{"id":184,"date":"2012-04-20T12:00:14","date_gmt":"2012-04-20T17:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/?p=184"},"modified":"2012-04-19T21:26:32","modified_gmt":"2012-04-20T02:26:32","slug":"the-new-jedi-order-riprap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/?p=184","title":{"rendered":"The New Jedi Order: Siege – Riprap"},"content":{"rendered":"

Halyn paced restlessly back and forth across the Cathleen<\/em>\u2019s bridge. Only a handful of people were present: Anishor, in a restless meditation of his own\u00a0was sharpening a rykk blade; Kelta Rose, standing in a stillness which bespoke her hard-earned Jedi discipline; Sandarie, seated in a bridge crew chair with exhaustion dragging at her features; Li Coden, dressed in a pilot\u2019s jumpsuit with a blaster strapped to his thigh; and Abi Ocopaqui, restlessly drumming her fingers on a darkened console.<\/p>\n

Kelta watched Halyn\u2019s pacing without moving anything but her eyes. Fatigue dragged at her, but she drew on the Force to maintain an alert vigil. A Jedi Knight\u2019s need for rest and sustenance changes as she grows in the Force<\/em>, Kelta remembered vaguely from some almost-forgotten lesson. A Jedi can also draw directly on the Force for strength, but there is a cost for such actions. We are luminous beings, not crude beasts, but our physical selves have limits. Exceeding them now requires payment later.<\/em><\/p>\n

She finally stopped watching Halyn to instead turn her eyes to the pair of New Republic operatives: Li Coden and Abi Ocopaqui. She had to search deep in her own memories to recall anything about the two.<\/p>\n

Li Coden was a squadron leader and a pilot. He flew as part of the air cover during the battle of Restuss. Halyn was his XO for a time, back in\u2026what was it, Sabre Squadron?<\/em> She frowned. I don\u2019t remember anything that would\u2019ve put him in the profile of a New Republic Intelligence agent. Of course, that was all twenty years ago, and a lot could\u2019ve happened between then and now. I only met him a few times, too, so maybe I\u2019m relying too much on what Halyn told me about him.<\/em> She probed him gently with the Force, and bits and pieces of his personality floated to her like a delicate scent on a quiet breeze. He has a fighter\u2019s edge, but he\u2019s not naturally the devious type.<\/em><\/p>\n

She allowed her gaze to slide to Abi Ocopaqui. I don\u2019t remember ever meeting Abi, though Halyn spoke about her at length a few times. What he told me about her, though\u2026she definitely fits the mold of a spook. She\u2019s deadly as a pilot and as a commando. She\u2019s cunning, too\u2014the only bounty hunter who figured out that Jessik was also Lance, the Rebel pilot and officer. Halyn told me she\u2019s more than a bit bloodthirsty, and didn\u2019t hesitate from frying Imp loyalists during the Civil War.<\/em> She ran a critical eye over the Twi\u2019lek. Even after all this time, she\u2019s still attractive. She and Sandi really do look enough alike to be sisters.<\/em> Hesitantly, she opened her Force senses to Abi\u2019s presence. If she were a Jedi, I think she\u2019d be on the dark side,<\/em> Kelta admitted to herself. If not, she\u2019d be walking the line and pushing it all the way. There\u2019s no mercy in her for her enemies.<\/em><\/p>\n

Her eyes floated to Sandi and Anishor in turn. They\u2019re both tired. Sandi especially, Anishor not as much. The constant fighting is starting to drag on them.<\/em><\/p>\n

And me<\/em>, she admitted to herself. This fighting just doesn\u2019t seem to let up. The Vong keep pushing and pushing, and Halyn keeps pushing to keep everyone fighting back, making the Vong pay for every meter of territory with their blood.<\/em><\/p>\n

She finally returned her attention to the restless Zabrak. I don\u2019t know how or why, but it\u2019s like he\u2019s not feeling the pressure everyone is. He feels as bright and energetic as ever.<\/em> Tenatively, she reopened a very old bond, one she had consciously chosen to close off years before.<\/p>\n

The suddenness of the connection took her breath away. When Halyn had left her oh-so-many years prior, not long after the battle of Endor, she had closed off the connection the Force had tied between them. Even after two decades of intentional suppression, the intensity of the bond was enough to make her gasp.<\/p>\n

Energy and willpower seemed almost a tangible thing. Her own privately admitted weaknesses and doubts seemed flushed away by the surge of confidence and strength.<\/p>\n

Halyn\u2019s own uncertainty came to her as a subtle aftertaste, one that soured in her mouth. He\u2019s determined to win this war, but he\u2019s not sure he can do it.<\/em> She almost laughed at her observation. That\u2019s what every military leader everywhere in the galaxy since the beginning of time has probably thought, Kelta Rose.<\/em><\/p>\n

What surprised her most, though, was the direction of strength. Her ability to form bonds often allowed her to take another\u2019s pain into herself, offering strength and comfort in return. This time, though, was inverted: his determination flowed into her, and her failings into him. Yet, as near as she could tell, he hadn\u2019t felt it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d Halyn grumbled aloud, still pacing the bridge.<\/p>\n

<Patience, coatrack,> Anishor said. <Don\u2019t you feel it?><\/p>\n

\u201cFeel what?\u201d<\/p>\n

<The exhaustion. You cannot push everyone to fight continually, with every waking moment. You will burn the strength of your troops in the sprint when they should be preparing for the distance.><\/p>\n

Halyn stopped and sighed. \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kelta pondered at the exchange for a moment, wondering what was left unsaid. How is Halyn holding up? Is he shooting up on spice or stims?<\/em> She felt for him in the Force again, but could find nothing out of place. If I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d swear he was a Jedi and drawing on the Force to keep going. That\u2019s the only way I can continue.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s missing?\u201d Abi asked. The lithe blue Twi\u2019lek was still drumming fingers on the inert monitor, but her other hand was rested on the butt of her scatter blaster.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeikeh Alari, Kryi Rinnett, and Nisia Eisweep,\u201d Halyn replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe New Republic Zabrak Senator, the Iridonian starfighter coordinator, and a pirate queen,\u201d Kelta translated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNisia\u2019s not a queen,\u201d Halyn snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? When you were a pirate king, she wasn\u2019t your queen?\u201d Kelta asked with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHell no. She\u2019s too much of a thief.\u201d Halyn shook his head. \u201cForce knows if I\u2019d have gone to bed with her and nodded off, I would\u2019ve woke up with all sorts of things missing. Who knows what she would\u2019ve stolen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Anishor chuckled and cut off any response from either Abi or Kelta. <I think this is the best you\u2019re going to do, coatrack.><\/p>\n

The Ul\u2019akhoi frowned. \u201cIt\u2019d better not be. I need my starfighter coordinator on station when the lasers start flying.\u201d<\/p>\n

<I have no doubt she will be,> Anishor said politely. <But that\u2019s still two hours away, and she won\u2019t do a capable job of coordinating if she\u2019s sleeping on her feet.><\/p>\n

Halyn grumbled something under his breath. \u201cFine, then,\u201d he said. He lifted his datapad up and tapped irritably at it. A moment later, a tactical hologram swam into existence in the open bridge. Halyn stepped back from the massive display to allow the others present to examine it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the best tactical display the night crew has been able to put together, based on reports from our forward lines and what we can glean from the Cathleen<\/em>\u2019s sensors. The Vong have knocked out all our remaining satellites, so anything additional we need will come down to starfighter recon flights. Given the size of the area we\u2019re working with, it shouldn\u2019t be hard, but it\u2019ll be additional combat missions and a delay in getting some of the data we\u2019ll need. Fortunately, though, our out-system relay for the HoloNet has remained untouched.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abi cleared her throat, drawing Li\u2019s attention\u2014along with the other occupants of the room. \u201cThat\u2019s not true,\u201d she said apologetically. \u201cThe Yuuzhan Vong knocked it out well before we made landfall. Your Admiral Saret left a frigate out in a far orbit to act as a mobile relay to ensure communication lines stayed open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery thoughtful of her,\u201d Halyn said dryly. \u201cI take it that\u2019s where you\u2019ve been hiding?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abi nodded but refrained from speaking further.<\/p>\n

Li Coden studied the city tactical hologram and suppressed a whistle. \u201cThe Vong push in has taken that much of the city?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNear as we can tell, yes. The actual calculations,\u201d Halyn consulted his datapad for a moment, \u201csuggest that twenty-three percent of the city is directly controlled by the Yuuzhan Vong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Li gritted his teeth. If the Vong can keep up that pace, they\u2019ll have overrun the city long before any relief force can arrive.<\/em> The blue-tinted hologram was tinged with red throughout the Yuuzhan Vong-held area. Too bad we can\u2019t just carpet-bomb the Vong and be done with it, but I\u2019m sure the Iridonians would like something left of their capital when we\u2019re done.<\/em><\/p>\n

Anishor was studying the hologram more closely now as well. <Are these buildings still intact?> he asked, pointing a claw at the clusters of structures now inside the Yuuzhan Vong\u2019s lines.<\/p>\n

Halyn shook his head. \u201cThe Yuuzhan Vong hate pretty much everything we\u2019ve built. They\u2019re knocking down whatever they take. Of course, some of our front lines have been bringing down our buildings themselves to slow the Vong\u2019s advance.\u201d<\/p>\n

<Is that working?><\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as could be expected. As long as they keep it up, though, we\u2019ll continue to have the advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat advantage?\u201d Kelta Rose asked. Li\u2019s eyes lifted to her for a moment. What\u2019s a Jedi doing out here, anyways? I know she and Hal were an item way back during the war, but everyone said they split up after Endor.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re denying them cover,\u201d Halyn explained. \u201cThe Vong won\u2019t use our equipment or weapons, but they can use a standing structure for cover or as a sniper point just as well as we can. The debris also makes it harder for them to move their bigger creatures, like the rakamats, into play against our troops. We want to keep forcing them into street battles, house-to-house fighting, up close and personal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut isn\u2019t that where the Yuuzhan Vong play best?\u201d Sandarie asked.<\/p>\n

Abi interrupted before Halyn could explain. \u201cThe Zabraks don\u2019t have a battalion of repulsor tanks or artillery weapons, at least not here,\u201d she pointed out. \u201cWhat they do<\/em> have is a lot of people willing to swing sticks at armored Vong warriors. By keeping the fighting in close quarters, they deny the Vong the ability to use their heavy stuff and give the average Zabrak a better chance. Of course, the difference is like twenty-to-one instead of thirty-to-one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halyn ignored the Twi\u2019lek\u2019s jibe. \u201cThe more heavily we can tie them up in fighting here, the better chance we can keep them from pulling back or moving out somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Li shook his head. \u201cBoss, this whole thing\u2019s crazy.\u201d He considered whether he really wanted to say his next thought, but forced it out anyways. \u201cI don\u2019t think you can win here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, maybe not,\u201d Halyn said gruffly. \u201cWe\u2019ve got some advantages that we haven\u2019t started using yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

And the Vong aren\u2019t hesitating to use theirs<\/em>, Li thought grimly. He forced down a bubble of frustration. Neither of the Zabraks that Anishor identified as potentially traitors are here. Are they doing some task on behalf of their masters right now? Dammit, Halyn has to start taking that part of this more seriously.<\/em><\/p>\n

<What advantages?> Anishor asked.<\/p>\n

Halyn hesitated. Or maybe he has something in play, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s keeping quiet about his actual plans?<\/em> Li questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour berserkers, for example,\u201d Halyn said at last. \u201cI\u2019ve been intentionally keeping them out of combat so we have a surprise ready for the Vong when the right moment comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anishor studied the Zabrak for a moment, and Li knew something unspoken had passed between them. Have those two been conspiring?<\/em> He shook his head. All this time as an Intelligence spook is making you paranoid.<\/em> \u201cSo what do you want us to do?\u201d Li asked aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still working on some orders,\u201d Halyn demurred, \u201cbut I\u2019m going to be splitting up our little council of war here. I think we\u2019re going to have better success once I\u2019ve moved some of you into play directly against the Vong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you moving where?\u201d Abi asked warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first it\u2019s about who stays here on the Cathleen<\/em>. Anishor, I want you and your berserkers here just because we\u2019ve got a half-dozen of our Muurians operating out of a makeshift hangar.\u201d<\/p>\n

<I thought the Cathleen<\/em>\u2019s hangar was crushed when you crashed,> Anishor pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cMakeshift.\u201d Halyn grimaced. \u201cOne of the splits in the hull is large enough to land freighters in. A lot of the Cathleen<\/em>\u2019s survivors are working out of there to provide support for our freighters.\u201d He turned and looked at Kelta Rose. \u201cKelta will also be staying attached to the Cathleen<\/em> as an advisor, or until I can figure out a place to put her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kelta sketched a mock bow. \u201cAs you command, Ul\u2019akhoi. We Jedi live to serve.\u201d Her expression lost its sarcasm and took on a more serious tone. \u201cKativie, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halyn shook his head. \u201cKatie is staying on the front lines for now. It\u2019s good for morale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Li frowned and leaned over to Abi. \u201cWho\u2019s this Kativie?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

The Twi\u2019lek shook her head, but Anishor had caught on and smiled toothily. <The coatrack\u2019s little sister, and a Jedi to boot.><\/p>\n

Halyn sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s good for our troops to have one of their own, a Zabrak<\/em> Jedi, fighting on the front lines,\u201d he said with a trace of irritation. \u201cBesides, fighting is her natural talent. Now, can I continue?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you have my permission, yes,\u201d Abi replied straight-faced. Li barely suppressed his laugh. So funny, and at such a bad time.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cKryi Rinnet will also be staying here,\u201d Halyn continued, his tone professional again. \u201cShe will continue to coordinate our starfighter defenses here at Rak\u2019Edalin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she going to send your fighter wings into the Vong fleet and leave a big gaping hole in your defenses?\u201d Li asked, his mouth engaging before his brain. You moron<\/em>, he berated himself. Could you have been a little less subtle? <\/em>He rethought his statement. There\u2019s a damned good chance she\u2019s the traitor. She had perfect opportunity to help the Vong land reinforcements.<\/em><\/p>\n

Halyn ignored the question. \u201cNisia Eisweep is going to take a team and secure the Council,\u201d he continued. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure the Vong will make a move on it sooner or later, and I\u2019d rather she\u2019s dug in with a squad and a dozen heavy repeating blasters before they try it.\u201d As he spoke, the squat structure replaced the large tactical hologram as the primary display. \u201cIt\u2019s extremely defensible and, with heavy equipment and a good supply of rations, they should be able to hold out a long time. It will also keep the Council safe from any attempts the Vong might make to grab them and use them against us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anishor chuckled. <I\u2019m sure the politicians will love having armed forces underfoot.><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s more likely the armed forces will have politicians underfoot,\u201d Kelta said dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLi, I need a special operations commander for the air,\u201d Halyn continued. \u201cIt\u2019s not a cushy job like the rest I\u2019m handing out, but if you\u2019re willing, I\u2019d like you to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old pilot straightened unconsciously. \u201cWhat\u2019s the assignment involve?\u201d he asked cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get a squadron or two to command. You\u2019re my reserve group for when the Vong are trying to decoy us, like they did to get the landing force down. While the fighter wings follow the Vong\u2019s tune, your group will be responsible for thwarting whatever they\u2019re really after.\u201d<\/p>\n

Li mulled that over in his head. If I\u2019m flying an A-wing or X-wing somewhere, I won\u2019t be <\/em>here, uncovering the traitor. On the other hand, maybe I can make a difference in the air. Or maybe I can do both.<\/em> \u201cWhere will we be based?\u201d he asked. \u201cHere on the Cathleen<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Halyn said with a shake of his head. \u201cOur makeshift hangar here might be enough to support the Muurians, but they don\u2019t have the equipment or space to operate a squadron. I\u2019ll have to move you out to one of the hangars outside the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

The officer gritted his teeth. Are you doing this on purpose, boss?<\/em> he wondered. You\u2019re doing a good job of taking me out of play against your traitor.<\/em> \u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d he said at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Halyn nodded at Sandarie. \u201cYou\u2019ll continue your current assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Twi\u2019lek nodded tiredly without comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd finally, you, Abi,\u201d he said as he turned to the other New Republic operative, the only other person Li knew could identify the traitor.<\/p>\n

The ex-bounty hunter raised an eyebrow. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep getting complaints,\u201d Halyn said slowly, \u201cabout how a general and commander shouldn\u2019t go gallivanting off across the battlefield when he should<\/em> be commanding his forces from someplace safe, like the bridge of a wrecked capital ship.\u201d His chuckle was self-deprecating. \u201cSo as for you, I\u2019d like you to lead a commando team in the coming weeks. You\u2019ll be doing the same thing Li is doing\u2014while he\u2019s leading a team in the air, you\u2019ll be on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dammit, boss!<\/em> Li screamed silently. Are you trying to let the traitor go free?!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Twi\u2019lek mulled it over for a few moments. \u201cI\u2019ll do it, on one condition,\u201d she said at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat when this is over, you rebuild my Y-wing,\u201d she said in a low, threatening tone. \u201cFrom the frame up. I liked<\/em> that Y-wing, and you had to go park a capital ship on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halyn snorted. \u201cFrom the frame up, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d The Twi\u2019lek patted her scatter pistol in its holder. \u201cIf you don\u2019t come through, I\u2019ll hunt you down and take it out of your hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA Zabrak-hide pilot\u2019s couch won\u2019t be comfortable,\u201d Halyn pointed out. \u201cEspecially with the horns poking you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure I have a headwrap tied over the horns,\u201d the Twi\u2019lek stated pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anyone have any questions about assignments?\u201d Halyn asked, switching gears again.<\/p>\n

Li shook his head. Boss, I hope you haven\u2019t just made a very large mistake. You\u2019re <\/em>you, so you have plans in motion that we don\u2019t know about, but this is for Iridonia. If the Vong take the world, they\u2019re not going to be satisfied until every Zabrak is dead or completely broken.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone has private questions or concerns, I\u2019ll be in my quarters for the next hour,\u201d Halyn said with a faint smile. \u201cPlease leave your blasters at the door.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Halyn paced restlessly back and forth across the Cathleen\u2019s bridge. Only a handful of people were present: Anishor, in a restless meditation of his own\u00a0was sharpening a rykk blade; Kelta Rose, standing in a stillness which bespoke her hard-earned Jedi … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-njo-siege"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p52rlt-2Y","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=184"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":186,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184\/revisions\/186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.writingunderduress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}