Disclaimer: I own a CD or 2, but nothing more of Star Wars. Any new
characters are mine, though.
Our hero has just arrived in Jan Ko. Let's see what Lt. Suzuki puts him through.
The Fist of Uriah
Chapter 2
Senate Miliary and Intelligence Committee Chambers, Coruscant
Senator Grimm daydreamed through another 'top secret' meeting. He nearly laughed as he thought about all the 'secrets critical to Repulic security' that were discussed. Hmph. The decisions his teenage daughter made about what toppings to order on her pizza were probably more important.
Like his counterpart on the finance committee, he earned his place there by unquestioned votes. Also like his counterpart, he garned intelligence unavailable anywhere else. Oh, his aides had to be discrete about the methods they used, but they had access to virtually all the unfiltered intelligence that the vast and varied agencies acquired. Most of it was rated PG, pure garbage, but there was the occasional gem. The gems they had been finding of late were troubling, indeed...
Late afternoon, SSS BOQ, Jan Ko
Ran blinked. Where had she come from?
"Lt. Misao Suzuki," she said saluting until Ran returned the gesture. "Lt. Schwarz sent me to help you get settled and to go over your schedule for the next few days. If I may say so, it is an honor to be working with you. You must be particularly special if the Supreme Chancellor was willing to put in a word to allow your transfer."
"Pleased to meet you," Ran replied. "I wasn't aware that the Supreme Chancellor was involved in any way."
"Oh, he was. Of course, he only did it because our senior Senators called in a minor favor, and that only because Knight Horza asked, but still..."
Ran laughed. "I didn't realize he wanted me so badly. In fact, I wonder why he wanted me at all. I know my teachers couldn't stand me. I wonder why they weren't trying to shove me out the door."
"They probably wanted to keep you where you were under their thumb. We're pretty independent out here, and they likely don't like the thought a firebrand like you out of control."
Ran blanched. "Do I even want to know how much the files you have on me hold?"
"Nope. I probably already told you more than I should have, but you would have found out soon enough, anyway. This way, you won't find out from someone else and hate us for hiding the truth from you. This way you'll just hate us for having it. I have seen a lot, and I'm glad you're here. Your potential was being totally wasted back there."
He sighed. She was right about one thing, anyway: at least he knew. "Can I get the quick tour and the time you'll be by in the morning? I'm rather dead after the trip."
"Let's go. I'll be by at 0800 to get you," she said leading him out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ran got up to the insistent screech of his alarm. He usually didn't need it, but his body hadn't adjusted to the new planet's time yet, so it was necessary. He groaned and went to get ready. He didn't want to be late when the whirlwind called Misao showed up. He had barely gotten back from the mess hall when there was a knock on the door.
"Our first stop will be to get you some," she looked him over disdainfully, "suitable attire. That outfit is pathetic. You might as well have 'Jedi' painted on you back in 5 languages."
"Don't I know it," he agreed enthusiatically.
"After that, we'll stop by the base barber---you really need to work on that look if you want to fit in at all."
Sometime later, she led him to the base combat training center. "Master Yazumi will test you to see how to best arm you for our work here. Unfortunately, you may not be able to use your light sabre all the time. Still, I'm looking forward to see you fight with it---they're really rare."
"Fight with it?" he asked, puzzled. "Isn't that risky?"
She snorted. "Not with what we use. It is dangerous, but not at all invincible."
"Whatever," he mumbled. Some master? The Jedi may have been pathetic at some things, but they were experts at hand to hand combat. Well, he had warned her...
He shook his head. She was probably right. He looked over as the Master entered the dojo.
Master Yazumi was a rather cool, unreadable man of indeteminate age, although he was probably somewhere in his late 20's. He didn't look particularly formidable, but looks were often deceiving. Ran greeted him with the appropriate small bow. "Pleased to meet you, master," he said.
The master bowed slightly in reply. "Pleased to meet you, as well. Lt. Suzuki asked for my assistance in fitting you with the proper weapons for your assignment. Shall we begin?"
"Certainly, master," Ran replied.
They immediately commenced with the assessment. Ran had thought the Jedi were masters of close combat. After being tested against a couple of the assistant masters and, on occasion, the master himself on a stunningly varied arrary of swords, knives, pointed weapons, blunt weapons, weapons he couldn't even identify, he was beginning to revise his opinion. The Jedi were masters of the light sabre, and just about nothing else. They really could use some trainers as good as Master Yazumi. After the close combat weapons, they moved on to ranged attack weapons. Again, they were so varied that he couldn't even come close to naming them all, but they included everything from bows to fully automatic military heavy blasters. Fortunately, he'd trained on many of them growing up, and did well.
"You did well, Jedi," the Master said evenly. "Now, duel me with your light sabre."
"As you wish, Master," Ran replied, retrieving his light sabre from Lt. Suzuki.
Ran moved in with an attack that wouldn't do more than lop the end off one of the batons Master Yazumi was wielding. *spark* *flicker* The weapons met, and, to Ran's shock, didn't more than superficially singe the baton. He pressed his attack harder---with more of the same results. This wasn't good. Soon, Master Yazumi returned the attacks---with a vengance. *crackle* To Ran's complete shock, the blade on his light sabre broke somewhere near the middle with the rest looking like a shattered piece of bamboo. The Master called the fight.
"Uh---what just happened here?!" A stunned and amazed Ran asked.
"Oh, your light sabre blade just splintered. That's the normal result with one of the old standard Jedi issue sabres. You think they'd improve the technology on those things every once in a while," a skinny weapons tech answered. "The ceramic skin we bond to the tornado tree wood is nearly impervious to the cheap light sabres like you have. While we're at it, Master Yazumi will fit you with one of our upgraded versions. This will be great, because Jedi are the only ones allowed to use any such weapons."
"Tornado tree wood? Ceramic skin? Upgraded light sabres? What the heck are you babbling about, Lt.?" Ran asked roughly.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just a little excited. It's the first time I've ever seen my creations in actual combat against a real Jedi weapon. It worked out just like I knew it would. Tornado wood comes from the impossibly tough trees that, amazingly, stand staight up 10 to 15m on the top of hills where the wind always blows at least 200kph. There's a running debate on whether it's harder to fashion tornado wood into a weapon or fashion a traditional katana with your bare hands. The consensus is that the steel is harder to work with, but only because it burns your bear hands too much.
As for the ceramic skin, I'm afraid all I can tell you is that we've found a way to bond a non-metalic scaly ceramic skin to tornado wood. The ceramic is very hard, has a high enough temperature resistance that the standard light sabre can't damage it, and flakes off to form a new surface when damaged by impact. We've finally worked the process out well enough that we just managed to bond it to our first tornado wood katana.
As for improved light sabres, I still don't understand why you Jedi don't use them. Sheesh, ours are twice as durable as you ancient model, and they can be adjusted to your individual preferences. In fact, we just made our first multi-function model, and were hoping you'd like it. For the test, though, the Master thought you'd do well with this one that has the blade more in the form of a katana," the overly excited Lt. concluded, handing Ran the weapon.
"Humph," was all Ran grunted as he actived the weapon.
This fight lasted a little longer. Once again, the Master won, but it was a hard fought victory. The still excited Lt. Speer retrieved both weapons for examination and testing.
"Make the blade 2cm longer than that practice one and add another 1cm of curve," the Master said. "Like that, it will fit him perfectly as an attack weapon. Leave him with the standard sabre setting for blaster bolt defense, though."
"Of course, of course," Lt. Speer agreed. "I'll make sure to include the hammer, axe, dagger, pike, and shield settings as well."
"Hammer? Axe? What else?" Ran asked suspiciously.
"Oh, just other options," Lt. Speer answered. "You might need to do some things that a 'normal' light weapon just wouldn't allow you to. I figured it was silly to limit yourself to one form. I know you shouldn't need them often, but just in case..."
"Thanks," Ran muttered, not all sure of the usefulness of the additions.
"Oh, I almost forgot: there's a shorter blade setting, too. It's for use with the light shield in situations where you expect a lot of blaster or projectile file, or need protection from debris, grenades, rioters, things like that. The shield is mounted on a special bracelet that can be worn on either arm and is activated just like your sabre. For now, it is simply a flat, circular shield, but I think we can improve on that in the near future. In fact, we should be able to make whole body armor, now that I think about it..." Lt. Speer paused his passionate outburst to contemplate the new thought.
"Excellent, Lt. Please let me know if I'm ever needed to test your new creations," Ran answered much more politely than he felt.
The dojo soon emptied as Lt. Suzuki shooed the people out. "That does it for today. I'll let you clean up, and I'll meet you back at your room after evening mess---there's a monthly social meeting my church sponsors that I sure you'll enjoy. Lt. Speer has the specs that Master Yazumi gave him for the weapons, so you'll be getting them soon. He'll be getting you the light katana and shield, and ceramic skinned tornado wood staff, knife, night stick, and katana. I'll be getting the standard issue items to you in the morning."
Ran just nodded and headed to the locker room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes
Misao is loosely based on the character Misao in Ruroni Kenshin. The last name is changed to protect the guilty.
Master Yazumi is loosely based on the character Aoshi Shinomori in Ruroni Kenshin.
Our hero has just arrived in Jan Ko. Let's see what Lt. Suzuki puts him through.
The Fist of Uriah
Chapter 2
Senate Miliary and Intelligence Committee Chambers, Coruscant
Senator Grimm daydreamed through another 'top secret' meeting. He nearly laughed as he thought about all the 'secrets critical to Repulic security' that were discussed. Hmph. The decisions his teenage daughter made about what toppings to order on her pizza were probably more important.
Like his counterpart on the finance committee, he earned his place there by unquestioned votes. Also like his counterpart, he garned intelligence unavailable anywhere else. Oh, his aides had to be discrete about the methods they used, but they had access to virtually all the unfiltered intelligence that the vast and varied agencies acquired. Most of it was rated PG, pure garbage, but there was the occasional gem. The gems they had been finding of late were troubling, indeed...
Late afternoon, SSS BOQ, Jan Ko
Ran blinked. Where had she come from?
"Lt. Misao Suzuki," she said saluting until Ran returned the gesture. "Lt. Schwarz sent me to help you get settled and to go over your schedule for the next few days. If I may say so, it is an honor to be working with you. You must be particularly special if the Supreme Chancellor was willing to put in a word to allow your transfer."
"Pleased to meet you," Ran replied. "I wasn't aware that the Supreme Chancellor was involved in any way."
"Oh, he was. Of course, he only did it because our senior Senators called in a minor favor, and that only because Knight Horza asked, but still..."
Ran laughed. "I didn't realize he wanted me so badly. In fact, I wonder why he wanted me at all. I know my teachers couldn't stand me. I wonder why they weren't trying to shove me out the door."
"They probably wanted to keep you where you were under their thumb. We're pretty independent out here, and they likely don't like the thought a firebrand like you out of control."
Ran blanched. "Do I even want to know how much the files you have on me hold?"
"Nope. I probably already told you more than I should have, but you would have found out soon enough, anyway. This way, you won't find out from someone else and hate us for hiding the truth from you. This way you'll just hate us for having it. I have seen a lot, and I'm glad you're here. Your potential was being totally wasted back there."
He sighed. She was right about one thing, anyway: at least he knew. "Can I get the quick tour and the time you'll be by in the morning? I'm rather dead after the trip."
"Let's go. I'll be by at 0800 to get you," she said leading him out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ran got up to the insistent screech of his alarm. He usually didn't need it, but his body hadn't adjusted to the new planet's time yet, so it was necessary. He groaned and went to get ready. He didn't want to be late when the whirlwind called Misao showed up. He had barely gotten back from the mess hall when there was a knock on the door.
"Our first stop will be to get you some," she looked him over disdainfully, "suitable attire. That outfit is pathetic. You might as well have 'Jedi' painted on you back in 5 languages."
"Don't I know it," he agreed enthusiatically.
"After that, we'll stop by the base barber---you really need to work on that look if you want to fit in at all."
Sometime later, she led him to the base combat training center. "Master Yazumi will test you to see how to best arm you for our work here. Unfortunately, you may not be able to use your light sabre all the time. Still, I'm looking forward to see you fight with it---they're really rare."
"Fight with it?" he asked, puzzled. "Isn't that risky?"
She snorted. "Not with what we use. It is dangerous, but not at all invincible."
"Whatever," he mumbled. Some master? The Jedi may have been pathetic at some things, but they were experts at hand to hand combat. Well, he had warned her...
He shook his head. She was probably right. He looked over as the Master entered the dojo.
Master Yazumi was a rather cool, unreadable man of indeteminate age, although he was probably somewhere in his late 20's. He didn't look particularly formidable, but looks were often deceiving. Ran greeted him with the appropriate small bow. "Pleased to meet you, master," he said.
The master bowed slightly in reply. "Pleased to meet you, as well. Lt. Suzuki asked for my assistance in fitting you with the proper weapons for your assignment. Shall we begin?"
"Certainly, master," Ran replied.
They immediately commenced with the assessment. Ran had thought the Jedi were masters of close combat. After being tested against a couple of the assistant masters and, on occasion, the master himself on a stunningly varied arrary of swords, knives, pointed weapons, blunt weapons, weapons he couldn't even identify, he was beginning to revise his opinion. The Jedi were masters of the light sabre, and just about nothing else. They really could use some trainers as good as Master Yazumi. After the close combat weapons, they moved on to ranged attack weapons. Again, they were so varied that he couldn't even come close to naming them all, but they included everything from bows to fully automatic military heavy blasters. Fortunately, he'd trained on many of them growing up, and did well.
"You did well, Jedi," the Master said evenly. "Now, duel me with your light sabre."
"As you wish, Master," Ran replied, retrieving his light sabre from Lt. Suzuki.
Ran moved in with an attack that wouldn't do more than lop the end off one of the batons Master Yazumi was wielding. *spark* *flicker* The weapons met, and, to Ran's shock, didn't more than superficially singe the baton. He pressed his attack harder---with more of the same results. This wasn't good. Soon, Master Yazumi returned the attacks---with a vengance. *crackle* To Ran's complete shock, the blade on his light sabre broke somewhere near the middle with the rest looking like a shattered piece of bamboo. The Master called the fight.
"Uh---what just happened here?!" A stunned and amazed Ran asked.
"Oh, your light sabre blade just splintered. That's the normal result with one of the old standard Jedi issue sabres. You think they'd improve the technology on those things every once in a while," a skinny weapons tech answered. "The ceramic skin we bond to the tornado tree wood is nearly impervious to the cheap light sabres like you have. While we're at it, Master Yazumi will fit you with one of our upgraded versions. This will be great, because Jedi are the only ones allowed to use any such weapons."
"Tornado tree wood? Ceramic skin? Upgraded light sabres? What the heck are you babbling about, Lt.?" Ran asked roughly.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just a little excited. It's the first time I've ever seen my creations in actual combat against a real Jedi weapon. It worked out just like I knew it would. Tornado wood comes from the impossibly tough trees that, amazingly, stand staight up 10 to 15m on the top of hills where the wind always blows at least 200kph. There's a running debate on whether it's harder to fashion tornado wood into a weapon or fashion a traditional katana with your bare hands. The consensus is that the steel is harder to work with, but only because it burns your bear hands too much.
As for the ceramic skin, I'm afraid all I can tell you is that we've found a way to bond a non-metalic scaly ceramic skin to tornado wood. The ceramic is very hard, has a high enough temperature resistance that the standard light sabre can't damage it, and flakes off to form a new surface when damaged by impact. We've finally worked the process out well enough that we just managed to bond it to our first tornado wood katana.
As for improved light sabres, I still don't understand why you Jedi don't use them. Sheesh, ours are twice as durable as you ancient model, and they can be adjusted to your individual preferences. In fact, we just made our first multi-function model, and were hoping you'd like it. For the test, though, the Master thought you'd do well with this one that has the blade more in the form of a katana," the overly excited Lt. concluded, handing Ran the weapon.
"Humph," was all Ran grunted as he actived the weapon.
This fight lasted a little longer. Once again, the Master won, but it was a hard fought victory. The still excited Lt. Speer retrieved both weapons for examination and testing.
"Make the blade 2cm longer than that practice one and add another 1cm of curve," the Master said. "Like that, it will fit him perfectly as an attack weapon. Leave him with the standard sabre setting for blaster bolt defense, though."
"Of course, of course," Lt. Speer agreed. "I'll make sure to include the hammer, axe, dagger, pike, and shield settings as well."
"Hammer? Axe? What else?" Ran asked suspiciously.
"Oh, just other options," Lt. Speer answered. "You might need to do some things that a 'normal' light weapon just wouldn't allow you to. I figured it was silly to limit yourself to one form. I know you shouldn't need them often, but just in case..."
"Thanks," Ran muttered, not all sure of the usefulness of the additions.
"Oh, I almost forgot: there's a shorter blade setting, too. It's for use with the light shield in situations where you expect a lot of blaster or projectile file, or need protection from debris, grenades, rioters, things like that. The shield is mounted on a special bracelet that can be worn on either arm and is activated just like your sabre. For now, it is simply a flat, circular shield, but I think we can improve on that in the near future. In fact, we should be able to make whole body armor, now that I think about it..." Lt. Speer paused his passionate outburst to contemplate the new thought.
"Excellent, Lt. Please let me know if I'm ever needed to test your new creations," Ran answered much more politely than he felt.
The dojo soon emptied as Lt. Suzuki shooed the people out. "That does it for today. I'll let you clean up, and I'll meet you back at your room after evening mess---there's a monthly social meeting my church sponsors that I sure you'll enjoy. Lt. Speer has the specs that Master Yazumi gave him for the weapons, so you'll be getting them soon. He'll be getting you the light katana and shield, and ceramic skinned tornado wood staff, knife, night stick, and katana. I'll be getting the standard issue items to you in the morning."
Ran just nodded and headed to the locker room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes
Misao is loosely based on the character Misao in Ruroni Kenshin. The last name is changed to protect the guilty.
Master Yazumi is loosely based on the character Aoshi Shinomori in Ruroni Kenshin.