Fiction Gallery

GJW XVI Phase I] Fiction - Strange New Worlds “Entrenched”

Now what?

Ethereal Realm The Shattered Plains ABY 41

The bleak sky of the Ethereal Realm turned from haze to black. As the light failed across the plain,a small blue Twi’lek sat cross legged in the bottom of a ravine.

“Now what?” she queried out loud to herself. The events of the day had not gone to plan and the diminutive Rutian was out of ideas. Here she was on an enemy world in a strange dimension, out of food, low on water, and even lower on hope. “How did it come to this…”

---

16 hours earlier….

Ethereal Realm Reflection of Eos ABY 41

“Well, guess this is the place,” the diminutive Twi’lek said to her astomech as they exited the wormhole. A distorted version of the city of Eos lay before her, with its massive skyscrapers shimmering then momentarily blinking out, like a Holoprojection with an intermittent short circuit. The sensors showed a huge field stretching from the portal’s exit in all directions with a disorganized jumble of trenches criss-crossing the surface and floating land masses of various sizes hanging in the sky. In the distance was a fortress made of the same crystal infecting the Children of Mortise, and beyond that, the Chain.

The droid tweedled nervously as they continued to monitor the ship’s systems. The energy fluctuations and gravimetric anomalies already caused the droid distress while they worked fervently to make adjustments. “Don’t worry, R3. I’m sure you can handle it.” And handle it they did until the ship passed near a sky island. Suddenly the ship was plummeting…up? The ship and the droid were having a problem figuring out the orientation as gravitational forces shifted towards the massive rock that defied physics.

R3 screamed as they frantically readjusted to the changing conditions. The engine roared as it suddenly accelerated beyond its own capabilities, jettisoning the spider cruiser out of the floating isle’s gravity. This time, the droid couldn’t compensate, especially when the engine completely cut out–.

—————————————-

Ethereal Realm The Shattered Plains ABY 41

Having calmed her mind, the stranded Twi’lek Nightsister stood. “It can’t get worse, so it has to get better,” she said aloud to herself. “But nothing will get better sitting in this Force forsaken ditch.” She donned her climbing claws and started climbing out of the ravine…

It had taken her two hours to climb up to the crest. She collapsed in sheer exhaustion as she wasn’t conditioned for that level of exercise. The shattered plains stretched out before her in the fading light. Her rendezvous point was somewhere between her and the fortress, but that left a possibility of several miles to go. She didn’t know if she could manage it. Especially without the Force as her ally. She scanned the horizon with her macrobinoculars– THERE! She spotted another Brotherhood ship, as it settled on a steep not five miles out.

Gathering her gear and what strength she had left, she began to walk. As she reached the next crevasse, she could feel the Force returning. She leapt across the twenty foot trench like it was nothing. Sinya’ni reveled in the revitalizing energy coursing through her. The start of her journey had been perilous; however, with the Force as her ally, the remaining distance to the rally point went smoothly.

Manually added by Shadow Scion Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir

Manually added by Shadow Scion Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir

Manually added by Shadow Scion Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir

Manually added by Shadow Scion Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir

Nora Olen Submitted

"Is this seriously all I have left?" Cimozjen's eyes flitted across the scant objects on him. Had he know how bad this would be, he would have packed a bag. He had come, as expected with aught but the clothes on his back. Well, he had a bit of pocket lint as well, but that was hardly worth mentioning.

"A Nerf Towel, a banged up Radiation Detector, a standard-issue industrial glowrod, some dice, a fancy ring, a recording rod, somebody's lost keys, a half-empty container of dental floss (evergreen flavor, ew) and a Blastech DL-21." He shook his head. The blaster might be kind of useful. He was used to the heft of a slugthrower, but in a pinch he might be able to make do.

He checked the energy cell of the blaster. It had enough for maybe three shots.

"Well, I am not going to be shooting my way out of this." Still, he knew that Darkhawk wasn't likely to be thrilled if he returned home empty handed. Closing his eyes, the Sith reached out in the Force. When all else failed, he normally had a dream or vision to help guide him. Yet, too much drinking and a late night playing Pazaak with his fellow Rotworms had robbed him of much sleep, and with it the dreams which guided his actions. No, he would have to plumb the Force.

He closed his eyes and focused on the ebbs and flows of the pirate moon. Danger was all around him, yet he tried to focus. He felt a slippery mind which seemed to run counter-current to everyone else around him. He opened his eyes as a cloak-wrapped figure approached him. He might have taken them for a vagrant or a homeless drug addiction, but for the sharp glance in their eyes.

A knife was up before Cimozjen knew what was happening. Up he cracked the towel, snapping it in the face of his attacker. The man's eyes widened in surprise, allowing Cimozjen to raise the blaster.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as the cloaked assailant rounded on him again. He grabbed the glowrod, wielding it like an off-hand lightsaber. Muscle memory took over as he whipped it up and around, clobbering his attacker upside the head.

The man fell like a pile of bricks. He did not protest, he barely moved, as the Sith searched over his person. He had a bottle of booze, the knife was barely suited to cut flimsiplast, and he had only a note on him. He had been promised more booze for dealing with "the chap in the robes." Had this been bad luck, or was this part of the deception?

He didn't have time to worry about all that now though. If the man had been a credible threat, he was certainly not at this moment. Little could be served by rousing him when he had an opening.

He would have to rub. Tossing aside the bottle of cheap booze, Cimozjen paused to consider the rest of the pile of junk. Would he be able to make a run of it before he had to try to make use of the rest of it. Force only knew.

Die Another Day By Sinya’ni

It was a simple exchange. The Twi’lek had been on many such missions while in House Tyranus. Meet a contact, slip them a credit chip, receive a data stick, walk away. Simple…or so it seemed.

“Slagar never had me do these unarmed. That’s just stupid,” Sinya’ni said out loud to herself as she contemplated slipping a vibroknife into her boot. “Nah, too risky. What if they have a scanner? Don’t want to scare them off.” So she set off into the seedy streets of the Smuggler’s Moon unarmed. “Yeah…this will end well. What could possibly go wrong,” she muttered under her breath as she pulled the hood of her cloak up over her lekku.

The streets were crowded. Sapients from all over the galaxy found their way to Nar Shaddaa for any number of reasons, none of them good. As the four foot, nine inch Rylothian zigged and zagged her way across the plaza trying not to be stepped on, she realized one good thing about not having anything in her pockets…she didn’t have to worry about pickpockets.

Sinya’ni reached the alley where the rendezvous was to take place and stopped at the entrance. Leaning against the wall, she watched the people as they passed. No sign of her contact. She waited a bit longer before ducking down the deserted roadway.

“Well this is just great. How long am I supposed to wait befo–“ the Twi’ilek stopped mid ramble. She looked both ways and up at the roofs of the surrounding buildings before cautiously approaching the pair of boots sticking out of the rubbish pile. Sure enough, she’d found her contact. The Nautolan was dead. This simple exchange just got complicated.

Checking her surroundings again, the diminutive Rutian searched the unfortunate cadaver. There was no datastick. Not one piece of electronic information. But the former amphian did have a small backpack and a blaster burn the size of a kowakian monkey on his chest. Inside the pack was a handful of worthless items.

Nerf Towel Radiation Detector Glowrod BlasTech DL-21 Blaster Pistol Fantafly Polyhedral Dice Assassin's Ring Audio Recording Rod Keyring with keys Dental floss

She grabbed the pack and quickly left the alley. Her small stature and Force concealment made it easy to get lost in the crowd. That’s when she saw the assassin. He was hanging out by the alley watching her leave. The Klatoonian male followed her into the street but soon lost her. However, she did not lose sight of the tall dog man.

As the suspect turned back, Sinya followed. One hand was on the blaster, the other clutched the pack. “Come on, that’s right. Take me to your leader, slobbermouth.” She muttered. The assassin did not, in fact, lead her to his boss. But to another back alley where he disappeared.

Reaching out with the Force, the Twi’lek tried to sense her prey. However, there were too many people in close proximity. It was an overwhelming sensation. So many thoughts and feelings bombarded her that she abandoned the Force search in favor of good old fashioned walking, but in the end, the assassin was nowhere to be found. “Well…guess that’s it then,” she said as she turned away and made the long trek back to her ship.

Manually added by Sagitta

Objective III: I'm Sorry, What About My Credit Score?

Vreva stared blankly at the long scroll of paper held aloft by the service droid. She had been shaped to appear like a human woman made completely of chrome with a curly bobbed haircut and Big Wiggly uniform. The glowing, jovial expression that had been installed upon the droid's face did nothing to lift the Zabrak's spirits. "One million credits..." How the frak had she spent one million credits in one night? What had she spent it on? "The kark did you come up with that number?"

"Vulgar language is not necessary. This receipt here has an itemized list of your bill, Miss Vanna. If you have any questions, I would be happy to clarify!" The robot's cheeks glowed with pink light as it tilted its chrome head to the side. "At Big Wiggly Fantastic Casino, customer satisfaction is our top priority!"

"Yeah, I'm not satisfied at all -- and don't call me 'Miss', chromedome," Vreva scowled as she snatched the receipt from the droid. Her yellow eyes narrowed as she glanced down the list.

"I must remind you that vulgar language is not necessary. Is there another way you wish me to address you?"

Vreva ignored the question. "I thought all of this kriff was complementary."

"The 'One Hundred Trillionth Customer' package gifted to you includes your choice of three games, penthouse suite, public amenities, and one round of drinks --"

"Wait!" Vreva's gaze had arrived at the portion of the bill labeled 'Beverages'. "Over a hundred thousand creds on drinks? I'd be in a coma! That can't be right."

"I can assure you the calculations are correct. We pride ourselves in offering only the finest liquors to our customers."

"Karking scrap heap! I know that kriff wasn't top shelf. And what the kark is this about 'private amenities'?"

"Again, vulgar language is not necessary and security may be involved if you continue." The cheerful tone of her voice offset the threat. "Private amenities include room service, private entertainment, mood lighting, television, water, and waste removal--"

"You charged me to use the karking bathroom?! I'm not paying a cred. You slimeballs roped me into this kriff." Vreva crumpled up the receipt and tossed it at the droid. The paper ball bounced off its head and onto the counter. The droid's gaze followed it, then returned to Vreva. Its round orbitals retracted into thin slits.

"Vulgar language and vandalism of casino property are not allowed at Big Wiggly Fantastic Casino. Security and Nar Shaddaa authorities have been notified."

"Well they can all kiss my ass," Vreva spat. "I'm leaving."

"I am afraid I cannot allow you to do that," the droid remarked as its eyes and cheeks glowed a bright red. The droid placed their hands on their hips and Vreva mirrored their stance.

"I'm afraid I don't frickin' care!" Vreva snapped back. She turned her back on the droid and stormed off towards the casino entrance. She made three steps before the doors ahead of her slid shut with an electric whir and a slam. The Zabrak stopped short and spun around to eye the droid furiously.

The droid was now within a foot of her. How had it moved that quickly and silently? This close, Vreva could see that the droid was also taller than herself when not seated at the desk.

"I cannot allow you to leave. Security and Nar Shaddaa authorities have been notified. Failure to pay at the time of service will lead to prosecution under the full extent of the law." The service droid stepped closer and Vreva took two steps back.

Back to the door, Vreva scowled. Her hand went to the slugthrower at her side. "What law? You all are smugglers and drug dealers!"

"Time spent will pay off a portion of your debt. The rest will be paid with your bounty, Miss Vreva." The service droid flicked its wrist and bladed claws extended from the tips of its metallic fingers. "By my calculation, it is a hefty sum."

"Eat spit, metalhead!" Vreva drew her pistol and fired two slugs at the droid.

The first shot pinged off its platinum shoulder without effect, but the second found its mark and shattered its right orbital. The droid's frame shuddered and its head lolled on its neck for a moment before it stood straight once more.

A familiar whisper at the back of Vreva's mind issued a warning: Head down!

Vreva dropped low as the droid shifted impossibly fast to her flank and those bladed fingers sliced through the air where Vreva's head had been moments before. Drawing upon the Force to amplify her strike, Vreva booted the droid's kneecap. The metal joint bent in the opposite direction and the droid let out a duo-toned cry as she fell forward. Metal head met metal door with a clang. It wasn't down and out yet, though. It pushed against the door and attempted to steady itself on its one good leg.

Though Vreva would have delighted in tearing the robot apart, she could hear running footsteps fast approaching. Casino security, no doubt. "Would love to finish this dance, babe -- but I'm out!" Vreva pressed a few buttons on her wrist commlink as she made for the lobby stairs. She ignored the droid as it swiped at her again before falling on its twisted leg.

Paum's grunt of greeting came across her comm. He must have just woken up. "Hey big boy, I need you to come pick me up. Rooftop of Big Wiggly. No time to explain." As she rounded a corner she had to duck out of the way of a Gammorean vibro-axe.

"Making friends?" Paum's mirth could be sensed despite his monotone.

Vreva disarmed the Gammorean with a slug through the bicep. His squeal was cut short with an elbow to the throat. "You know me," she said with a smile. "Always the popular one. They've got law enforcement incoming, so keep the engines hot and keep an eye on your ass."

Another grunt was her answer before Paum disconnected the call. He would need his attention for navigating the ship through the crowded urban expanse. With her locater he would find her easily enough. She just had to get to the roof.

She climbed another set of stairs and heard metallic clanking and scuffling on the flight below her. The service droid had abandoned its bipedal nature and instead had chosen to scuttle after her on its three good limbs like a chrome insect.

"Don't give up, do you?" Vreva remarked as she looked down the flight of stairs. She decided to take two at a time as she raced the droid to the roof. No way did she have the space to fight it on the stairs. Third floor, and many more to go. Wait... The elevator!

Vreva made a dash for the elevator doors without daring to look at what was behind her. Some poor soul was inside. The Human man was a customer by the look of how he dressed. Vreva collided with him and shoved him against the wall before hastily pressing the button for rooftop access.

Access denied.

"Kark!" Vreva glanced frantically at the approaching droid as she pressed every button. Each time a red alert flashed on the screen. "Kark! Kark! Kark!"

"Let me!" The man said as he picked himself up from the floor. He held forward a keycard and attempted to slide it into the elevator's access port. Vreva tore it from his hand and shoved it in before pressing the rooftop button. The elevator's doors slid shut. A moment later a loud clang could be heard as the droid collided with the elevator's doors.

The Human was almost hyperventilating on the floor. Although he had saved her life, Vreva was still annoyed by the display of weakness. There was a long silence as the elevator went up each floor.

"W-w-what was that thing?" the man asked, still trembling. "A-are you going to kill me? I can't die! I won the jackpot!" He started sobbing. "I can't die!"

Vreva rolled her eyes. Then she paused. With a brow raised, she turned to the man. "How much was the jackpot?"

The man sputtered. "You can have it all! Just don't kill me!" Tears and snot streamed down his face.

Vreva turned to stand over him and he shrunk further. "Answer the damn question!"

"T-ten muh-muh-muh--" He was in a full panic as he stuttered his words. "Oh, please don't hurt me!"

"Give me one million."

The man sniffed and hiccupped as he looked at her with confusion. "What?"

"One million for your life, but you gotta play a nice little hostage. Primo?" She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and hoisted him up like one would scruff a feline. The elevator's doors opened and she pushed him through. "Anyone shoots at us, and you don't see that nine mill."

"Yes ma'am!" he sobbed.

She gave him a rough shove forward. "Don't kriffing 'ma'am' me!"

"Yes mistress!" the man whined. Unsure if that was better or much worse, Vreva insisted they proceed in silence.

The rooftop had a view of the full amplitude of the city below. The neon grin of Big Wiggly cast a glow on the pair as Vreva led the man toward the edge. The ship wasn't there.

Vreva swore under her breath in Zabraki and the man flinched. "What's wrong?"

She let go of the man's collar and he stumbled. Thankfully he did not fall over the edge, but he landed roughly on his backside with a loud whump.

"What's taking that lug so long?" she muttered. She took the time to reload her gun and watched the crowded skies for any sign of their ship. No law enforcement either, at least. Though she was not going to get anywhere without a ride out. Sure she could jump, but as she looked down her stomach flopped. That was a long way down.

A shout drew her attention back and she saw the Human cowering and pointing at the approaching droid flanked by two Gammoreons. "I cannot allow you to leave, Miss Vreva," the droid said as she crawled forward. "These two will escort you back to your room, and we will have a discussion regarding your payment."

"He'll pay you." Vreva pointed to the man on the ground. "Owes me a million creds."

"Due to the destruction of casino property, the fee has increased," the droid said in their sing-song tinny tone.

Vreva's eyes narrowed and she looked to the man under her. He scrambled up to his knees. "I-I'll pay it all. Every cred. Please, just let me go home!"

The droid's blank stare moved to the man briefly, then back to Vreva. It seemed unmoved as it advanced toward Vreva.

"He just won the jackpot," Vreva said as she took a step back. Her boot heel met the edge of the concrete. "Ten million should be more than enough."

It stopped and its orbitals flickered. It then turned to the man on the ground, spidery limbs rotating its mechanical body. "Do you consent to the transfer of five million five hundred and thirty-two credits?" It tilted its chrome head.

"Yes! Yes! Please, just let me go!"

There was a pause and then the droid's eyes shone green. A smile spread across its face and pink lights glowed in its cheeks once more. "Excellent. Transferring balance now."

Vreva breathed a sigh of relief alongside her hostage. That had been surprisingly easy. Though the lingering guard gave her a sense that they were not done here.

"There is still the issue of your bounty." The service droid said with a cheery tone. Vreva scoffed. Of course. They would not let something like that go. "Big Wiggly has instructed me to apprehend the criminal Vreva to hand over to the proper authorities. I insist you come quietly so as to not endanger the lives of those around you." The Gammoreans raised their vibro-axes and the man beside her whimpered.

Not everything was lost, however. Vreva could hear the distant hum of engines over the drone of the vibro-axes. A rush of air tossed her braids forward and floodlights blinded the two guards. Only the droid looked on with interest.

"Nah, I think this is my ride out of here. Thanks for the hospitality, though." Vreva gave a salute, then with a Force-amplified backward leap she landed on top of the ship. Sure enough, it was Paum waving from the cockpit. The ship's forward cannons came to life, signaling that C1-INT was arming the weapons. There was no need to waste ammunition, however, as Paum pulled the ship away from the building. Vreva waved as the neon Hutt faded from view, then climbed inside before they exited Nar Shaddaa's atmosphere.

Though the moon was far at their backs with no chase, Vreva doubted they would let her go completely. "Remind me never to accept free booze," she said to Paum, earning a chuckle. C1-INT trilled in agreement.