#Viceroy Nute Gunray

[sw5w]

This is Too Close

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:47:03

[2stepadmiral]

Vader saved Nute Gunray for last.

More than that, he gave Gunray a chance to beg for his life, knowing full well that nothing the grubby little viceroy could say would ever save him. After cutting down every other Separatist leader in front of him, possibly actively timing his movements to make it seem that Gunray was just lucky, possibly deliberately trying not to kill him and to give him hope of survival in the process, Vader leapt across the room, stood before the pathetic Neimodian, and waited. Waited for him to realize that he might be able to save his skin, waited for him to start begging. None of the others had gotten the opportunity. Vader had cut them down without a moment’s hesitation, but Nute got a few moments to try and talk his way out of his imminent demise, got a small dose of hope mixed with the additional moments of added terror, before Vader had ended him.

Because of all of the Separatist leaders, Nute Gunray was the one Anakin had hated the most.

Wat Tambor had tried to burn Ryloth and it’s people when he lost. Poggle had tried to turn him and Obi Wan into mindless slaves and had been ready to let Ahsoka become one as well. The Muuns had likely enabled Clovis, or at least been associates of his.

But Gunray? Gunray had tried to invade Naboo, and had spent years afterwards trying to murder Padme. He’d sent bounty hunter after bounty hunter after her, gloated as she had been sentenced to death on Geonosis, and had even tried luring her into his clutches on Rodia. He’d taken time out of the middle of the largest war in over a thousand years, a war in which he was a crucial figure, to try and hurt Padme.

And for that, Gunray needed to suffer, as anyone else who would hurt Padme would suffer.

In Gunray’s final moments, as he pleaded with the new dark lord to see that the massacre was a pointless betrayal, Vader felt his fear, and felt it strengthen him. He felt it flow through him, along with the quiet hatred he’d tried to suppress since Naboo, the hatred he now unleashed in full, as his saber slashed across Gunray’s torso. In Gunray’s final scream of pain and terror, Vader felt a rush of power. It was the first time Vader had used someone’s fear, but it would not be the last.

[jame7t]

can we talk about nute gunray?

According to Wookiepedia: Nute Gunray was a Neimoidian male politician and business magnate who served as the Viceroy of the Trade Federation during the final decades of the Galactic Republic up until his assassination at the end of the Clone Wars, a pan-galactic war between the Republic and its splinter state, the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Alongside his allies, Gunray rose to prominence after the ill-fated Eriadu Conference left a power vacuum in the leadership of the Trade Federation. With backing from the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, Gunray took control of the conglomerate. Cutthroat and cowardly, Gunray continued to collaborate with Sidious, such as during the Invasion of Naboo the following year, unaware that he was merely a pawn in the Sith's Grand Plan. Not really much to discuss. I feel like it is obvious

[ivorydragoness44]

Imagine Maul witnessing you lash out in anger for the first time:

“Wipe them out, Viceroy. All of them.“ The hologram of the ever cloaked Darth Sidious instructed before disappearing.

The Neimoidians remained still. They never did appear to handle encounters with the Lord of the Sith well. Even through a hologram. At least the Vicroy of the Trade Federation, Nute Gunray, could speak without imploding an internal organ. The same could not be said for his sidekick, Rune Haako. You swore that you could sometimes hear his lips quiver.

The order had finally been given, to launch the blockade, and soon, the invasion of Naboo. And you, were none too pleased. During Darth Sidious’s transmission, you had remained silent. The theories you and Darth Maul had voiced in private seemed to be soothed by only a few words from his master.

Pivoting on your heel, you stormed out of the Theed Palace throne room without a single word. The Neimoidians would not dare utter a syllable. Not unless they wanted to test the wrath of Maul. Or worse, you.

By the time you were down a hallway, Maul had caught up to you. You whipped around to face him, his eyes widened for a brief moment under the hood of his cloak. You were absolutely certain that he could sense your agitation boiling.

After a few choice words and Maul’s eyes narrowing in confusion, you spoke in basic. “...and these-these imbeciles,“ you snarled, making the corner of his mouth curve upward a fraction. “Does no one know battle strategy?“

Maul nodded slowly. At least one being in the galaxy had an understanding of you. “Save your rage,“ his voice softer than it had been upon first arriving to Naboo. “You may need it later.“

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Thank you for reading!

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[piecesofeden11]

WIP-Game: The Results!

After this amazing poll (again, thanks for all the votes), I have spend the evening writing a little bit (roughly in accordance with the poll's percentages. It is now late and I have an early appointment for my next Tattoo tomorrow so I will leave ya'll with the fruits of my labour for tonight! Please, I'd love to know what you think <3

Be aware, there's a lot of text under this cut! :D

Soul on Fire (A Merrical story):

"See, Doma. Merrin is a nightsister." Cal's voice dropped into a whisper, as he leaned onto the counter a bit more, giving the Waluna shopkeeper a serious look. He fought the grin that desperately wanted to come to his lips, as Doma fumbled for composure.

"A night-whatnow? Never heard of it, no sir."

"She can perform magic! She can even raise the dead!"

Only when he stepped out of the shop did Cal allow himself a small laugh as BD-1 chirped on his shoulder, wiggling his head in amusement.

There was a flash of eerie green light and for a second, the heat of flames licked up his face before it vanished into thin air. He glanced over and found Merrin studying him, the corners of her mouth twitching ever so slightly.

"Do you want to me to send a corpse in there? To drive the point home?", she asked, her voice serious.

Cal shook his head, then ran a hand across the shaved sides of it.

"Nah, 's all just a bit of friendly banter."

"Like when I told Greeze I would require his arm for a ritual."

Her matter-of-fact tone made Cal laugh again and he nodded.

"A bit like that, yeah. Gotta say, though, I wasn't sure you were joking back then, either."

BD-1 chirped again, his metal feet doing a little tap dance on Cal's shoulder before he jumped off and raced ahead of them, in pursuit of some local critter or another. Usually, Cal felt uneasy about his little friend straying too far, but within the limits of the small Koboh settlement, he had let the droid run around a bit more freely.

The last beams of sunlight reflected off BD-1's freshly polished chassis as he dove in and out of a grassy patch, scanning and analysing to his heart's content.

"You seem at ease here, Cal. It is a good look on you."

They had stopped walking, standing at the edge of the dried of meadow that BD-1 was zooming through, their elbows close but not quite touching.

Merrin's voice was quite, just enough that Cal could hear her over the evening concert of a million unknown bugs. He looked over at her again. She was looking at him with her usual intensity, that he still had not gotten quite used to and he found himself flushing under her scrutiny.

Rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes dropped to his feet, the scuffed and dusty toes of his boots suddenly incredibly interesting.

"Oh yeah? Maybe that's just Greeze's food. Well, Monk's really, he's much better at seasoning. DON'T tell Greeze I said that", he added hastily, looking around as if expecting the short Lateran to be jumping at him from the underbrush.

"Perhaps I will."

Heel (Sith!Obikin):

He wants me to see this he realizes, a spike of carnal arousal lancing through him, which he finds answered in his Master's signature.

Anticipation rolls across his shoulders, manifesting in a near full-body shiver. He looks back towards the hall, suddenly not quite so put off by the show anymore.

Because the Emperor has something planned and the Emperor's plans usually mean a lot of fun for Vader.

In front of the dais, Nute Gunray has thrown himself to the ground in prostration and the rest of his delegation follows suit.

There is a moment of immensely uncomfortable silence, which is suddenly broken by a soft rustle of fabric and a much quieter clack-clack of polished boots on durasteel.

"Viceroy Gunray", the Emperor speaks up, his voice an almost gentle whisper in the grand hall.

"I thank you for your presentation. I am sure it has not slipped your attention that you have been given quite the honor, seeing as you are the final delegation to present during our festivities."

"Why certainly not, Mylord! We are most grateful for this honor, too! It just goes to show the generosity of Your Grace, your profound generosity and..."

The Neimoidian's voice trails off, stopped in its tracks by a single raised hand clad in a pristine white Bantha-leather glove.

"There is a very simply reason for this honor, my dear Viceroy", the Emperor continues and a sharp edge enters his tone, like the edge of a knife across skin with not quite enough pressure to cut.

Vader shivers again, fighting a smirk, his muscles coiling at the outlook of what is to come.

There is a whisper across the bond, a small, but unmistakable signal.

Be ready.

"The reason, Viceroy, I had you appear last is simply this: it would have disrupted the entire ceremony far too much if your corpses had to be cleared away before another delegation."

Before the words can really sink in, with anyone, really, but especially with the small group around Nute Gunray, the Emperor gives a nearly imperceptible hand signal and a single command in the Force.

Bite.

Like Puppets on a Broken String (FixIt - Found on Ao3)

His sight was blurry as water stings in his eyes but he could faintly make out the dim reflections on the surface telling him which way was up.

Gathering the last of his strength, he began to paddle his feet, seeking the light.

After what seemed like an eternity he breached the surface, drawing gasping, desperate breaths into his lungs, focusing, for a few precious moments, only on the feeling of that.

As the water flowed around him, his memories came rushing back to him as well.

Those shots came from the Clones.

The realization hurt more than he cared to admit, and brought with it a host of unpleasant questions he felt too shaken to examine further at that moment.

He also remembered, very distinctly, Anakin's voice calling his name and, Council's order's be damned, he simply could not ignore that any longer.

He opened himself up to the Force, opened the shields he had erected around his mind and heart and reached across the vast expanse of the galaxy towards Anakin, only to find...

Nothing.

Where Anakin should be the bright, shining beacon he usually was, the guiding star for Obi-Wan's inner compass, there was nothing.

Panic began to claw at him, threatened to pull him back under the surface, back into the darkness.

United (Day 7 of the Obianidala-Week - Found on Ao3)

"Anakin?"

Obi-Wan's voice pulled him from his own thoughts, sending a shiver down his spine. No one in the entire galaxy said his name quite the way Obi-Wan did.

Anakin blinked, almost sluggishly so, and turned his head, to find both Obi-Wan and Padmé giving him fond looks. He blushed a bit under their combined gaze and quickly lifted his wine glass back to his lips, emptying it in a few large gulps.

"Ani", Padmé chuckled, reaching over to place a soft hand on his flesh arm. Goosebumps erupted where she touched him.

"Are you back with us, dearest?"

Obi-Wan's much larger, more battle-hardened hand came to rest on his other arm, the artificial nerves in the prosthesis firing off as well.

Anakin shivered, swallowed around a sudden lump in his throat and nodded softly.

"Y...yeah. Sorry, I... just got lost in thoughts, I guess." Aftercare (Post-Zyggeria Obikin):

For most of the flight back, Ahsoka clung to Obi-Wan under the flimsy pretense of making sure that he was alright. It was painfully obvious to everyone in their transport shuttle that it was just as much for her own benefit as for his.

Obi-Wan, in turn, had his arm, the one good arm, that was not currently in a sling tied to his chest, firmly around her slim shoulders, his hands idly petting her bare shoulder. He had his head turned towards her, his chin resting against her montrals, murmuring quiet comfort.

Anakin, sitting across from both of them, tried to wrestle back the flood of emotions coursing through his own system, keeping his mental walls firmly up, as to not burden Obi-Wan with the struggles of yet another Padawan. He felt just about as wretched as Obi-Wan looked, guilt and anger and sorrow nearly blinding him.

He knew he should be the one comforting Ahsoka. She was his Padawan after all, but when the had boarded the transport, she had found her sit by Obi-Wan's side immediately.

That should have stung much more than it did, Anakin realized, not for the first time, but he had come to refer to her as both his and Obi-Wan's Padawan a long time ago, anyways.

That was certainly not the reason why he could barely bring himself to look across the transport's central space.

Hide & Seek (and Love & Care) (Obikin 5+1) Inspired by @grapenehifics An Uncivil War:

"So... three days of being shut in, hm?", he muttered, sending a burst of mischievous teasing across their bond.

Obi-Wan gave him a flat stare, as they exited the room, headed for their quarters.

"Three days to recuperate, Anakin. Rest and heal.", he replied sternly, but Anakin could see the telltale tint of red creeping across the shells of his Master's ears, the pale Stewjoni skin giving away what Obi-Wan tried to conceal.

[gffa]

One of the things I think gets overlooked from the Star Wars movies is that the Clone War is connected throughout all of these movies, it’s not just Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, but that everything starts on Naboo, with Palpatine and the Chancellorship, but also with the Trade Federation.  When the Separatists are threatening to leave, as Padme and Jamiilia and the other Naboo officials discuss it, it’s also brought up that it’s likely the Separatists will feel threatened and turn to the Trade Federation, of which Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of. And that’s the other thing that gets overlooked from The Phantom Menace, because we don’t directly see it on the screen, it’s only talked about by the characters: the Trade Federation was putting people into occupation camps and those people were starving and dying. When Obi-Wan discovers that Nute Gunray is indeed a part of the Separatists’ movement, it isn’t just about the Separatists wanting to leave, it’s about how the Trade Federation operates.  That the Jedi know they will do the exact same thing to other planets in this war that they did to Naboo. Which is 100% correct, because the chronologically earliest episodes are the ones where the Separatists are occupying Ryloth, where they’re using the Twi’leks as living shields, they’re bombing civilian villages, they’re looting treasures from the Twi’lek people. The Republic getting involved in this war isn’t just “we can’t let them leave”, it’s that when the Separatists leave, this is what they will do and all of us will be hurt, suffer, and die if we don’t stand up against it.  That’s why The Phantom Menace is so important, beyond the character stuff, because it sets the stage for the politics of the GFFA.  The Republic is far, far from perfect, they’re greedy and Senators often only care about themselves and the Republic becomes the Empire, but this war wasn’t started just for funsies, there’s a reason so many good characters are still part of it, there’s context that’s cleanly established in the movies. As Jamilia says in Attack of the Clones, “We must place our faith in the Republic. The day we stop believing in democracy is the day we lose it.”

[legendsofthegffa]

Star Wars: Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

By: Z.H. Brown

The rise of the Sith is imminent. As the Dark Side continues to gather in strength like a serpent rearing to strike, the Sith are maneuvering their pawns into place to begin the endgame of the Republic and the Jedi. But when one of those pawns goes rogue, Darth Sidious is forced to dispatch his apprentice, Darth Maul, to hunt him down and eliminate him, along with anyone else that might know about the impending invasion. While Darth Maul believes the mission will be simplicity itself, the involvement of both the Jedi and a pair of underworld information brokers will make this one of the Sith Lord’s most important mission.

On the eve of the blockade of the Naboo, one of the Trade Federation leaders Hath Monchar, who is fully aware of the plans that are in motion and has collected the information onto a holocron, has disappeared, intending to deliver the information to someone in the Republic in exchange for immunity and protection. While Nute Gunray tries to placate Darth Sidious (and even dispatches a bounty hunter to find his rogue colleague), Sidious doesn’t trust the Nemodians and so charges Darth Maul with hunting down the missing viceroy and eliminating him and anyone that he talked to. While Maul is disappointed with the seeming insignificance of the mission, he obeys his Master without question.

Meanwhile on Coruscant, Lorn Pavan and his droid friend and partner I5YQ are down to their last credits and desperate. Lorn once worked for the Jedi Order, only to be fired when they inducted his own son, Jax, into the organization; Lorn recovered I5 and discovered that he was an incredibly “human” droid who he kitted out with a number of utility mods. Through their contacts, they find out about a Nemoidian with information to sell. Lorn procures the information, only for Maul and the bounty hunter to show up; Maul learns that Pavan has the holocron and escapes while the bounty hunter accidentally kills herself.

As Maul begins to chase Lorn and I5, the three cross paths with a Jedi Master and his padawan who were nearby on other business. The Master tasks his apprentice, Darsha, with protecting Lorn and the droid while he holds off the assassin, though he his killed in a speeder crash. Darsha leads I5 and Lorn into the Coruscant underworld where they are captured by cannibalistic humanoids, though working together they manage to drive them away. Lorn finds himself warming up to Darsha, leading to conflicting feelings within him, though they are forced to continue to rely upon each other as they not only escape Maul once more, but an underground monster that is not only immune to the Force but even to lightsabers.

Just as they are within reach of safety, Maul corners them once more. Darsha seals Lorn and I5 in a vault used for carbonite freezing while she attempts to stop the Sith permanently; while Maul is no question the superior swordsman, Darsha allows the Force to guide her actions and not only stalls Maul long enough for I5 to but the finishing touches on their plan, she almost kills him by setting off a large explosion, though at the cost of her own life. Maul escapes, though since he cannot sense Lorn or the droid, he believes them to have been killed in the blast.

Shortly after, Lorn and I5 thaw from their carbonite freeze and believe themselves safe, though Lorn is devastated by Darsha’s death. He contacts on old friend who picks them up, though they soon spot the Sith still alive. Lorn deactivates I5 and tasks his friend with delivering the droid to the Jedi Temple while he goes to kill the assassin. After following him for a bit, Lorn does get the jump on Maul, though the Sith quickly turns the tide and forces Pavan to flee…straight into the waiting entourage of Senator Palpatine; Lorn gives Palpatine the holocron while he is taken into protective custody. All patched up, Lorn wonders why he hasn’t heard from I5, unaware that his so called “friend” decided to keep the droid and sell him, aware of his unique capabilities. However, Lorn’s triumph quickly turns to tragedy as Maul reveals himself once more and finally strikes Pavan down. The forward is now clear and soon the Sith will reveal themselves to the Jedi…

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter is a great read that flies by as the plot hurtles along at an almost breakneck pace, while never feeling like things are going TO fast and also slowing down to get to know Lorn, I5 and Darsha. Speaking of I5, he is easily the best character in the story; Star Wars has an exceptional track record with nearly every Star Wars project, either Canon or Legends, almost guaranteed to introduce a new droid character that will become beloved, and I5 stands shoulder to shoulder with other droids like C-3PO, HK-47 and L3-37; he’s as dependable as a Wookiee and as versatile as R2; he’s quick with his wit, insights, and weapons, and is treated like an equal by Lorn, something other people find baffling. I5 will return down the line, and I am all here for it.

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter is a great read that sweeps the reader up in an adventure that carriers them straight to the beginning of Episode I. While Darth Maul is as terrifying and relentless as ever, the new characters not only manage to stand out, but to shine as in I5’s case. If you want a book that makes you excited to see what came just before the events of the films, then you need to pick up Shadow Hunter. Next time, it’s finally here: we will be looking at one of Star Wars films for the first time with a review of Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Connections to the GFFA

Maul mentions Exar Kun, the creator of the double-bladed lightsaber, who appeared in the Tales of the Jedi comic series.

Maul incorporates teras kasi, the fighting style featured in Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi.

 Final Score: 8.5/10

[imaybelactoseintolerant]

Commander Luthal

Chapter Three: Master

By the way, this is also being uploaded on AO3, under the same name and username.

Oh, and any interactions she has with other characters I've created are really only for her childhood, and they likely won't pop up later. It's just so I'm not cramming every single Jedi ever named into her life.

Word Count: 3054

Masterlist

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Arwen was seven when the Jedi Council called her to the Council Chamber, the first time she’d been there since she was accepted into the Order.

The room felt… heavy when she entered, even with only Master Yoda and Master Windu inside. The latter eyed her with suspicion. Cringing a little, she wondered what she had done wrong. She recounted the days events in her head; she’d woken up and eaten with Tarrock, she’d attended all her lessons, handed in an assignment, she’d stayed behind an hour later after saber practise by herself, she’d asked Master Nu for help finding some Kaleesh histories in the archives, then she had gone to dinner. She’d been walking back with Tarrock to their room, talking about the recent trade blockade and battle on Naboo; the Trade Federation had been defeated, but it had been several days and any more details were scarce. All Tarrock had to tell her was that Viceroy Nute Gunray had been taken into custody, and then a temple guard had pulled her aside and told her the Council had summoned her.

Still, she couldn’t help but ask, “Have I done something wrong, Masters?”

“Remain to be seen, that does,” Master Yoda said gravely.

Swallowing, she stood before the two with her arms folded in against one another, trying to look calm.

“Your previous teacher,” Master Windu said, and Arwen frowned. She hadn’t talked about him since they’d asked her about it when she was admitted into the Order, but she had thought about him. Sometimes she felt guilty—what if he had come looking for her, and found she had disappeared? Maybe he’d been testing her, and come back to check on her progress, assure her he was just seeing how she would handle learning without him, only to learn that she’d joined the Jedi Order? Maybe—

Could the Council tell that she felt guilty? That she still thought of him occasionally, and wondered what had happened to him?

“He was a Zabrak, red skinned? With black tattoos on his face?”

Her eye twitched. She didn’t think she’d ever told them that… maybe they’d asked Madam Oren, she had seen his face before, just briefly… she nodded slowly, eyes flitting between the two Masters with uncertainty.

“Yes?”

“What was his name?”

Reflexively, her lips pressed together. She’d promised him, years ago, that she would never tell anyone his name.

“I thought you said I didn’t have to tell you that?” She asked quietly, eyes lowering to the floor. She didn’t want to tell them, but what would happen if she didn’t? Would she be kicked out of the Jedi Order? Oh, how disappointed would Madam Oren be? Would he even want to teach her, if he had indeed been looking for her, now that he knew she had abandoned him for the Jedi after only a few months?

“Changed, the circumstances have,” Master Yoda said, standing from his chair then ambling over to her. He stopped at arms length, resting his three clawed fingers atop his walking stick, “Encountered him, the Jedi have. Information, we have gathered, and eager, we are, to determine its validity.”

Master Yoda held out a holoprojector, and the small disk activated, showing a miniature, blue tinted form that she instantly recognised.

“Master Maul,” she said without thinking.

“The same name, were we given,” Master Yoda said, exchanging a short look with Master Windu, “Master, you call him?” Master Windu stood suddenly, stepping over to Master Yoda’s side.

Flustered, Arwen nodded, “That’s what he said to call him, when he was telling me about the Force.”

“And what did he teach you? How did he teach you to use the Force?”

Master Windu, whilst a stern and rather unemotional man, had never intimidated her much before now. He’d always been an authority figure, but never someone she was scared of. He was on the Council, an accomplished duelist from what she’d been told, and second only to Master Yoda himself in wisdom. Arwen had no reason to be intimidated by him, he’d earned her respect simply by being a part of the Council that had allowed her to join the Jedi Order.

But now, as he looked down his nose at her with narrowed eyes, lips pressed tightly together, Arwen could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage, could hear her blood pumping in her ears, and she fought the overpowering urge to take a few steps back, to ready herself to run.

She drew in a shaky breath. She hadn’t done anything wrong. She didn’t know why Master Maul teaching her changed anything. They’d always known she had an instructor before them.

“He taught me how to meditate,” she swallowed thickly, “He told me about the Jedi being most recognisable Force users, but that some other planets, like Dorin, have their own groups of Force sensitives, like the Baran Do Sages. He taught me how to see the Force beyond my hands, because that’s what I used to think it was; invisible hands that sometimes made me move out of the way faster, or that I could feel when I focussed.”

“Anything else, is there?” Master Yoda asked. She thought for a moment, then shook her head, “Sure, you are? To meditate, how did he instruct you?”

“The same way I was told to here, except…” her heart ceased its pounding for a moment, and then clenched painfully. Master Maul had taught her something different about the purpose of meditation, “Instead of letting go of my emotions, he told me to use my emotions, because they would make me stronger.”

There was a long stretch of silence in which the two Masters exchanged a heavy look.

“Passion, did he say, would make you powerful?”

She nodded silently.

“Troubling, this revelation is.”

“But why, Master? You knew I had a teacher before I came to the Order—”

“We assumed he must have been a former Jedi, or at least trained by a Jedi informally,” Master Windu said, “Not that your former Master was a Sith,” his voice was only a tad harder than usual, but it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Not only that, but the last word was said with such finality, such pointedness, that Arwen leaned back slightly.

“What’s a Sith?”

Master Windu looked at her with suspicious, doubtful eyes, but Master Yoda spoke, “Knowledge of the Sith, for older initiates to learn, this is. Remember, do you, your lessons in the Force?” When she nodded, he continued, “Two sides, there are. Light and Dark. Light, are the ways of the Jedi. Balance, we seek in the galaxy. Peace and harmony, we strive for. The way of the Jedi, this is. Of the Dark side, is chaos and passion. Pain and suffering—that is the way of the Sith.”

“Master Maul told me there was a Light side and a Dark side, but he didn’t… I never knew what he was teaching me, I swear! He didn’t tell me the rules or—”

Master Windu held up his hand and her mouth snapped shut.

“Was this ‘Maul’ alone?”

“When I saw him, he was.”

“Did he ever mention others to you?”

“No? Like who?”

“Neimoidians? Politicians? Traders?” She shook her head, “A master?”

Her frown deepened, but she answered, “I never asked. I guess it makes sense, he would have learned from someone, but he never said anything.”

“Troubling, this is. Always two, there are. A master, and an apprentice,” her back could have been turned and she would have felt the weight of their eyes, “An apprentice to the Sith, you were groomed to be. A master he had, we do not know,” Master Yoda stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyes closing.

Arwen bit the inside of her cheek.

“Darkness, I do not sense in you. Darkness, I did not sense when we accepted you. To blame, you are not, for the way you were taught,” she let out a shaky exhale, relieved, “The way of the Jedi, continue to follow, you must.”

She was nodding before he finished speaking.

“And you must not speak a word of this to anyone but myself and Master Yoda—is that clear?”

“Yes, Master. I won’t say anything.”

Seemingly satisfied, Master Windu nodded once, “You may leave, Initiate Luthal.”

She made for the exit quickly, eager to escape the lingering grave energy still in the room, but once the door opened, she stopped, then slowly turned, “Masters?”

“More to say, have you?” Master Yoda asked.

“Did Master… did he mention me?” Had he been looking for her, is what she wanted to ask, but it sounded too hopeful in her head, and she wasn’t really sure what she wanted the answer to be.

The two Masters stood in silence, heads angled towards her.

She should have taken the hint and left, ignored the heavy weight settled in the pit of her stomach at the thought of him coming back for her, only to find her gone, and she should have forgotten about him. But Arwen lingered in the open doorway, waiting for them to answer.

“Speak, he did not,” her heart dropped. Master Maul, despite terrifying anyone she had seen him so much as look at, was quite talkative with her, “Mindful of your feelings, must you be, Arwen. Attachment leads to fear. Fear leads to suffering. The way of the Dark side, this is.”

Arwen nodded and bowed before leaving the Council Chambers, her throat tight and eyes glassy. She beelined straight for the Room of a Thousand Fountains. No matter what time of day, there was always a quiet, empty place there.

Despite being deep within the Jedi Temple, with no access to sunlight, the seven storey tall greenhouse, complete with a dome ceiling, was bright, warm and alive. The Room of a Thousand Fountains felt more natural than even the forest that lay not far from the orphanage she had grown up in. The dome itself contained a sophisticated holoprojection suite that mimicked the day and night cycles of places far more beautiful than Coruscant, with vivid blue skies, swirling clouds, vibrant sunsets and sunrises, and a score of different weather ambience. The ground was primarily soil, but stepping stone paths were woven around the trees and shrubbery, with gazebos and benches placed here and there, for members of the Order to stroll through, and plenty of places to meditate.

Arwen had learned from Master Plo that the best places to meditate when one truly needed to, were off the path; amongst the flowers, or on beds of clover and grass, at the base of a tree with great gnarled roots, at the foot of a waterfall, or at the side of a babbling brook. There was no shortage of picturesque locations, and there was nowhere else on Coruscant with such diverse and dense plantlife.

The night cycle had already begun when she entered, and there were few others she saw on her long walk towards her favourite place, nestled deep within the giant greenhouse, under the arched cover of a tree only six feet tall that bloomed with wide petaled pink flowers, and near to a waterfall barely taller than she was. She knelt upon the soft ground, and wiped away the tears that finally spilled.

She desperately wiped them away, hoping no one would hear her or, worse, find her.

Had it just been a coincidence that Master Maul had happened across some Jedi, or had he come looking for her? Had he seen the power the Jedi wielded, and decided she wasn’t worth chasing after, or had he never come looking for her at all? Which hurt worse?

Chest heaving as she fought to silence her sobs, she realised it didn’t matter. Either he’d been looking for her and given up, not even speaking to the Jedi to get a message to her, or it had been a coincidence, and he didn’t care where she was.

Why did it hurt so much? Master Maul had said, repeatedly, that was all he would ever be to her; a master, her teacher. When he promised to take her away one day, he’d been very clear that he would never be her father, or family, but she’d still latched onto him nonetheless, clung to their scant hours together, waited by windows on the days she thought he would turn up, ask question after question when he took her back to the orphanage just so he could stay even a little longer.

He said he would take her away one day. What changed?

She swallowed her cries—pathetic, Master Maul would have said, control your emotions—and thought over what she’d been told. Master Maul hadn’t spoken, so to have known his name someone had to have told them. What had they said… politicians, traders, Neimoidians? What did they have to do with any of this?

She mulled it over in her head, but couldn’t come to any kind of conclusion that wasn’t completely fantastical.

When Arwen had managed to silence the worst of her sobs, she began her much needed meditation session. Her breaths were still shaky, her eyes still watery, and her hands shook, but she knew she couldn’t just try to sleep this one off, not until she’d calmed down a lot more.

She spent hours in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, knelt upon the soft ground, hands resting upon her legs, mind reaching out to the Force and letting it soothe her shaking body and calm her frayed thoughts. When the Force had lulled her mind into a less volatile state, she began sorting through her emotions the way the Jedi had taught her—picking apart her feelings, finding what precisely they were a reaction to, and letting them go into the Force. They would do her no good here. Jedi did not meditate on their emotions to gain power. Jedi meditated for inner peace.

Some time through her meditation, she’d moved her hands from her legs and to the ground, letting the soft grass tickle her palms as she rested them there. She felt the life at her fingertips, felt its steady rhythm, its gentle lull. She anchored herself to it, let her breaths synchronise with the gentle sway of the Force as she let her mind brush over it. Nowhere else in the Temple was it so peaceful, so alive with the Force, with life itself.

Her mind suddenly ached for a planet other than Coruscant, or Eshan. She’d been told there were planets that felt like this room, only grander, and on a far larger scale. Where the earth and water, plants and animals, the very core, were deeply entwined with the Force. How peaceful would a planet like that feel? What would it feel like to have the Force itself wrapped so fully around her?

Arwen longed for such comfort. Surely in a place like that she would hardly have to meditate—the Force would simply melt away her frustrations, her sorrow, her longing.

But the Jedi Temple was what she had—and it was more than enough.

It was late by the time she had sorted through her emotions, and it was only when she saw Crèche Master Kuula outside the door to her shared room that Arwen realised she was in trouble for the second time today.

Master Kuula, dark skinned, with dark braided hair and warm amber eyes, wasn’t an unfair woman, and so let Arwen explain herself. She told her that Master Yoda and Master Windu called her away after dinner to speak to her, and she had been meditating on their conversation in the Room of  Thousand Fountains since then, which wasn’t a complete lie, and while Master Kuula wasn’t happy about it, she respected the fact that she’d been told not to speak of the conversation they’d had.

Arwen wasn’t let off without punishment—she’d still missed curfew by several hours—and spent the next afternoon helping take care of some of the infants in the crèche to make up for it.

It was days later when news of the death of Qui-Gon Jinn was announced to the Order; he’d died on Naboo during the fight where Queen Amidala took back her planet from the Trade Federation. His padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, was knighted for his part in Naboo’s victory. Anakin Skywalker, nine years old, was the oldest child to be admitted to the Order—ever, from what Arwen knew—and immediately taken on as a padawan to Master Kenobi. Master Dooku grew visibly more distant in training sessions, and several weeks later he left the Jedi Order.

Master Oppo Rancisis, a member of the Jedi Council like Master Dooku had been, was given the position that Master Dooku had filled, instructing Arwen and her crèche mates in lightsaber combat. Though he was certainly accomplished and respected, Arwen could not stop herself from wanting Master Dooku to come back. He’d been one of the best duelists in the Order, and there was a part of her that was incredibly prideful at the fact that he was teaching her. Fine teachers made even finer students, and aside from Master Windu, she didn’t think there was anyone better to learn from.

Even so, Master Rancisis’ saber skills weren’t something to scoff at, and she paid as much attention to him as she had to Master Dooku, even if he didn’t command the room like her former instructor had.

When the yearly tournament came around again, Arwen placed first once more, beating out some of the older initiates in the early pairings, though Thranta Clan had still only came second, this time losing to Heliost Clan.

Arwen vowed that next year they would do better—she’d be eight by then, just old enough to become a padawan, and while it was unlikely she’d be picked straight away, she couldn’t stop herself from hoping. She’d train harder, more often, and make sure she was still the best. A master would see her skills, her dedication, and she would impress them. They’d check her progress. They’d approach her. They would ask her. She would say yes.

If that kid—what was his name? Skywalker?—had been picked straight away, without any kind of training whatsoever, how hard could it be, really, to impress a knight or a master?

[archduke42]

Old Barriss fanfiction

For those bored on a Friday nite, I thought I would post more segments of an older story I wrote before TCW came to TV. When Barriss became my Muse, I just started giving her more adventures and liberties to be involved more in the Prequel Trilogy timeline

In this scene, Darth Tyrranus has lured Barriss into a trap when she arrives on Geonosis to attempt to rescue captured Obi-Wan Kenobi. Keep in mind, when I wrote this, Dooku and Tyrannus are two different characters, and Tyrannus has abilities where he can only be seen by Barriss as he poisons the minds of Dooku and the Separatists.  Barriss is put on trial,and sentenced to Death.  Dooku, who is slowly becoming a Dark Jedi obsessed with hunting down Darth Sidious, also reveals the big secret that has been hidden from Barriss her entire life, which will devastate her in that moment.

I know some of this reading may be a bit over the top, but I was excited to write a cliffhanger moment for her.

It may look as if I Mar Sue’d Barriss the way Filoni writes Ahsoka, but at the time I preferred to think of stories like this as “Barriss being a normal Jedi trying to do her best, gets into epic situations and faces imminent death.....but then a miracle happens and she just becomes naturally more awesome” kind of thing.  At the very least, I tried to make all her epic moments plausible when I wrote it.  Enjoy

(Barriss is brought into a large chamber blindfolded and tied up. The blindfold is removed. She finds herself facing Separatists Shu Mai, Nute Gunray, Po Nudo, Sun Fac and the shadowy Darth Tyrannus)

Tyrannus: A surprise for the Council......a Jedi spy.

Barriss: TRAITORS! Where's Dooku? Where is Senator Hadranus?

Shu: *SILENCE! You are in no position to demand anything!*

Nute: It is an unfortunate turn of events for you, my dear.

Barriss: When the Chancellor discovers your deeds here, Viceroy, you-

Nute: -Oh, be quiet. I hear that one every morning.

Sun: *Jedi Padawan Barriss Offee, it is with great regret that you are charged and found guilty of trespassing into a sacred catacomb of our honored dead. Great though your heart and deeds may be, you are unworthy to be in such a place. The penalty is Death!*

(Barriss turns to Tyrannus)

Barriss: Clever little trap for a clever little joke trial.

Tyrannus: An easy one, too. Master Unduli would never have fallen for such an obvious ruse.

(Barriss looks at him with irritation at the taunt)

Barriss: I’ll have you eating those words when Master Dooku gets here!

Nute: You can't talk to us like this! This is outrageous. You're on trial, you green skinned pest! This is for what you did on Naboo years ago!

(Barriss turns to the neutral Sun Fac with urgency)

Barriss: Sun Fac, you obviously remember that we Jedi have always been your allies. We helped end Hadiss' reign of terror. How can you let them pull off this "kangaroo court"??

Sun: *Politics......make strange bedfellows, Padawan Offee. Archduke Poggle is now a member of the Confederacy-*

Barriss: -No!-

Sun: *-of Independant Systems. Even if it were not so, you were caught in the sacred catacombs. Wether intentional or not......we must follow with Geonosian Law!*

Barriss: Joining the Sepratists makes you a traitor, Sun Fac!! Don't give in to their lies! Go get Senator Hadranus!

Tyranus: Barriss, Barriss. General Hadranus is not on this world. He is on Rhen Var, and he is about to discover his true destiny.

Barriss: Even if you kill me, the Republic will not stand for this horrible act! Palpatine will have you all on trial!

Nute: (sigh) Booring!

(Tyranus swiftly moves next to her with silent grace)

Tyranus: There is no victory you can have that I cannot take away.....

(The doors behind them burst open. Count Dooku storms into the proceedings, startling everybody. Barriss turns to him with a small feeling of relief. She turns back to Tyranus to give a witty reply, but Tyranus has vanished again)

Dooku: This is outrageous! Of all the audacious things!! I cannot allow this to turn into a circus!

Barriss: Master Dooku, I am grateful you are here! Finally you can tell these lunatics to let me go!

(A sudden uncomfortable chill sweeps over her as Dooku marches to her sternly. He looms over her like a dreaded prophet of Doom)

Dooku: On the contrary, young padawan.......I am here to stop you from ruining everything!!

Barriss: (In shock) WHAT??

Tyrannus: (whispering) She is a traitor....she must die.....she will destroy all your dreams....

(Barriss can actually HEAR Tyrannus as he sends horrible thoughts to Dooku's mind. Dooku's face is red with a held back indignant rage)

Dooku: You, of all people, Barriss......I never thought I'd see you try to stab Qui-Gon in the back as well with this treachery!

Barriss: MASTER DOOKU!! He was LIKE A FATHER TO ME!

(Dooku frowns even more)

Dooku: More's the pity!

(He walks past her)

Dooku: Barriss, the punishment for spying is death in the arena, the punishment for desecration of the sacred Nekropolis....death by immolation. The Geonosians believe it is to purify the stench of your unholy trespass. If I will it, you would die in a most horrible fashion.......but it would be an even worse fate that you should die without ever knowing what it was that has kept you alive.....

Barriss: Don't give in to the madness......this Confederacy of yours is an act of TREASON!!!

Dooku: I have cared for you like a granddaughter, and I have held secrets to protect you.....

Barriss: What are you talking about??

(At that moment, the dread Cyborg, General Grievous, enters the trial room. Barriss becomes frightfully aware of the malicious aura. She recognizes him, and he almost seems to smile under his cold metallic mask)

Grievous: Barriss.......how lovely......

(Dooku and Grievous escort Barriss Offee down to the dungeon)

Barriss: This is NOT the answer, Master Dooku! War with the Republic-

Dooku: -I did not ask for this war! I did not ask for my friends to die needlessly on Naboo.....or here....

(Dooku gets paternal as he opens a secret door among the dank dark cells)

Dooku: I have always admired your drive and initiative, your strong will. You would have made a great Jedi....

Barriss: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!!!! BILLIONS WILL DIE IF YOU GO DOWN THIS PATH!!! You will be lost to us....please....don't do this! Please....

(Grievous stands coldly as Dooku leads her into a small chamber with several tunnels)

Dooku: Barris, I am carrying out the best kind of death sentence for you I can. I pulled strings to get you here.

Barriss: (sarcastic) Oh, thank you. I'm soooo grateful! You put me in the dungeon! You are not a Geonosian, you don't have-

(He leans down, for a moment, caressing her head in a grandfatherly way. He is ready to sacrifice even those he would call family to fulfill his obsession in destroying the Sith)

Dooku: -You don't understand. The legal alternatives like the arena.....it would be unbearable to see you suffer that fate. I do this for you as the friend you once were. Trust me, I helped design things so Poggle would never have to worry about the same stunts that were pulled when you and Master Unduli interfered years ago....Master Kenobi is also under sentence of Death.

(Barriss looks at him, shocked and horrified. He is not the graceful, witty Jedi she had known for so long. Dooku wearily stops and slowly turns to almost glance back out the door at Grievous. He looks uncertain about everything)

Dooku: It is not your fault, Barriss. You were a tool of the Jedi and the Senate. They have killed you, We must stop the Sith. We must make it all right. THAT is why this must happen.

(Barriss gets angry)

Barriss: What would Qui-gon say? You would kill your own friends and family??

Dooku: So much you do not know....about family...

(Barriss gets more agitated, but Dooku suddenly gets very quiet)

Barriss: WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT IT!!!??? You're Master Dooku!! Lord of all you survey!! You can kill with a word and these tin pot drones will do it!

(He looks away. Grievous gets huffy outside the room, but Barriss is no longer scared of the Cyborg)

Barriss: And you shut up, Grievous!! Nobody cares to hear your opinions!!

(She almost snarls at Dooku)

Barriss: I've grown up my whole life obeying the rules, smiling and eating and breathing according to the rules of the Order without ever knowing my family, my parents....How dare you!!?? Telling me I know nothing about it....you keep rattling on about secrets you held!!! You talk about family and yet you have calmly given me the DEATH SENTENCE???? WHAT IS GOING ON???!!!!

Dooku: IT is about your mother and father!

Barriss: What about them? I never got to meet them!

Dooku: YES, YOU DID!!!

(Barriss is stunned. Dooku composes himself)

Dooku: Qui-gon never told you about your father.....

(POV Does a CU of Barriss)

Barriss: What did Qui-gon know about my father?

(CU of Dooku as he drops the bomb on Barriss)

Dooku: Qui-gon....he WAS your father!!

(Barriss looks at Dooku in complete disbelief)

Barriss: -That can't be! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!!!

Dooku: Search your feelings, you know it to be true!

Barriss: But who wo-

(Barriss stops and gets wide eyed as she suddenly realizes, as if putting two and two together on who "Mother" really is!! She holds back the shock as best she can, fully aware of everything around her)

Barriss: (sobbing) It can't be....IT CAN'T BE!!!

Dooku: It was time now to tell you, because time is so short! So much for you to know, but....

(Dooku looks away. He suddenly can't look her in the face)

Barriss: (tears up) All this time....

Dooku: You deserved to know before I sealed you in. You will wander these tunnels until you succumb to death. There is no way out. But at least you have a chance to die in peace, with the truth....I am truly sorry.

(Dooku, oblivious to Barriss' state of mind, turns and exits)

Barriss: (whispering) You son of a bitch.....You've condemned me to a fate worse than death.....

Dooku: You will die with dignity, and no one will ever know of what I have told you. When I establish a new galactic order.....you will be remembered as a great hero to the next generation of Jedi....A NEW Generation of Jedi under MY leadership!

(POV watches Dooku seal the door shut, Barriss' silhouette dimmed by the growing darkness)

(POV follows Dooku and Grievous back into the palace)

Dooku: Prepare the staff for our next briefing, especially concerning Poggle's latest weapons' project. Prepare the trial for Senator Amidala and her puppydog Skywalker!! They will join Master Kenobi for the arena.

Grievous: Yes, my lord.

(Dooku steps into another room quickly out of sight. He leans against a wall and closes his eyes. His world feels like it is crumbling around him for a few seconds. Tears fill his eyes for a second, but he grips himself)

Tyrannus: (VO whisper) Friends must die so that you can win against the Sith Lord. It is a necessary sacrifice....

(Dooku wants to say something, but the Darkness clouds his judgement and he steels his resolve to destroy the Sith even though he has committed one of his first terrible acts to accomplish it)

(Barriss sits in the dark, facing the tunnels, pondering what to do as she recovers from crying. The door opens behind her. CU of Grievous as he slowly enters and lights up two sabres with glee)

Barriss: YOU!!

Grievous: My child, I have waited a long stretch of time for this rematch!!

(Barriss jumps up and prepares for battle! Sabre lit, she stands in readiness as Grievous closes the door behind him)

Grievous: You are dead, one way or another. Dooku does not need to know the details!  I think about our encounters on Naboo all those years ago, and I think I owe it to you to make this as painful and prolonged as possible!!

(He lights up a total of four sabers! Barriss suddenly realizes she is out of her depth fighting him. Smartly, she leaps into the nearest tunnel. Grievous laughs)

Grievous: You cannot run far!! Every tunnel in this labyrinth is a dead end!!

How does Barriss escape??  That is a story for another time....

[dollsandmasks]

I haven't played Y School Heroes yet, nor have I watched the anime for it.

All I know is that it appears to take place roughly 25 years after Shadowside, and almost all youkai have been wiped out by aliens (???) and reincarnated as humans. Wild, but I can get behind it, not the weirdest thing to ever happen in Youkai Watch.

I've seen screenshots of the game, and they confirm that at least two youkai who are very dear to me did survive the space wars.

And thank God they did, because otherwise my heart would be shattered into a myriad of tiny pieces.

But that begs another question

Who the hell is this kid supposed to be?

His name is Mitsumatagi Nozuchika, which makes it pretty clear which youkai he is a reincarnation of (it's Mitsumata Nozuchi, aka Micchy). His name, overall silhouette, hair and eye color, everything points to him being Micchy's reincarnation - they even have the same voice actor, Onosaka Masaya. And yet, Micchy is supposedly alive at the time of Y School Heroes, unless they grabbed him and Junior out of a time-space portal or something? But that would mean that they both actually died to aliens some time after Shadowside, and I am not in favor of that interpretation, nope, not on my watch.

I've seen Nozuchika being referred to as Micchy's "indirect reincarnation", whatever that means. Do they possess the same soul, somehow? The same energy reading that just happened to manifest twice in the same universe? How will they react to each other if they meet, would that make reality collapse?

Anyway, imagine a 38 year old Natsume returning home to see not only Micchy, but a second, human Micchy, brought there by the youkai Micchy.

"Together we can guard you twice as efficiently, Natsume-san!"

And Natsume's just like

This is getting out of hand! Now, there are *two* of them! - Viceroy Nute Gunray - Now there are two of them - quickmeme

And then the Mitsumata Nozuchi from the first three games frees himself from his seals in the school yard and joins the Micchy party.

Truly the timeline we all deserve.

[gryffindor-jedi]

The Night Fox - Chapter 3

Based on @royalhandmaidens Vigilante Commander Fox theory. The story will eventually lead into Foxiyo and a happy au.

Sorry for the delay - writer's block. I promise no more huge delays!

Prologue • Chapter 1 • Chapter 2

Summary: Senator Chuchi hides secrets, and the Night Fox is in more danger than he realizes.

Word count: 1155 words

“Explain, Viceroy, where exactly is the prototype cortosis armor?” The low voice of Darth Sidious murmured through the holo-projector.

“It is not as—I mean I will recover the armor, my lord.” said Viceroy Nute Gunray, in a trembling voice. Sib Canay was the one responsible for the transportation of the special cortosis armor, and when the meddling Pantoran and her Togruta Jedi had stumbled onto the Trade Federation ship, the ship had been entirely searched by Republic troopers, who found the armor. As long as no one was dumb enough to shoot at the armor, no one would know. But the 501st was known for its eccentricity and creativity, and if they found it, it would probably only be in a Republic Senate vault…

“It is not in any Republic facility, Viceroy, and it requires some investigation into the private quarters of certain high-ranking members of the Republic. I presume that you are capable?” said Darth Sidious, as though reading Gunray's mind.

Lord Sidious's intentions became clear – recovering the armor was too simple a task for his Sith, but could also not be left to random bounty hunters. He needed a middle man.

“I shall recover the armor at once, my lord.” Gunray replied, with a slightly pompous air, as Lord Sidious ended the transmission.

“Call in those bounty hunters, and have them search the senatorial apartments, starting with Senator Chuchi!” Gunray commanded. “And no witnesses!”

——————————————————————————

Fox woke up to suspicious clattering. Wondering if tookas could somehow climb into second-story apartments, he wandered to the window. Shaking his head slightly, Fox decided to head back to bed, when the clattering intensified. It seemed to be coming from Riyo's apartment. Fox peeked his head out his door, and noticed that the security cams around her apartment had been disabled. After quickly getting into the cortosis armor, Fox searched his knapsack, before realizing that he hadn't packed his blasters. It was time for the Night Fox to emerge – with or without blasters.

“What exactly are you looking for?” Fox asked, flipping on the light. There were four of them in the room, and they were all droids.

“Surrender, you are outnumbered and unarmed.” One of the droids chirped. “And we won't take it easy on you.”

“Always did hate droids” muttered Fox, and ran towards them.

He had managed to flip one of them over his shoulder, before the other three began shooting at him. The shower of blaster bolts did nothing to him, and the three droids froze. Fox grabbed a blaster from the droid below him, and shot all four. After a moment, Fox realized that none of the blasters could be set to stun, and that he should have been dead.

“How did you get in?” Riyo shouted, pulling out her comm. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call the Jedi.”

Fox gestured to the droids, and tried to find his voice. “They were searching for something, and…” Fox's voice trailed off.

“It's you, isn't it?” Riyo's face split into a smile. “You always seem to know when I'm in trouble.”

Fox felt his face warming, before realizing that Riyo had no idea of knowing who he was.

“I must leave now.” Fox said as he dashed out.

He had barely managed to change and stash his armor, before there was a knock at his door.

“It's me Fox.” Riyo called. “I need someone to talk to.”

Fox let her in, and she collapsed on the couch.

“I'd rather stay here tonight” Riyo whispered. “My apartment was broken into, and I don't really feel that safe there. I can take the couch, but I need to sleep, and the Senate proceedings took such a long time.”

“Take the bed” Fox ordered. How dare Riyo think that he would let such an exhausted senator sleep on the couch? Did she think him so heartless?

“Thanks” Riyo smiled, and managed to stumble her way to the bed. “Don't worry, I'll take the couch next time.”

Fox sat down on the couch, and his head buzzed with unspoken questions. Riyo trusted him enough for a potential next time? If there was going to be a next time, then did Riyo know why her apartment was broken into? And did she trust him enough to protect her?

——————————————————————————

Fox couldn't sleep, and decided to try making a special breakfast for his overnight visitor. Although his meals were delivered, Fox was determined to impress Riyo. Unfortunately, the fire alarm was hypersensitive, and its incessant ringing caused Riyo to check up on him.

“I am so sorry, Senator…” Fox hesitated, trying to think of a reasonable explanation.

“Relax, I was already awake.” Riyo smiled, as the wailing slowly quieted down. “What were you trying to make?”

“Whatever it was, it wasn't successful or worth mentioning…” Fox smiled sheepishly. “But I do want to know why anyone would break into your apartment.”

“I have no idea, honestly” Riyo furtively looked at the timepiece. “I do know that I'm probably late for a meeting!”

Riyo began to run out of the room. “Thank you so much for letting me borrow the bed!”

Fox couldn't help but doubt her honesty. As Fox pulled out the special armor, he realized that it scarcely had a dent or any indication of last night's battle. Which caused Fox to understand the reason behind Riyo's intriguing behavior – giving an impenetrable armor to an unknown vigilante would probably cause anyone to panic, especially when questioned by a member of the Coruscant Guard.

“I guess the Night Fox will have to take over Senator Chuchi's protection detail.” Fox mused, running his hand over his undamaged red armor.

——————————————————————————

“A lone fighter took out all four of the droids, and you just let him?” Gunray yelled at the Rodian bounty hunter.

“I searched the apartment first, and the armor wasn't there. That intruder had very interesting red armor, and some sort of animal on the helmet. And his armor kept on repelling blaster bolts, so I'm guessing that it's special armor, which means I deserve more money to go after him!” The Rodian began to bargain.

Gunray ended the transmission, without replying. If word got out about that armor, it could fall into the wrong hands. Time to recruit another better bounty hunter, and cut ties with this one, permanently.

“Your mysterious figure sounds familiar, doesn't he?” Sidious asked menacingly.

Despite being a minuscule holo-figure, Gunray couldn't help but gulp. “I don't seem to recall–”

“It is the same Night Fox, the vigilante fighter of the Coruscant underworld. The mascot of the anti-clone protestors.” Sidious turned away from Gunray. “It appears that his usefulness is at its end. Eliminate him, but make sure that the Coruscant Guard is to blame…”

Tag list: @penguinkiwi, @kris-styx

(Just ask to be added!)

[sw5w]

It Appears to Be Made Up of Primitives

STAR WARS EPISODE I: The Phantom Menace 01:44:49

[mortallyclearwonderland]

Smash or Pass - Separatist Council

Nute Gunray - Smash

I think he and Neimoidians in general are cute. They have those grumpy faces that just make me want to squish them or put my fingers into their dimples and make them smile. When it comes to Viceroy himself it's a mix of ''I can fix him.'' and ''Poor baby.'' If you know his backstory you know what I mean. Also, I like his voice. It's cute and manly at the same time.   

San Hill - Smash

I’m going to repeat myself. ''I can fix him.'' and ''Poor baby.'' He also has a tragic backstory, he lost his family and was abused as a child. Makes you want to take care of him. He's tall (short for a Muun). Has three hearts which probably gives him greater stamina than humans. I would like to listen to them (wonder how they sound, do they beat in sync?) Also, look at those two long fingers.

Wat Tambor - Pass

I would give him a hug, he looks like a good huger but that’s it. He's movie and show iterations look fine but in the comic, he looks like a gummy bear with only a couple of teeth.  Art style can really make a difference.

Po Nudo - Pass

He's not the worst looking, but he also doesn't do anything for me. Just a bit of personality would've been nice.

Poggle the Lesser - Pass

Too much bug-like for me. I would like to fly on his back tho. One Geonosian can carry at least one grown human. I like his language. I think it’s cute and funny.

Passel Argente - Smash

He’s fine. I would like to touch his horn.

Tikkes - Smash

Got beautiful blue eyes, and he dresses elegantly. Probably a good kisser with that mouth.

Shu Mai - Pass

I'm straight, so automatically a no. She's cute. 

[erikitty]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Star Wars 1999 Collectable Cup and Nute Gunray Topper Lucas Films.

[amadwomanrambles]

17 and 18 for the most-lease fav asks if you may? 😃💜

Neat! Here’s my following Star Wars Fave/Least Fave:

17. hero

Most Fave: Qi’ra

I have a special kind of love for Solo: A Star Wars Story and it’s because of her. I consider her a hero because in her own mind, she is a hero. Qi’ra, in my opinion, is one of the strongest women in the Star Wars Universe and we haven’t even heard her whole story yet. Yes, Leia has gone through a lot, but Qi’ra we barely even scraped the surface of what she’s done. She’s kept herself alive while being in multiple Crime Syndicates ever since she was a child. She knows how to play the game (Game of Thrones, hehe) and who the heck knows what she’s doing on Dathomir with Darth Maul?! I NEED MORE CONTENT RIGHT MEOW 

Least Fave: C-3PO

Yes, Threepio has been in pretty much every single Star Wars film, but it doesn’t mean that I have to like him. He has his moments but really the mere fact that most of the time the main characters don’t want to deal with him says a lot. He gets himself into trouble most of the time and R2 has to be the one to get him out of shit. He’s pretty darn hopeless and I swear, I don’t understand why people don’t hate him over Jar Jar Binks. 

18. villain 

Most Fave: General Hux

I will stan this man till the ends of time. The films did him dirty, and I am upset we didn’t get to see more of Domhnall’s sweet face on screen. There is so much more to him than you see in the films, and the mere fact that he has been abused in his childhood by his father and his friends (including Allegiant General Pryde) just makes me feel for him more. No, it doesn’t justify his actions, but the mere fact that he was brushed aside after destroying the New Republic just really grinds my gears.

Least Fave: Viceroy Nute Gunray

Ever since The Phantom Menace I’ve had a illogical hatred for Nute Gunray and the Trade Federation. The mere fact that they were just puppets under Palpatine shows that they were literally nothing important other than being footsoldiers for Palpatine’s ultimate gain to rule the Senate. I felt nothing when him and the other Separatists were killed by Darth Vader, since they were just pawns. Also I don’t like their voices, they’re hella annoying.

Ask me questions for my Star Wars Fave/Least Fav Here!

[stuffedeggplants]

As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal

At the beginning of The Phantom Menace, Naboo wants to tax previously untaxed trade routes. The Trade Federation uses those routes, and the new policy will be expensive for them. So they blockade the planet in an attempt to strong-arm the Naboo government into compliance, preventing Naboo from trading at all unless it's done under terms that the Trade Federation likes, i.e. tax free for all Trade Federation traffic. Why is the Federation doing this? Because they are confident they will get away with it, hiding behind the Republic's own legal code and the fact that it's an ineffectual institution unable to actually enforce those same laws.

So is the blockade actually legal like Gunray says it is? 

We never find out, but his plan works best if it either is legal or has a good chance of being so.

In the real world, there are international laws and custom covering what a legal, acceptable blockade looks like. (A perennial issue is that not everyone accepts or follows that law, which is likely also a problem in the Star Wars universe.) It's possible the Republic has something like this, so when Gunray tells everyone that the blockade is "perfectly legal," whether that's true or not, the Republic needs time to investigate and determine whether it is. Its legality and how the Republic should respond may be what the government is debating back on Coruscant as described in the film’s opening crawl.

It's also possible that Gunray was lying, that his blockade is not legal, and that he's just playing for time and trying to muddy the waters by forcing the Republic into a gridlock of investigation and endless debate while Naboo suffers economically. Rather than openly take unambiguously illegal action, Gunray invokes Republic blockade law only because it’s in his interest to do so, hoping to force Naboo into a treaty and settle the issue before the Republic can determine the legality of what he’s done and commit to a course of action. Another possibility is that the Trade Federation blockade actually falls into a legal gray area, and that Gunray is simply claiming it is legal because there is nothing to be gained by saying otherwise.

When Sidious tells Gunray to land droids on the planet, that’s when Gunray gets nervous and asks if that’s legal. Gunray has been using Republic blockade law as a shield, and whether corporeal (legal blockade) or just a smokescreen (illegal blockade), it’s still there defending his interests. But the second a droid carrier passes deep enough into sovereign Naboo airspace or a single B1 foot touches grass planetside, all ambiguity is blown out of the water; they are launching an attack or an invasion, and Gunray is rightly nervous about what taking such an action (that’s very likely illegal) would do for his plans.

The Trade Federation uses law as a weapon to get what it wants, operating in ostensibly legal ways or just at the edge them. The other part of their strategy is their droid force, which does more than just enforce their blockade. In other scenarios, they may use it to push the envelope and more directly intimidate/strong-arm parties into compliance under the threat of what they’d like you to interpret as “legal” violence. But in the case of Naboo, Gunray cannot use the droid army to threaten an attack or invasion because it would likely not be legal, and the Federation would clearly be in the wrong without a leg to stand on.

Bonus:

What does Palpatine get out of this?

He exposes the Republic as ineffectual, unable and/or unwilling to defend its member worlds. Padme is extremely frustrated by this, and Palpatine makes a show of being so too. That’s what gets him elected chancellor, the promise that he’ll finally do something and get the wheels turning.

His secondary motive is to publicly show the Trade Federation as a bad actor, seeding the Clone War years later. Everything falls into place in Attack of the Clones when Obi-wan is on Geonosis, and he transmits a message that’s shared with the government on Coruscant. He reveals that the Trade Federation was not only behind the attempted assassination of the senator for Naboo, but that they’re constructing an entire droid army. Because of the Trade Federation’s now doubly proven track record of attempting to kill diplomats or politicians, and holding hostage then invading Naboo, the Senate is primed to seek a military solution rather than negotiate with a party they believe they cannot trust.