The First Order.

          For troopers or lower ranking officials, landing anywhere closer than the outermost rim of the galaxy was near impossible without clearance.  But for a Commander, slipping in and out of First Order space did not take much imagination.  A switched ship here, a bribe there and one could get as close as the inner rim if they put their mind to it.  Of course, most officers took it as a chance to visit a pleasure planet or two without word of a scandal getting sent up the ranks.  For your purposes, however, you risked a lot more than personal embarrassment. 

          You had started by taking leave on a small base not far from Rakata Prime.  It was a place common for officers in search of some relief from the stress and monotony of space travel.  It also was the perfect jumping off point to the outer rim.  The security was notoriously lax if not outright corrupt.  The right amount of credits in the right hand could get you just about anywhere.  

          It didn’t take long for you to track down a cadet willing to recommend a lovely little spaceport on some planet you never heard of. Apparently it had some of the best underground gambling one could find this side of Hutt Space, which meant pilots, but more importantly, pilots in need of fast, no questions asked, credits.  

          The cadet dropped you with the promise to pick you up in three days.  There was no need for him to follow. What you did while on planet was your business. The fact you had even left the base was blackmail enough. No doubt he was going to factor that into your service fee for the trip back. 

          After that, it was easy.  Within a few hours you were able to track down another ship heading in the direction of Takodana. Like any pilot bordering the Unknown Region, you couldn’t be sure where exactly the captain’s loyalty’s lay.  It meant a small risk every time money exchanged hands, but it also ensured anonymity.  

          You haggled a place in the cargo hold and by the next morning, you were walking down the ramp onto the forest planet. 

          It was beautiful.  Any word less would be a disservice.  The lush greens of the forest and clear shimmering lake water served as another stark reminder of where you came from.  

          No polished blacks.  No filtered air.  Just green and life. 

          You were so caught up in the moment, you almost forgot why you had come. A hard push from one of the crew members snapped you back to reality. Your eyes followed his path to the infamous castle just off in the distance. There was no going back now. 

          Securing the cloth placed over your nose and mouth, you kept your head low and followed. 

          The bar was just as crowded as you had expected with an assortment of humans and aliens from every point in the galaxy.  You would give this to Maz Kanata, despite her castle’s reputation for being a safe haven for pirates and explorers, the place was shockingly bright and clean. Cluttered and eclectic, but open and generally lacking the layer of grim that seemed to stain all spaceports along the mid and outer rim.  It left the impression that one could keep their blaster securely in their holster and actually enjoy a drink without fear of being taken off guard.  Still, you knew better.  This was a neutral space for Resistance and First Order alike.   Any one of the patrons could be a spy for either side.

          Making sure not to make eye contact with anyone, you made your way to the bar. 

          “I’m looking for Maz Kanata,” you said, in a low tone.  “I need to speak with her.”

          The bartender, an Artiodac, rumbled something in their native language you couldn’t understand. But, the dismissive laughter that followed was universal. 

          “It’s urgent,” you insisted.  “Commander Dameron sent me.” 

          “What trouble has that boy gotten into now?” a voice asked. 

          You turned around and immediately had to look down. 

          A small orange alien of a species you couldn’t name stood before you. Their head was huge compared to their small frame, wrinkles for days and eyes enlarged by giant magnifying goggles. 

          “Maz Kanata?” you asked. 

          “That’s my name, don’t wear it out,” she replied dryly. She then turned her attention to the Artiodac.  “Table five needs three more of the same.”

          The other alien nodded and quickly busied themselves with their task. 

          “Now,” Maz said.  “What trouble has Dameron brought to my door?”

          “No trouble,” you said. “I just need to get a message to him.”

          “Do you, now?” she asked, skeptically. 

          “Yes.”

          “And who are you, exactly?”

          “I’m a friend.” 

          “A friend who covers their face?” 

          Your hand went instinctively your mask.  Maybe it hadn’t been the best idea.  

          Maz gave a dry laugh. “Do you have a name at least?”

          You shifted uncomfortably. This was not going how you had pictured.  You had hoped to be half way off this planet by now. 

          “Not one he would know,” you admitted. 

          She raised an eyebrow. “Not much of a friend then.” 

          And with that she walked passed you out of the main room into the back. She must have assumed that meant an end to your conversation, but you hadn’t come all this way to be turned away now. She barely made it two paces before you followed after her. 

          “Fine, not much of a friend,” you said, “but certainly an ally.”

          “An ally?” she scoffed. “For what cause?”

          “To put an end to The First Order.”

          She paused. It wasn’t enough for her to turn to face you. She kept going about her task, moving a few crates, but you did get her attention. 

          “Bold words,” she said, “but why should I believe you?”

          “Because--”  You stopped.  

          Why should she believe you? Who were you, really?  A Commander for The First Order? A child solider? A pawn? Who were you to her? To The Resistance? To Dameron? 

          And that’s when you remembered. 

          “Because, I’m Pilot.”

          She turned to you, the surprise evident in her eyes. 

          “I’m Pilot,” you repeated, bolder this time. “The Pilot.”

          She stared more openly at you then, carefully examining your features.

          “Dameron’s Pilot?” she asked. 

          You shrugged, unsure how to feel about being called Poe Dameron’s anything. Still, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. 

          Maz nodded in understanding.  Setting down the crate she was carrying, she silently indicated for you to kneel. 

          You felt a tug of uncertainty in your gut, but knew better than to question her orders.  You sunk down to your knees conveniently landing at the alien’s eye level. 

          She stepped closer to your, peering directly into your eyes. 

          You didn’t dare blink as she performed her examination, even adjusting her goggles to a higher intensity until the eyes reflected in them took over her entire face. 

          For a long moment neither of you spoke.

          “I see why he likes you,” Maz said, warmly as a wide smile spread across her face. “You have stars in your eyes.”

          You frowned, unsure of what to make of her comment.  Nobody had ever called your eyes anything before, let alone filled with stars. It made you think of naive thinking and childish dreams, neither of which you had associated with yourself at any time of your life.  But for some reason, you didn’t think that was what she meant. 

          Maz stepped back, her expression once again all business.

          “What’s the message?”

          You blinked, allowing yourself a moment to come back to reality.  Reaching down, you pulled the data card from your pocket.  

          “This is everything I had access to,” you said, handing the card to her. “Tie patrols, base coordinates, supply lines, everything. Make sure this gets to Resistance and...tell Commander Dameron that we’re even.” 

          She took the card, frowning slightly.  “Why don’t you tell him yourself?” 

          “I’m not joining The Resistance.”

          Her brows furrowed. “But you are leaving The First Order.” 

          “Yes.”

          “So what are you planning to do?”

          You shrugged, rising to your feet. “I’m a pilot.  I’m sure I can find something.” 

          Maz Kanata said nothing, but it was clear from her expression she wanted to say a lot of things.

          “You disapprove,” you stated rather than asked.  

          “Let’s just say, I don’t think the smuggler’s life is for you,” she said, dryly.

          Your lip pressed into a fine line. “And what do you propose? I’ve spent my whole life fighting a cause that wasn’t my own.  You would ask me to do the same thing, but for the other side?” 

          “It’s not the same thing if you choose to fight it.”

          “And what if I’m tired of fighting?”

          She shook her head, chuckling lightly.  “No. You were born to fight.”

          A sudden flash of anger fired in your heart.  It was a familiar feeling. The same one you felt towards Dameron when he had made certain presumptions about your family.  Of course, he had been right.

          “It wasn’t my choice,” you said, tightly.

          Maz shook her head again.  “No Pilot. Even if you were raised by peaceful monks, you would find a way to fight.  Maybe not by hopping in an X-Wing and blowing things up, but still fight.  You’re fighting The First Order right now.”

          “I’m settling a debt.”

          “By fighting,” she insisted. “You said it yourself; you are an ally to put an end to The First Order.” 

          She held up the card, waving it for emphasis. “With this alone you’ve just saved countless lives and struck a harder blow against The First Order than the entire Republic Senate has done in a year.” 

          “And now I’m done.”

          Maz let out a sigh, her bright expression fading to one of disappointment. 

          “Then you still fight for The First Order.” 

          “I’m fighting for myself,” you snapped.  

          “If one knows there is evil in the world and does not oppose it, that does not make them neutral,” Maz said, calmly. “There is no neutral stance.  Indifference, selfishness, this is what allows The First Order and all others like them to prosper.”      

          “So is every person going about their lives as bad as The First Order.” you said, sardonically. 

          “No. Most don’t have the power, or the means to fight.  But you do.”

          You scoffed. “So, I still don’t have a choice.”

          “Of course you do.  Everybody had a choice. But, it’s important to keep in mind that no choice is still a choice, just not an obvious one.” 

          You let out a sigh. This was what it was about, wasn’t it? Having a choice? It was proving to be a lot more trouble than people let on. 

          “Why are you so insistent I join The Resistance?” you asked. “You don’t know me.”

          She smiled then.  It was a knowing smile, like she was in on a secret; not one she was trying to keep, but one she was dying to tell. 

          “Like I said, you have stars in your eyes. Clouded over, faded, but still there; begging to shine.” 

          For the second time that day, you didn’t know what to make of it. You knew better than to ask.  Maz Kanata seemed exactly the type of person to answer anything as cryptically as possible. 

          “Seems to me Pilot, you have three options,” she continued. “Number one, you go back out there and ask if anyone needs a co-pilot.  You go off into the Outer Rim and nobody hears from you again.  Number two, you take this back and deliver it to Commander Dameron yourself.”

          You fought the urge to roll your eyes. “And number three?” 

          “You choose to fight in your own way.” 

          “By what? Freelancing as a fighter pilot?” 

          She shrugged. “As I said, there are more ways of fighting than hopping in an X-Wing and blowing things up.” She held up the data card with that same knowing smile.  “More effective ways.”

          You half expected her to hand the card back to you, but instead she tucked it into her vest and picked up the crate she had been carrying earlier.  

            “It’s your choice Pilot,” she said.  “It always has been.”

          And with that she left, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your choices.  

[hayleyb100]

Shattered, Part 7

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Midquel - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9- Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 the end

⚠️WARNING!⚠️

*A twisted story of Pokemon Sword and Shield, with Leon as main character. *Lots of fanons. *Everything is headcanon. *It isn’t spoiler free. *It includes death of a character. *SUPER ANGSTY.

"Bleh, it's yucky. You should cook something more greasy and unhealthy for us, old man."

"Then why don't you bring some food once in a while? If not, zip it. Beside, it isn't even for you, Raihan. Why are you eating and judging it anyway?"

Raihan and Kabu were complaining to each other in front of Leon, with a lighter atmosphere in the room. It became a regular thing now that three gather in Leon's place, Kabu brings packed meal and they all share the food as well as stories. Kabu would tell fascinating stories of faraway Hoenn Region, with so many unknown pokemons. Raihan would tell Leon about the fun they had together in pokemon camp and in daily life. Of course, they would listen and sympathize when Leon was low. With time, a smile bloomed in Leon's face more often and things seemed to have taken a turn for better.

____________________________________

One day, Leon quietly suggested something that neither Kabu nor Raihan expected.

"Maybe... we should gather somewhere else next time."

Kabu and Raihan stared at Leon with shock.

"Are you sure?" Kabu asked worriedly.

"I mean, you really shouldn't go outside when you are not ready. If it is pushing you, I suggest we do it later."

"Yeah, the old man got a point."

"I'm fine, really. You did so much to me, and I should make some progress by now."

Leon calmly grinned.

To be honest, Leon was still afraid of outside. Anywhere he goes, the place would have at least a hint of recollections on Hop. That's how close Leon was to his brother, and it would surely break Leon. But with all the help, he just couldn't stay the same forever.

"Well, if you say so... Then we should start with the closest town." Raihan suggested but Leon had another idea.

"Actually, I would like to go to Motostoke City. Mr. Kabu came all the way to my home all the time, so I think it is better to meet there to make things easier for him."

"Young man, do not worry about me. Do not push yourself."

"I'm fine, really." Leon chuckled again.

Raihan sighed.

"You're not gonna back down, eh? Fine. Just promise that you will make a beeline home as soon as you think it is too much for you."

"I promise."

____________________________________

A few days later, Leon wore the most comfortable clothes possible to loosen up before a big day in 8 months. He took a deep breath and lightly slapped his face twice with his hands as if he was going into the battle with a challenger. His mom was anxious to let him out of the house, but Leon insisted and persuaded her.

Leon took another deep breath and opened the door. The sunlight was blinding. It sure has been ages since he greeted the sun.

Everything around him, from the garden to surrounding town seemed so unfamiliar. It was just proving how long Leon was staying as a shut-in. As he opened the door, Raihan was waiting for him. Leon took a very timid step outside. The feeling of stepping on dirt just felt awfully bizarre. He shivered in intimidation. Raihan took his hand for him, helping and leading him outside where Flying Taxi was waiting to take them to Motostoke City.

"Take it easy. One step at a time."

Raihan encouraged Leon. With his friend's help, Leon was able to take the taxi and fly to the destination. And during their travel, Leon shut his eyes tight, to make sure he doesn't see the place he wants to avoid with all his life.

____________________________________

Motostoke City was brimming with people. They were scattered everywhere in small groups, shopping or chatting in the cafe. It was nerve-wracking for Leon to be exposed to so many people in a long while. It reminded him of that day of Champions Tournament, where he lost to Victor. Soon, Raihan and Leon arrived at the Motostoke Stadium.

"Stay here, okay? I'll get the old man. Will you be alright?"

Raihan sat Leon on one of the benches and asked. Leon smiled and replied.

"Of course."

"I'll be right it."

After Raihan left, Leon sat quietly alone. He was nervous as hell but was trying to keep calm. He fiddled with his fingers to see if it helps, but it didn't do much.

But after a short while, some people behind Leon's back started to exchange whispers.

"Hey, isn't that...?"

"Yeah, he is. The former Champion."

Leon could feel the chill going through his back.

"Did you see that? He smiled. He actually smiled."

"He's insane. How dare he smile when his own brother committed suicide?"

"Exactly! Has he no conscience? A family should have protected that poor boy. Yet he didn't do his RESPONSIBILITY and smiling like an ass! How dare he even feel happy? He is ought to be ashamed."

Leon's mind went blank again. Familiar despair twinged from within. Every sound around him started to blare. Leon blocked his ears and tried to breathe but he started to lose his breath again. It was as if he was having a panic attack.

They're right.

Who am I kidding?

How dare I feel happy after not protecting my beloved brother?

The blaring around him and the sense of being watched became unbearable. Leon forgot all about Raihan and Kabu and ran out of the Motostoke Stadium.

But being on the street crowded with people just made everything worse. All the eyes felt like sizing up on Leon and all their conversations felt like backbiting. The noise of people started to blare again and the whole world seems like spinning, making Leon dizzy and feel nausea. Leon just ran off to shake it off. But the more he tried to run away from the crazy hell of noises, the louder the noises got. Leon was losing his breath again. His mind became crashed so far off that he couldn't come up with a simple plan of going back into the Stadium and ask for help from his pal and a good uncle. He dashed madly, not knowing where he was going. He was desperate to get away from the sight of the people.

____________________________________

After running for a while, the noises died down. Leon took some deep breath and looked up.

But...

Things go from bad to worse so quickly.

For not seeing where he was running to, he ended up in a place that is like a hell to him...

The WILD AREA.

The cruel memories that he was pushing to the corner came rushing back in. The coldness, wetness, and stiffness in his hands, and the feeling of his world caving in.

"No... No... No!!!"

Leon started to sprint again in panic. The terror devoured him and stopped all his thinking processes. Only one thought possessed Leon.

Get out of here.

Escape.

So he kept hustling to the place he doesn't even know, and the result was expected. The more he ran, the more he got lost in his own hell. Since it was winter, Wild Area was freezing cold and it was snowing everywhere. Every time Leon breathed to run, the icy air filled up his lungs, causing intensive pain. But he still couldn't stop, because his hell continued like an endless loop. All the places seemed similar and the lake was everywhere. The fear choked Leon. It was as if he was tortured in hell for not protecting his brother.

After roaming around the Wild Area for hours, Leon collapsed on the ground. He could barely breathe, due to all the icy air he inhaled and the terror. The air froze his lungs. His consciousness started to fade away. The snow began to pile up on the collapsed young man, dropping his body temperature sharply.

'Oh. Is this the end?' Leon thought.

'Thank goodness... At least I got to die in the same place as Hop... Does that mean... I get to go to wherever he is...?'

He tried to move his body, but the frozen lungs screamed out intense pain and the body was so fatigued to move a finger. He could feel his body going stiff.

So this was how it was.

This is how he died.

Suffocating in fear.

As Leon thought all these, his eyes closed gently. His breathing became weaker, as he blacked out slowly.

"...Lee."

An incredibly familiar voice that cuts right into the bones woke Leon up. He couldn't move, but he could feel a person hugging him from behind.

"I'm sorry..."

The owner of the voice apologized, as he sobbed.

"I thought I was lifting the burden from you by doing this, but instead, I hurt you so much..."

Then why! Why did you leave me like that!!

As soon as Leon knew who that voice belongs to, he tried to quibble that person, but his voice didn't work.

"I cannot apologize enough, Lee. I shouldn't have done such a thing to you. I did it to make you comfortable but I made everything worse. I'm sorry. I'm sorry..."

Come on, voice, work!!

Leon was desperate to ask him tons of long-overdue questions and hold him in his arms once more, but he couldn't move. Leon just slowly faded away, 

as something warm covered him.

[rebelsarestrongashell]

A Complicated Profession - Part 3

A/N: Hey, hey everyone! So the next update will be the last chapter of this mini-series. No worries though cause I'm outlining the sequel that will tie in directly with the show! I hope you really like this chapter. Let me know what you think! 

In other news: I'm writing a novel!! My protagonist is a female secret service agent and I’m really excited! I've set up a Patreon for those interested in supporting, getting updates, and even reading a few chapters. Your support would mean the world to me as I spend a much large amount of my time writing my novel and updating my fanfics. Here is the link: Patreon.com/tonyaespy

“You know the locations to all the imperial hideouts in the Unknown Regions?” The Mandalorian asked with an edge.

You raised your chin with a sense of pride; you sacrificed a lot to obtain that information, “Yes.” You replied, never breaking your eye contact with the helmet in front of you.

“I’m confused, why didn��t you hand this information over to the Republic?”

“Because the war was over, the Empire was defeated, and the Emperor was dead,” You paused to look down, you felt a sudden wave of insecurity fall over you, “and I was tired, tired of everything. I no longer wanted to be a piece in either side’s game.”

You let your hands drop from the wound on his arm and began cleaning up the medkit, refusing to look up even though you could still feel his gaze on you.

Without another word, you got up and headed back to the cockpit. Mando reentered a minute later and sat back down in the pilot seat before turning the chair towards you.

You could sense another question on the tip of his tongue and intervened before it could escape, “So what’s the plan, Mandalorian?”

“The ship needs fuel and some repairs. We’ll head to the outer rim.”

“And load up on food?” You asked, hopefully. You didn’t realize how hungry you were until that moment.

“And load up on food.” He confirmed with a sigh

You’ve learned enough about the Mandalorian in your short time with him to know he vastly enjoys silence. You remained silent throughout the flight until his screen clued you into where you were headed, “Dantooine?” You questioned, “If you’re taking me to the Republic, I will kill you right here, right now.”

He didn’t bother to look back at you, “Don’t make me bind your hands again.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

That made him turn his head back towards you. “Dantooine as enough Rebel presence to keep any Empire sympathizers away, but the Republic doesn’t bother much with Dantooine. We’ll be safe here for now, but shouldn’t stay too long.”

With that, he pulled out of light speed, Dantooine looming in front of you. He landed the ship in a small port, an older man and woman started to approach with a few droids following behind them, “You trust these people to fix up your ship?”

“They’ve done a good job before. Let’s go.” He headed out of the cockpit without giving you a glance. You quickly followed behind him, making sure to grab your staff.

The man and woman were at the bottom of the ramp waiting as the two of you walked down. It was clear they knew what to expect from the mysterious Mandalore, “No, droids?” The man asked.

“No droids,” The Mandalorian confirmed, tossing the man a couple credits and walking past him, “We’ll be at the cantina.”

The woman was looking you up and down suspiciously like she was trying to remember you from somewhere. It made you feel uneasy, so you quickly nodded at the both of them and jogged up to the Mandalorian, so you were walking side by side, “You sure we are safe here?”

“Yes, but if you keep that anxious expression on your face, someone is going to think we are up to something.”

It was a quick walk to the open-air cantina. The cantina wasn’t packed but busy enough for you to enter without being noticed. You dropped yourself down at the nearest table and let your head fall onto the wooden surface, mentally and physically exhausted from the past week. You could feel the Mandalorian sit down beside you. The warm breeze washing over you felt unbelievably lovely compared to the cold of space travel. There were a few minutes of silence, and you felt yourself falling asleep before a cheerful, motherly voice brought you out of it, “Looks like you’ve had a rough go, hun.”

You kept your head on the table but could see the figure of the woman in front of you. Not in the mood to talk, you lifted a hand, “Corellian rum, please.”

The Mandalorian’s sigh made the woman’s attention turn to him, “And for you?” She asked.

“Nothing, but also bring her some food, please. It doesn’t matter what.”

The woman nodded and walked away. You finally raised your head and turned towards your companion, or was he your captor? You weren’t precisely which anymore, “Don’t get annoyed, but how do you eat? You got some sort of straw in that thing?” You flashed him your best smile.

Surprisingly, his voice didn’t sound frustrated or annoyed, “I take my helmet off,” Your face lit up with excitement, “Just not in front of people.”

You instantly shrunk in disappointment, and the Mandalorian laughed a genuine laugh. Even through the helmet, it was warm and inviting. It made you inevitably smile. The woman came back sooner than expected. Now able to get a good look at her, she looked to be middle-aged and rather pretty. She placed your rum in front of you as well as some soup and bread. She gave you a quick look over smiled, “Well isn’t that a gorgeous face, happy to see your spirit has lifted,” She turned to the Mandalorian as you started to devour your soup, “Aren’t you a lucky one.”

You nearly choked on your soup as she walked away and then snickered to yourself, “Yeah, aren’t you a lucky one?” You teasingly asked him with raised eyebrows.

“Hurry up and eat.” This time his voice was filled with annoyance.

Nearly an hour later, your belly was full and warm from the soup and bread. The Mandalorian had done nothing for the past fifteen minutes but stare at you, aggravated that you disregarded his ‘hurry up’ command. He placed some credits down on the table and got up without a word, as usual, you followed.

The two of you walked through the market, looking at food to bring on the ship. “You got a kitchen on that hunk of junk?” You asked.

“An extremely tiny one, why?”

You help out your hand, silently asking for credits. The Mandalorian tilted his head in confusion, making you roll your eyes, “I’m a pretty good cook, I know what to get.”

After contemplating it for a moment, he placed a small number of credits in your hand, and you went off to various booths beaming. While on your small farm, it was your favorite thing to do; to go visit the market in the small village and picking out the best produce. Your life in the war rarely allowed fresh or well-made food.

By the time you and the Mandalorian made it back to the ship, you were nearly skipping. It had been so long since you felt a real sense of happiness, even if it was just a crumb. For a second, you forgot a bounty was placed on your head until the older woman came scurrying up to the two of you.

“Everything okay with the ship?” Asked Mando, fearing the worst.

She waved him off, though, “Oh everything is fine with the ship, just minor repairs, and refueling,” She quickly turned to you, “But you, I thought I recognized you. I use to work on the same Rebel base as you. The Republic sent out a transmission to all former rebels a few days ago, they are looking for you.”

“A bounty?” The Mandalorian quickly cut in with tension in his voice. You started to feel the panic rise in you as well.

“No, but they sounded urgent.”

You abruptly grabbed her by the arm, “Please don’t let them know I’m here. I can’t get sucked back in. Please.”

She studied your face for a beat, understanding seeming to sink in, “I get it, why do you think I’m here” gesturing to the port surrounding them, “You two need rest. Stay here tonight, on your ship. The city is full of former Rebel fighters, if you venture out anymore, someone might recognize you if they haven’t already. Leave first thing in the morning. I promise I won’t say a word.”

You looked at the Mandalorian, and he was looking right back at you. Even though you couldn’t see his face, you were getting better at reading his body language. You turned back to the woman, “We will. Thank you.”

The two of you retreated on to the ship for the evening. He showed you down the ladder to where the tiny kitchenette was. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. You unloaded the food and made your way back up to the cockpit where the Mandalorian had returned.

You found him looking through different holograms of various planets, “Where are we headed to next?”

“Where do you want to go?”

The question made you halt in your steps, “Where do I want to go?”

He turned his chair around to face you. “What is it that you want? Where do you want to go? A secluded planet, I would imagine. You can set up your new life.”

You absent-mindedly sat down. You had figured that the rest of your life would be running planet to planet now, possibly with the Mandalorian. Still, you had assumed he would dump you on some random planet at some point. Instead, he was helping you with another chance at a peaceful life. You realized you probably looked like an idiot, sitting there with your mouth open. You looked down and shook your head, “I mean, I would love to have a little farm again.”

He silently nodded for a moment before turning back around, “Let’s see what our options are.”

He silently scrolled through planets as you looked at him, wondering who the man under the helmet was. What he looked like, does he have a family, what his name was? Before you could stop yourself, you blurted out, “What’s your name?” He dropped his hand, and you squeezed your eyes, hoping you didn’t piss him off, “Sorry, I’ve never actually met a Mandalore, I can’t help but be curious.”

The felt rigid for a minute before he sat back, “I’m not from Mandalore. I was a foundling,” He looked back at you, “My name is Din Djarin.”

You tilted your head with a small smile, “Din Djarin, I like it.”

He turned back around, “I think I’ve found a planet that might work. Takodana.” A beautiful blue with speckled green planet appeared on the screen. “Seems to be void of most galactic politics, near trade routes, and plenty of green land for farming. Plus, it’s not in the outer rim, which will be the first place people will go to look for you.”

Takodana. You heard the name in passing before, from the looks of it, it’s a dream come true. You weren’t ready to let your guard down yet, but you couldn’t help but let your mind drift towards thoughts of a lakeside farm, “Okay. We head there tomorrow,” You looked at the window to see the sun just beginning to set, “I’ll go make us some food. I will eat below so you can be alone up here.”

Din simply gave you a nod. You stood up and went to make your exit, but before you made it to the door, you turned back around, “What would happen? If you took the helmet off in front of someone?”

“I wouldn’t be allowed to put it back on.”

“Sounds pretty peaceful to me.” You said softly.

He turned to look back at you, but you were already out the door, leaving him with his thoughts.

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[chubbyooo]

A Recipe for Disaster: A Blurred Lines Spinoff Chapter 2: Unlikely Alliances

hey everyone hope you’re doing well I’ve moved into my new flat so hope to be feeling better soon but for now just keeping it to my writing

Commander Ash’shen’tor struggles with the idea of working with a former enemy as the plan to save Darth Nox is developed

Ash stomped out of the bridge as quickly as she could, in one meeting the entire galaxy had changed now they were fighting this new threat in the unknown regions not only that but they were still working with their enemies. Ash’s grimaced thinking of the way Cipher Nine had smugly proclaimed his plan, what was his game? he was always up to something she had seen that first hand. Still there was some point to what he said about defense and to see him agreeing with her was certainly a surprise, still a rescue mission to get back one crazy sith it seemed completely unnecessary. There seemed to be some consensus among the people in there that they were losing some amazing asset that had single-handedly solved their conflicts, Ash knew first hand that it wasn’t that simple they shouldn’t just take her at face value. Ash hadn’t ever properly faced Darth Nox only heard tales of the unhinged lunacy she called leadership from Master Kavaraa, still Ash knew there was more to their success against Revan than one sith. And now she had been sent along with Master Kavaraa and the empires Cipher nine on a suicide mission to save her because they were apparently conspicuous enough, she had half a mind to deny the mission.

Ash took a long sigh she couldn’t do that, she was a soldier and she had her orders if they all thought Nox could come in useful who was she to argue. Anyway if she was right she’d be able to gloat about it soon enough but first she had to get in touch with Gacen, he had better have been serious about claiming he was the best smuggler in the galaxy

A calm voice came from behind her “I trust everything is in order?” Ash was startled as she spun around to see the familiar form of Cipher Nine, the Bald Chiss gave her a quizzical look or at least that is what she assumed through his calm unreadable demeanour. 

Ash frowned “in order? what do you mean” Cipher cocked his head slightly narrowing his eyes, he stood with his hands behind his back looking every bit the imperial he was.

he was silent for a second “I was under the impression you were contacting this Voidhound?” Ash frowned she’d barely got out of the meeting and he was already breathing down her neck, she’d hadn’t even had time to think

Ash shook her head “no not yet I’ve barely had time to process this information” Cipher considered the option for a few seconds

he nodded “my apologies I forgot not everyone is as prompt and punctual at processing and responding to crises as I am, I have already begun my searches for Zakuul” Ash narrowed her eyes slowly at the man how could he say something with such shady undertones and just be being genuine, this wasn’t the first time Cipher had managed to insult her without trying but this time they were working together. “still I thought your quick exit from the bridge was due to wanting to make the impending call” Ash sighed she just couldn’t win with this guy

Ash folded her arms “I left quickly because I’m not a fan of rushing off into the unknown for a sith and wanted to process the information of following this plan of yours over mine” Cipher blinked seemingly confused

he considered the statement for a second “I do apologise if you think that my taking charge of the meeting felt like a personal matter I promise I was only doing what I thought was most strategically advantageous” Ash glared at the chiss she’d show him what was strategically advantageous in a minute “the same as in all our encounters Shen I promise you it is no-” Ash interrupted she was sick of this

she frowned “why do you keep doing that?” her words carried more anger than she would’ve liked

Cipher looked confused “doing what” he seemed genuinely puzzled  

Ash looked away “you keep calling me Shen, no one else does that” Cipher seemed confused 

He replied calmly “it’s your Core Name” Ash had no idea what that meant she looked at him equally confused now. Cipher continued “Ash’shen’tor in Chiss culture your core name is the middle so Shen I assumed the others just didn’t know, I was only trying to be polite” Ash’s eyes widened as she stepped back, oh no she’d let something slip and not to just anyone but to her enemy. She was speechless watching as he connected the dots “you know nothing of chiss culture or your name do you?” Ash swore she could see a small smile creep onto his face

Ash began to storm off “I’m not talking about this! you find Zakuul and I will find the Voidhound OK” before Cipher could rely she stormed off out of earshot. 

Once she was a safe distance she slinked into a side passage and let out a long shaky breath, why had she let that slip and especially to him he was only going to exploit it later. She took a deep sigh and began heading back to her ship, she had to be more careful next time

Ash watched as the holo flickered to life as the female form of Gacen’s partner both in business and life came into view lounging in a chair, she looked calm as ever but still grumpy probably at Gacen.

Risha folded her arms “well hello Ash I hope this is just a social call” well that wasn’t promising a while back Gacen and Risha had decided to distance themselves from working with the republic mainly because of the danger both to their reputation and because as Gacen put it “when you’re the only one in the room who isn’t a trained professional or a space wizard it can get ugly quick”.

Ash held her neck “I’m afraid not I have something Gacen may be interested in I would’ve thought he’d have answered” Risha didn’t seem pleased with the idea of working with the republic empire alliance already

Risha chuckled “well he would have but he’s currently fighting off a giant space monster for it’s eggs” she paused “I wish I was joking” Ash was almost mad that this completely didn’t surprise her

Ash didn’t even know where to begin with that “is it safe to be talking to me while this is going on?” Risha seemed almost amused by the question

“I think we’ll be ok Ash don’t worry, we just have to escape to hyperspace and then he’ll be right on” Ash didn’t think she would ever get their lifestyle, she certainly could never do it. Risha looked suddenly serious “anyway anything you say to him you can say to me what’s this job” Ash’s heart sank she may have been able to get Gacen on board without Risha but Risha was the 1% of reason to Gacen’s 99% crazy.

Ash hesitated but supposed she had a right to know “we need to be smuggled onto Zakuul so we can try and save Darth Nox” she paused already seeing Risha’s apprehension “I assume you saw the broadcast?” Risha nodded slowly looking less enthused by the second

Risha frowned “let me ask you something Ash?” well here it comes “what part of you thought he’d do this after we told you we were done with republic missions” she had a very good point but any other smuggler wouldn’t have had Gacen’s risk-taking and cunning

Ash had to come up with something se said weakly “the good of the galaxy?” Risha seemed to laugh at the sentiment

Ash could hear a noise from the holo as their ship jumped to hyperspace “honey the galaxy was fucked up long before this eternal empire crap, you think one crazy sith is going to change that” Ash did actually agree with that but she had her orders

Ash sighed “you do have a point Risha but it’s the first step in combating this threat it could make all the difference” Risha seemed to consider it for a second but as she did Ash saw the skinny excited form of Gacen come into view holding a large egg.

he planted a long kiss on Risha before placing the egg on the ground “I told you Rish I told you I could sling the thing” he proclaimed proudly, Risha seemed less than impressed

she clapped slowly “well done doofus you’re a regular rancher” Gacen seemed way too proud of himself “you have a call by the way” she pointed to the screen

Gacen quickly turned to see Ash and another smile crept across his face “oh hey Ash I haven’t seen you in forever” he turned to Risha “oh by the way Guss and Bowdarr were partially swallowed by the monster so I got Akavi to threaten them to make sure they don’t track monster goo everywhere” Risha smiled not moving from her chair but gesturing a finger gun towards him. He turned back to Ash “so what’s up Ash?” he said excitedly

Ash hesitated before speaking “I uh I have a job offer for you” Gacen’s smile dropped looking rather disappointed

He sat down “oh so this isn’t a fun social call dropping in on me after a while” Ash shook her head “go on then I may as well hear what was so important that you would actually call me” Ash felt bad she had been meaning to catch up but with everything that happened with the Revanites and then the emperor she had very little time.

Ash sighed “I need a really good smuggler” Gacen’s ears perked up at that “to help me, Kavaraa and an Imperial Agent infiltrate Zakuul” immediately the little interest Gacen had dropped looking as dejected as before

he sighed “Ash I told you I can’t keep helping the republic, it’s not only bad for my reputation but it’s not my scene I just don’t fit in there” Ash knew what he meant she was only asking him because he was the only smuggler anyone trusted to be well a decent and honest guy

Risha spoke up from behind him “and not only that Gacen but she’s doing it to save some sith lord” Gacen suddenly looked up looking more interested

he frowned “sith lord? that doesn’t seem like you Ash?” Ash got the feeling she was going to be hearing that a lot for the next few weeks

Ash sighed “it’s not like me you’re right but orders are orders and everyone in charge thinks Darth Nox is worth this risk, so I have to go for it” Ash looked away as she spoke she felt terrible asking this of her friend

Gacen quickly spoke up once she’d finished “I’ll do it” Ash was taken aback what? why? Risha looked equally surprised “look this is clearly important to you and I may not be a big picture war guy but I care about my friends and when I owe them I’m gonna return the favour”Ash smiled even when she couldn’t rely on those around her she could always rely on Gacen “and uh also make sure they don’t get themselves killed with some two bit smuggler no where near as good as me” Ash chuckled he had a point there

Ash took a deep breath “thanks Gacen I really do appreciate this, I’ll give you the details as they are decided the plan is still very basic” Gacen nodded he seemed conflicted Ash couldn’t tell why

Gacen smiled “I’ll see you soon but for now I think I’m gonna get a talking to from the missus so uh pray for me” Ash chuckled as Gacen turned off the holo. She was bewildered she’d clearly swayed his mind but she wasn’t really sure how...

[ciathyzareposts]

Missed Classic: Trinity – Fly Me to the Moon

Written by Joe Pranevich

Trinity continues to impress and depress me. Last time out, we witnessed the unexpected destruction of New Mexico thanks to a more powerful than expected nuclear test at the Trinity site. My guess was that we had finally found the “plot” of this game: to find out what interfered with the original test and put it right again. Do we have a time-traveling saboteur? Could he be related to that voice that keeps whispering bad “gnomon” puns in my ear? I have no idea, but it feels good to finally be discovering the plot after so much semi-random exploration.

At this point, I am most of the way through. I’ve solved (perhaps) four of the seven areas including Kensington Gardens, the South Pacific atoll, the Siberian steppe, and Nagasaki. Still to be conquered are an outer space segment, an unknown area, and the Trinity test site itself. I also know that I need to find a lizard for a magic potion, recover a magnetic meteorite from an impact crater, and maybe even deal with an injured wight. When we do these “Missed Classics”, we aim to close out games in three posts. I hope I am not disappointing too many people when I say that we will have this one and at least one more, depending on how writing about the endgame goes.

“Ice ice baby. (Too cold, too cold.)” – Rob Van Winkle

To recap a bit, last time around I attempted to explore the second mushroom but ended up transported into orbit and a very quick death. I worked out with some experimentation that I could ride a soap bubble from the “Bubble Boy” in the wabe through the mushroom door and this would make surviving in space possible, but even then I could not work out how to get to a satellite that I see whizzing by before my eventual death. Having given this some thought, I am convinced that the magnet rock is my best bet since that may allow the bubble to steer itself towards the satellite. I’m a little unsure of the specifics because it seems too small and the distance seems too great for this to actually work, but this is a game with a 40-foot tall boy blowing bubbles so I’m willing to suspend disbelief. Digging around the rock didn’t work and I think that I need to cool the rock down somehow, but I do not know how.

My first thought was to carry water to it. We have ample water nearby in the river and bog, but no watertight container. You’d think the cottage would have a cup or something, but you’d be wrong. The only other water I can find is the frozen icicles on the ceiling of the ice cave. With some experimentation, I discover that I can throw the axe to knock one down! I also score one point, so I must be on the right track. Unfortunately, the ice melts quickly and there is no way to get it to the meteorite without it melting.

As puzzles go, this was fun since I realized very quickly that we had four turns before the icicle would melt. The time-box helped to narrow down where we had to explore and I realized that it would re-freeze if we take the icicle to the top of the triangle at the center of the world. From there, I can make it to the crater only if I follow the exact shortest path. Still, that is not hard considering my experience at adventure game mapping and I place the cold icicle on the hit rock. It sputters and steams a bit, but the end result is that I lose the icicle but gain a magnet rock. Score!

Worked about as well as Reaganomics. 

The Final Frontier

My thought from last week was that once I made it to the satellite, I could board it. I had in mind something like the ISS (which had not been invented yet in 1986) or a half-remembered scene from Moonraker (not yet a decade old at that point). The good news is that the magnetic rock took me to the satellite as I expected, but once there I found nothing to do. There was no airlock or entrance hatch, only an automated defense satellite and an oncoming nuclear missile. The voice in my ear managed a Star Trek pun (“where gnomon has gone before”), but that doesn’t help much.

One thing that changed is that I am now on the satellite and it is firing maneuvering thrusters to position itself. In the process, we are getting closer and closer to the white door. This is good since it means a way out! This is bad once you remember that the white door is the location of a nuclear explosion and the fact that we are going towards it means that this satellite will likely be blown to bits soon. Just before the missile hits, when the white door is closest, I pop the bubble with my spade. Instead of being suicide, the sudden pressure forces me to spring towards and through the door before I die of exposure to the cold of space. I still accomplished nothing, but at least I know how to get back to the wabe. I try the sequence again and again to find anything that I missed, but come up empty. Whatever I am supposed to do there, I don’t think I am doing it yet. I restore.

  Skink: noun; a smooth-bodied lizard with short or absent limbs, typically burrowing in sandy ground, and occurring throughout tropical and temperate regions.

Tunnel Vision

One low-point last week was that I could not find the third mushroom, despite the fact that I had found it and wrote about it a post or two before. What happened? It’s a combination of my writing being behind my playing, but also because I simply didn’t keep the whole game in my head. I forgot that I saw it there even though I had it in my notes. In my defense, I was certain that the ossuary was underground and there was no way a magic shadow could reach there. Let’s just say that I could have explored this area a while ago if it had not been for this mistake.

Passing through the door, I emerge at the eastern end of a long dark tunnel. This also happens to be the end with a nuclear bomb that will no doubt explode in a few minutes. In classic text adventure style, there is a disused lantern on the ground that I grab. Exploring west, I discover a walkie-talkie and a skink. If you are like me, you may have no idea what a “skink” is and may have resorted to Google. If so, you would have learned that a skink is a variety of lizard. I finally found my lizard! Or rather, I had found him because he immediately rushes off to the west. Before engaging in pursuit, I muck around with the walkie-talkie by extending its antenna and listening to some static. The signal doesn’t reach well into the tunnels and the only word that I can make out is “eight”, although eight what will have to remain a mystery… but I’d better hurry.

“Earth below us / Drifting, falling / Floating, weightless / Calling, calling home”

Just to the west is the end of the line as the cave is sealed except for a tiny, lizard-sized crevasse. The skink runs there to hide immediately and I have no obvious way to get him out. This leads to a nifty little puzzle of “catch the skink” that goes something like this:

The skink will flee from light, either the splinter or the electric lamp that I found in the tunnel. He’s like a peaceful grue in that respect. 

I can force him out of the crevice by dropping my splinter of wood in; it is too narrow to do the same with the lantern. Doing that causes him to race past me down the eastern tunnel I never see it again.

If I (after a restore) place the lit lantern in the next room and repeat, the skink runs there and then immediately back. He’s disoriented by all of the lights so I can pick it up! 

Unfortunately, it wiggles out of hands nearly immediately although I get 1-2 turns to do something else with it. I try putting it in the bag and birdcage, but neither do the trick. 

With no other option, I resort to killing the skink in the brief time that I am able to hold it. Killing it is vividly described, down to the way that your hand aches as you choke the life out of its innocent lizard body. For all the implied death in this game, killing this creature– that would die in minutes anyway– hurts.

I race back through the door before the bomb explodes and take stock. I have to use the new lantern to pass the wight; much like in Zork, the lantern only lasts a few turns so I need to carefully turn it off and on when I need it. I drop the lizard carcass into the potion and… absolutely nothing happens. Did I need a fresh lizard? I play through the tunnel segment again and again but find no way to capture the lizard and keep it alive. I resort to taking a hint– my first for this game. The answer is that I was supposed to put the lizard in my pocket! It had no problem escaping from a paper bag, but a pocket? Sure. When I place it inside, the lizard calms down and seems to be happy to be carried. I return to the cottage and drop it in, but the same “nothing” happens and I get no points. What am I getting wrong?

I should have listened to you!

I take a second hint and discover that I missed or misinterpreted one of the magpie’s messages: “Killed in the light of a crescent moon.” That is obvious in retrospect, but I did not connect it with the lizard in specific and forgot about it entirely until now. Since I have to murder my lizard, where can I find a crescent moon? The tunnel section could have been at night, but since killing it there didn’t work I am going to guess not. All of the other time periods have been daylight hours. Thankfully, the answer is obvious since there is one area that I have not “won” yet: space!

I ride my bubble back to the final frontier and verify that the moon is in fact a crescent from my perspective. I murder the lizard with the same heart-wrenching scene, but at least I got points for it. I follow the rest of the puzzle as before to dock with the satellite, ride it back to the white door, and then pop the bubble just before orbital armageddon. (Speaking of which, why would they bother to have nuked orbit? The satellite that I was on seemed like it fired lasers at missiles as an orbital defense system. That part makes sense, but nuking it seems overkill since a laser-satellite would be just as destroyed if you fired a conventional missile at it. I guess when all you have are nuclear-powered hammers, everything looks like a nail.) I drop my freshly killed lizard into the cauldron and it begins to smoke and bubble. I leave quickly and the cottage explodes, leaving nothing but the charred remains of the book and maps plus one intact cauldron. At the bottom of the cauldron is my reward: a single emerald.

It’s kryptonite without the aftertaste.

I check my list of open puzzles but I have just about reached the end. All that remains is helping the wight and heading off to Trinity, but alas I think my own pity for the injured wight is my own and not Moriarty’s. What’s left? Eventually, I notice the color of the two boots on “my” corpse are red and green, the same as the colors of the two jewels that I have been (knowingly or unknowingly) chasing after, a red ruby and a green emerald. I also recall that there are recesses in each boot where you could hide something, but I never found anything that fit. I stick my new emerald in the green boot and it is absorbed instantly. The boot seems to hum with newfound power and tiny wings sprout from the heel. What does that give me? Flight? Speed? I’ll have to get the matched set to find out.

Following the same path in my previous post to disguise myself as a corpse to ride the ferry, I slip through the mushroom door to the Trinity site. Before I go, I have a small crisis that I have far too many objects to carry at once and no idea what I will need on the other side. Should I take the axe or the spade? The walkie-talkie? I will have to restore if I bought the wrong kit, but clearly knowing what to bring is part of the “fun”. Once at Trinity, I wait for the guards to leave and meet up with the roadrunner at the bottom of the tower. He hands over the ruby and I install it into my other boot. I get the same message about hidden power and little wings but nothing else obviously happens… until I try walking north:

Woosh! Desert streaks past in a dizzy rush of color.

I have super speed! Since last time out, the bomb exploded after only a few turns, I’ll likely be able to explore more of the site and maybe, finally, figure out what this game is all about. But all of that will have to wait until next time when I (probably) will wrap up the game and provide a final rating. Note that as I end this session, I have 71 points which is only one more than what I had before. I’m worried that I forgot something since I did more than one point’s worth of new stuff but if so it should be obvious soon enough.

Time played: 2 hr 30 min Total time: 10 hr 10 min

Inventory: bag of crumbs, small coin (20p), red boot (with roby), blue boot (with emerald), bandage, burial shroud, credit card, wristwatch, birdcage with lemming, broken coconut, spade, silver axe (not all carried with me to Trinity, but which I can fetch if needed)

Score: 71 of 100

source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/missed-classic-trinity-fly-me-to-the-moon/