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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 21, 2006 20:12:21 GMT -5
Later that day, the Royal Palace was bustling with activity. King Agmel had ordered a celebration for his fiftieth birthday. Guests were arriving, and the Royal Family and their advisors were to meet in a reception room before entering the banquet hall for the feast. Jerill paced in his room, waiting for Egan to return. He knew that if he waited much longer, he would be late. Finally, the servant's passage opened, and Egan stepped through.
"I'm sorry, sir. I hurried." Egan said, handing over a small silver vial.
Jerill placed it in a pocket and ran towards the reception room. As he neared the room, he slowed to a walk and intercepted a tray with six goblets of wine intended for a customary toast to King Agmel. He looked at the six goblets on the tray. Each person in the Royal party had their own traditional goblet marking their rank, used for special occasions like this. Jerill placed the tray down on a small round table for a moment.
Seeing that nobody was around, he pulled the vial from his pocket. He emptied the powdery contents into King Agmel's glass and it blended with the drink instantly. After putting the vial back into his pocket, he continued to the reception room. Putting on a smile, Jerill entered to see King Agmel, Queen Scathia, and Crown Prince Imalka, with Chief Advisor Darian Thamas and Advisor Shamos Dunn. They were all remembering some entertaining event from a while back.
"My apologies, Your Majesties, for my delayed arrival. Had the hardest time deciding what to wear." he explained. "It isn't every day our beloved monarch has a 50th birthday gala."
"Quite understandable, Advisor Durrango." Agmel said "You made it in time. I see you have brought the wine. Will you do the honor of proposing the toast?"
"It is my honor, Your Majesty."
Jerill handed the wine to the five others in the reception room and took his own goblet. Once everybody had received their wine, Jerill spoke, raising his goblet.
"To His Majesty, King Agmel. May he have good fortune and his loved ones near all the remainder of his days."
"To King Agmel!" everybody repeated before drinking their wine.
King Agmel glanced at a large timepiece in the room. When he spoke, his voice boomed throughout the room.
"My dear family and close advisors, it is now time to join our guests."
They all placed their goblets on end tables in the area and headed for the banquet hall. King Agmel offered his arm to Queen Scathia, their personal advisors walking behind, Imalka and Jerill trailing behind the group.
"Did you do it?" Imalka asked Jerill quietly.
Jerill nodded without turning his head to look at the Crown Prince.
"It will take effect by the end of the feast."
[glow=red,2,300]Chapter 1, sections 2 and 3[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Sept 22, 2006 21:06:48 GMT -5
Uh oh...
I like the way you had the goblets marked for the royal family members... I was wondering how he would know which one to poison.
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 23, 2006 10:53:35 GMT -5
Well, it wouldn't do for Jerill to end out taking the poisoned goblet himself. How would that be?
The poison starts taking affect in Jerill. His face goes pale as he realizes his deadly mistake.
"Uh, oh." he thinks. "I drank the poisoned wine!"
Jerill jumps up, runs toward the infirmary without a word to the Royal Family or their guests, but falls dead to the floor before getting half way there.
When his body is searched, they find the vial, and his death is deemed suicide. Soon after his state funeral, the sabotage stops. Where they never discovered exactly who was responcible for the sabotage, King Agmel continues to rule for many years with peace throughout the system.
The end.
The story needs to be a little longer than that, I think. ;D **I keep finding typos so I've had to modify a couple of times**
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Harley
Sprouting wings
Posts: 47
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Post by Harley on Sept 23, 2006 12:41:24 GMT -5
I've gotta say, I've never read the star wars books, but you've hooked me on this one! I'm gong to forward this link to a couple of my other star wars fan friends to read it as well.
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 23, 2006 14:19:46 GMT -5
The waiters served the meal in five courses to the many guests whom King Agmel had invited to join him on his birthday. As the final course was nearly finished, maidens served wine to all as King Agmel prepared to give a speech. He stood and addressed the group.
"My comrades, I thank you all for the years of service you have given. I thank you all for your support and . . . ugh." King Agmel suddenly felt a pain in his chest. He bent over, leaning on the table for support with one hand, the other hand to his heart. He breathed deeply for a moment, and the pain eased. King Agmel straightened, noticing the concerned look on everyone's faces. He spoke again.
"I must have swallowed a small bone from that delicious game bird." he said, trying to lighten the mood again. He continued his speach. "I thank you for your friendship. As you all know, today I . . . Arg!"
King Agmel felt the pain again, this time, so intense that he fell atop the table and to the floor. Everyone around him stood. Queen Scathia bent over him.
"Get a medic." she ordered Jerill.
He gladly left the scene, knowing a medic would do no good. King Agmel would be dead in minutes. He ran to the infirmary, contacting them on his comlink on the way.
"Derik, King Agmel's collapsed! We need to get a medical team to the Banquet Hall, now!" he told Chief Medic Lory.
"We're on our way." Derik answered calmly.
As Jerill continued to the Infirmary, he came across the medical team heading to the Banquet Hall.
"What happened? I need details." Derik asked Jerill.
"I don't know. He stood to give his speech and collapsed, grasping his chest." Jerill answered.
"Sounds like a heart attack." Derik commented. "I warned him to be more careful about what he eats."
In the banquet hall, Queen Scathia loosened King Agmel's clothes around his chest so he could get some air. It was all she could think to do.
"What is wrong, my love?" she asked him, tears welling in her eyes.
King Agmel could only lay on the ground, face contorted and red with pain as he struggled for life. He raised a hand to Queen Scathia's cheek and wiped a tear away. Then, the pain overtook him completely. His hand dropped, and his chest was still. The medical team ran in the room and checked for vital signs, but it was too late. Derik lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I tried to get here in time." he said to Scathia.
Queen Scathia's tears flowed freely now and she wept, knowing her dear husband of thirty-five years was dead. Imalka could only stand nearby in shock, Jerill next to him acting as stunned as anyone else. He placed a hand on Imalka's shoulder as if to comfort him, but the Prince hardly felt it. Jerill had actually done it. His father, the King, was dead.
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 23, 2006 14:45:57 GMT -5
I've gotta say, I've never read the star wars books, but you've hooked me on this one! I'm gong to forward this link to a couple of my other star wars fan friends to read it as well. Go for it. The more, the merrier. As long as nobody steals it and gets it published without me knowing!
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Post by Man in Black on Sept 23, 2006 22:45:11 GMT -5
I've gotta say, I've never read the star wars books, but you've hooked me on this one! I'm gong to forward this link to a couple of my other star wars fan friends to read it as well. Go for it. The more, the merrier. As long as nobody steals it and gets it published without me knowing! DOH! you didn't want me to do that... excuse me I have to go make a phone call Just kidding
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 25, 2006 8:48:13 GMT -5
DOH! you didn't want me to do that... excuse me I have to go make a phone call Just kidding I know you're kidding. For one thing, if you were serious about it, I would just stop posting, and then you'll never know what happens. ;D You would need to write the rest of the story yourself.
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 25, 2006 14:11:52 GMT -5
Jedi Knight Tahsh Hapay smiled as the air taxi pulled away, leaving her before the main entrance to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The Jedi Council had summoned her and she had a bit of time before the meeting. She had to admit that she was a little nervous. Usually when she was summoned to come before the Jedi Council she was in trouble. The last time she had been before them, they had chastised Tahsh for something she had done on the mission she had just been returning from. It had not been long ago.
As Tahsh walked the hallways a boy about seven years old ran around a corner and bumped directly into her. He backed up a step and gasped as he looked at her.
"I'm sorry, Master. I didn't think . . . I didn't mean. . . " he stammered.
"Tell me, boy, where are you going?" she asked him.
"To watch the duels. Jedi Knight Kane Elandin has come to select a Padawan."
Tahsh smiled as she thought of her old friend, and she longed to see him again.
"Perhaps we should join the others in watching the duels. But, no running in the hallways. You are aware it is against the rules?" she said.
"Yes, Master."
The two walked through the hallways, going separate ways once they got to the arena. Tahsh looked around and saw where her friend Kane Elandin was sitting. Not wanting to take his attention away from the students who fought, she waited to approach him until the current duel was over. Kane turned and saw her, a grin on his face.
"Tahsh Hapay. It's good to see you again. Come to select a Padawan also?" he asked as the tired students left to shower after their battle.
"No. I've been summoned by the Council." she told him.
"The Council, huh? What have you done this time?" Kane asked, motioning for her to sit by him.
"Kane, I haven't done anything." she said, sitting. "Not for a while, anyway."
That last comment brought a smile to his face. During Temple training, Tahsh always seemed to get in trouble. Sometimes, she was required to stand before the Jedi Council. The last time Kane had seen Tahsh, she had just come from the Council Room. She had been reprimanded, again. He could tell something was bothering her, and when he asked, she had told him about it.
She and the Viceroy of the Madrine system had been pursued by beings who wanted to kill the Viceroy. They went up a giant Sorkal tree towards the Viceroy's ship, but the power to the turbolift had cut out half way up the tree. Luckily it was the type with cables to keep it from falling in case the power got shut off somehow. Tahsh and the Viceroy had climbed out of the lift and onto a huge leaf, but the beings who wanted to kill the Viceroy were still coming after them. The only way out of danger that Tahsh could see was to cut the leaf free from the tree and float down to the ground. The Viceroy hadn't thought it fun, but Tahsh did. While he held on for his life, she stood, directing the leaf and enjoying the ride. It had been requested of her to never return to Madrine again.
"Yeah, sure you haven't. With your history..." Kane said with a smile.
"I haven't." she said, trying to convince him.
"Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it, Tahsh." Kane told her, smiling even bigger.
"I have NOT done anything, Kane." Tahsh said again, this time giving him a playful punch on the arm. Then Tahsh thought of something. "Unless the captain of that transport found out about..." she trailed off, seeing the look Kane gave her. "What?"
"You never change, you know that?" he said, shaking his head.
The next pair of students entered the arena side by side, getting the attention of the two Jedi Knights. "Ian Crabis and Marna Veign." Kane said, reading their names off a datapad.
"Have you seen anyone you would like yet, Kane?" Tahsh asked, holding out a hand for the datapad.
"Not yet." he answered.
She looked over the information on the two students. Ian Crabis, a twelve-year-old Sorrusian male with a birthday in just a week. Kane was the boy's last chance to leave the Temple with a Master. The boy has a history of anger. Not good.
Marna Veign, on the other hand, was eleven. A human girl with a good training record. Tahsh turned her attention to the students.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 2, part 1[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Sept 26, 2006 21:24:01 GMT -5
Ah... now we meet Marna Veign. Will she be good or will she be a minion of the darkside... or will she be on the fence?
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 26, 2006 22:47:21 GMT -5
You'll just have to read and see. ;D I'm tempted to tell you, but you'll probably be able to figure it out with this next section posted just below. I will honestly tell you that part of this next lengthy section is based on reality, but exaggerated for the story. ;D -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marna walked out into the arena with Ian Crabis, a boy who was older and bigger. She knew the Jedi Knight Kane Elandin would be watching, but when she and Ian turned and bowed to the Jedi, she saw a woman Jedi with Kane. Both Jedi Knights were watching them with interest. 'Was there a second Jedi looking for a Padawan nobody told me about?' Marna wondered. She pushed that thought away and concentrated on the moment. She bowed to the Jedi, then to Ian. Raising her low-powered practice lightsaber before her, she activated its green blade. A blue blade extended from Ian's saber, and the two watched each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Suddenly, Ian charged forward, aiming for Marna's side. She swung her blade down, blocking the blow. Students cheered as he struck out two more times. Marna blocked his blade both times. Then Ian stepped back, and the two began to circle. When Ian came in again, he swung toward her head. Marna brought her lightsaber up, but the swing was stronger than she expected. While Ian's lightsaber swung toward her head, she ducked backward. She could not hold her blade steady, and the tip was pushed into Ian's face by the force of his own blow. Ian dropped his lightsaber and fell to the floor with a cry, his hands going over his right eye. Marna deactivated her lightsaber and knelt by him. The cheers turned into hushed mumbling as the students grew concerned about the fallen boy and four healers rushed into the arena. All the students had been taught about the danger of a blow to the face by even a training lightsaber. That hit could have cost him his eye. "Ian, are you okay? I'm so sorry, Ian. Is your eye okay?" Marna asked, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. Without warning, Ian spun, knocking Marna to the floor. He reached out one of his hands and his lightsaber flew into his grip. It ignited and he jumped up swinging at Marna, pure hatred in his uninjured eye. Marna rolled quickly to avoid the blade. She activated her own lightsaber the moment she got her feet under her, just in time to block another blow. Ian kept up the vicious attack, and Marna, working hard to defend herself, was driven back into a corner. She tried desperately to think of a way out of the situation she found herself in. The only thing she could think of was to jump over him. She knew better than to try that though. That is one of the few lessons she hasn't gotten though. She was cornered, and there was no way out. Ian hit her lightsaber out of her hands. Marna knew he wanted to hurt her like she had hurt him. She put her hands up, palms out, to protect her face from the burning pain she knew would come. Unexpectedly, Ian was thrust backward away from her. Marna looked at her hands, wondering where the power to push him away had come from. She realized she didn't do it when Ian was lifted into the air. "Let me down from here! You can't do this to me!" Ian was yelling. Marna turned to see the Jedi Master Inga Sjari walking into the arena, holding a hand toward Ian, keeping him up in the air. "This match is over, Ian Crabis." she said sternly to the boy. "Marna Veign is the winner, and you need to accept that. Go with the healers, and leave this girl alone." Inga spoke forcefully and when Inga lowered him to the floor, he angrily complied. The boy left, accompanied by the healers. Marna walked over to Master Sjari. "I suggest you shower and get a fresh tunic on." Inga told Marna. "Thank you for your help, Master. Will Ian be okay?" Marna asked. "Do not worry yourself about him, young Marna Veign." Inga said gently. "The healers will do all they can to help him." Marna lowered her head. "I've never seen that much anger in anyone before. Especially not directed at me." she looked up. "I didn't mean to hurt him. It was an accident." "I know, Marna. After you get cleaned up, I would like you to go to a peaceful place to meditate. I can feel the fear and guilt in you. You must not hold onto those emotions or they can lead you to dark places you don't want to go. Find your center of peace again, Marna Veign." "Yes, Master." Marna replied. As she bowed to Master Sjari, the students in the audience clapped, glad Marna was alright. Marna bowed to the Jedi, then left the arena. Inga quickly left the arena another way. [glow=red,2,300]Ch 2, section 3[/glow]
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Post by Xenopaul on Sept 27, 2006 8:20:28 GMT -5
that was a cool duel
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 27, 2006 9:08:29 GMT -5
Thanks. The part of the duel up to where he was hurt is real life experience. I was in a Star Wars club back when Salt Lake had the winter olympics, and one activity we had involved dueling. I went against the group leader. Picture me as Marna, her as Ian (though she's human too), and that's how the duel went. Though when my lightsaber was hit into her face, it hit her nose, and after a few minutes she was perfectly okay. I exaggerated that part a little in the story for my own reasons that may come out if I get this story finished and do a sequal.
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 27, 2006 9:42:27 GMT -5
Tahsh found herself impressed by young Marna. After Ian Crabis had taken the girl by surprise, she had defended herself well. Marna had allowed herself to get backed into a corner, but Tahsh felt she could teach her to avoid such a thing from happening again. Inga and Marna left the arena and Tahsh turned to Kane, who was lost in thought.
"What do you think of them?" she asked.
"The boy has too much anger. I cannot teach him. The girl was good, but I don't think she's the one for me. I'm afraid I need to keep looking."
"I do hope you find a good Padawan, Kane." she said as she looked at her chrono. "Great Stars! I'm late!"
Marna Veign had a lot on her mind as she showered. She could not understand why Ian Crabis had gone after her like he did after the bout had officially ended. She had won it fairly, though accidentally. She had not meant to get his face, and she really felt bad about that. Marna hoped he hadn't lost his eye.
Remembering lessons taught to her here in the Jedi Temple, Marna knew she had to let go of the guilt. She imagined the tension and negative feelings running off her and down the drain with the cool water. Feeling better emotionally, Marna turned off the water and dried herself. As Master Sjari told her to, Marna headed to the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The sounds of the water always helped her find her center. And that's just what she needed to do. Now dressed in a clean tunik, Marna headed to the bench at her favorite spot among the fountains.
Despite her warning to the young boy, Tahsh found herself running as fast as she could to get to the Jedi Council room. She knew all the shortcuts, and used them to get there faster. One way she had no choice but to take was up the tower in a turbolift. She got to the turbolift just as the doors were closing.
"Hold the lift!" she called out, but it was too late.
The doors closed and the lift rose without her. Now, she had to wait for the other lift, which was just coming down from the top level.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 2, section 4[/glow]
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Post by 4C-696E on Sept 27, 2006 9:55:19 GMT -5
After what seemed like an eternity, the door opened and Tahsh got in, pressing the button for the Jedi Council Room. The ride up to the Council Room seemed to take forever, and she paced inside like a caged animal.
When the turbolift arrived and the door opened, Tahsh ran to the Jedi Council Room to get her there a few seconds faster. She was nearly there when the Council Room doors opened. She skidded to a stop, fearing the members of the Jedi Council had seen her running in the hallway. Tahsh used the Force to quickly slow her breathing and heart rate, hoping she could get away with breaking the 'running rule' this time.
"Enter, Jedi Tahsh Hapay." Jedi Master Tau-Jay Olmpro beckoned.
Tahsh took a deep breath, raised her head and strode to the center of the room. She glanced around at the Jedi Council members who were assembled. Though they were all supposed to be equal, it was obvious that Tau-Jay Olmpro, the twi'lek Jedi Master, was the head of the Council. Tau-Jay's lekku hung in front of his shoulders and lay loosely in his lap.
Next to Tau-Jay sat Tahsh's beloved Master, Inga Sjari. It must have been Master Sjari that had come up before Tahsh, she realized as she bowed to the Masters.
"You wished to speak with me, my Masters?" she asked.
"Yes. Five minutes ago. But, as Master Sjari wa also delayed, I will excuse you, this time." Tao-Jay answered.
Tahsh lowered her head slightly. Though she was excused for being late this time, she recognized Tau-Jay's way of reprimanding her for tardiness. She had learned long ago that excuses were not appropriate. It was a lesson well learned from experience.
"My apologies. I have no excuses." she said. "I will work on my punctuality."
Tau-Jay studied her, his lekku twitching slightly. He felt she was guilty of some infraction of the Temple rules, but was not sure exactly what she had done. Perhaps the 'running' rule again? No. Her breathing was calm, and her heart rate was as fast as it usually was when she came before them. Whatever she had done, he decided to get on with business. The reason they called her was urgent, and they had to get on with it.
"We have called you before us for one reason, but another has come up as well. First of all, we had decided that you are ready to take on the responsibility of a Padawan Learner."
Tahsh noticed how he emphasized the word 'had'. She realized that after her late arrival, Tau-Jay was not sure if Tahsh was ready for that responsibility after all. Inga, however, had a proud smile on her face, pleased that the other members of the Council agreed that Tahsh was ready for a Padawan. Tahsh knew that Inga had probably suggested it. She didn't allow the way Tau-Jay spoke to get to her. The decision to allow her a Padawan would not be rescinded.
"If I may, my Masters, I have someone in mind." Tahsh told them.
Tau-Jay looked at her skeptically and his lekku twitched in surprise. All the masters seemed surprised by this. All, except Inga. Tahsh had just returned to Coruscant, and before she is told she could choose a Padawan Learner, she has one in mind. He moved the lekku behind his back so they could not betray his emotions.
"You have decided on a Padawan so quickly? Who is this student you have in mind? Someone you know?" Tau-Jay asked.
"Her name is Marna Veign. I've never met her, but I saw her duel. I like what I saw."
"When did you see her fight?" Tau-Jay asked, though he felt the question should be 'when did you have time to see her fight'.
"Just before coming before you. That is one thing that delayed my arrival." Tahsh answered, looking at Inga, who knew she was the other reason Tahsh was late. She tried to stop the lift when Tahsh called out, but she couldn't.
Tau-Jay thought a moment, looking at the other members of the Council. He glanced at the small green form of Yoda, seeing him give a slight approving nod. Tau-Jay looked over to Inga Sjari on the other side of him. He saw the knowing smile on Inga's face. Though Tahsh Hapay was a Jedi Knight, she had been so for only six months and did things in her own way. Tau-Jay could tell Inga was pleased that her former apprentice did not change much. Without a word from the others, he knew they were all in agreement.
"Very well. Marna Veign will be your Padawan Learner."
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 2, section 5[/glow]
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