Gail Thayer
Galactic Museum- Senate District, Galactic City, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
08:21: 16 ATC / Thursday, August 21st, 1969 - 20:25 / 8:25 PM
It had been thirteen months and three days since the portentous incident inside the United Nations Building, the very same incident where the anachronism experienced an inefficacious confrontation with Darth Avarice, and the reckless encounter would also result in Gail becoming enlightened to the existence of stun bolts as blasters were still nascent in her day. Moreover, despite being ancient history to many in this galaxy - aside from being promulgated into the heads of every congenital Imperial of course - the decree from Pultimo was still fresh in her mind and now, instead of continuing on with the Jedi Order, the former padawan from another era was circumstantially starting over. She held no animosity toward the present officialdom and decided to voluntarily depart as there was the chance that she was indubitably unsuitable or at the very least inapposite for the present organization given the disparity and newfound standards.
At one point, the Rhinnalian did consider returning to her frigid homeworld but as her family; her parents, siblings, uncles and aunts, and grandparents have long since become one with the Force in the millennia since her disappearance she had instead ventured to Coruscant to see an old friend who was still managing his establishment. While she never forgot the generosity of the Meyer's even if in some way their stance on the Force was similar to the Motti's, the Rhinnalian from another period knew that becoming accustomed to a new era would take time. Still, she was at least fortunate that the Kadri'Ra were a long-lived species and that there was at least one living sentient she had personally known from her past that was still extant.
But with a new life came the need for employment, and whether the vocation was ironic or fitting and perhaps feeling a need to prove herself after the embarrassment that fateful day, the anachronism decided to apply for a position as a security guard at the Galactic Museum and was hired, earning the privilege to wear a cinereous colored uniform but contradictorily she still hoped that there was never a time where she would have no choice but to use the M-300 Elite Stealth Interceptor yet while becoming a security guard never crossed her mind, especially with her upbringing, it was at least honest work.
Gail started with making her latest rounds in the Annals of the Galactic Republic, specifically the section on the Great Sith War, and as she entered the room filled with artifacts and displays detailing the conflict, she was still revolted that the hostilities only commenced due to a human male named Exar Kun, a prospective Jedi and once promising student of the respected Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas. Kun decided to press boundaries and acquire knowledge for power, this exploration for additional power corrupted him and perhaps it was inevitable that Kun would dwell upon the teachings of the Sith, a civilization previously considered to have been extirpated.
During his quest, Kun would venture to the planet of Onderon, then its moon of Dxun, and lastly even Korriban itself, becoming cajoled and corrupted the entire time by the spirit of Freedon Nadd, an ancient Sith Lord and Kun, as well as another fallen Jedi, Ulic Qel-Droma, who would become his apprentice, were both anointed by another Sith spirit, that of Marka Ragnos, and officially proclaimed to be Lords of the Sith before orchestrating an onslaught against the Republic but not before Kun visited Ossus and slayed, among others, Gail's old friend Odan-Urr, the studious Draethos who was quite the bookworm and the entire transgression was not only dishonorable but a thorough abomination.
She held her glowrod to enhance the illumination of one display in particular, a holographic representation of Exar Kun cutting down the Draethos who was by then in his senior years and was attempting to prevent Kun from gaining a Sith Holocron, and Gail couldn't help but to once again stare longingly, still feeling disconsolate by what went down, what became of him.
'You still didn't deserve that, Odan.' Her mourning was, however, interrupted as she sensed, footsteps, no, an object rolling in the halls during closing hours and it was en route to her location. She unhesitatingly drew the blaster pistol from her holster as it turned around the corner and aimed only to lower the weapon upon recognizing it as none other than a certain utility droid designated as T3-M4, best known for its exploits during the Jedi Civil War and the last surviving member of the Ebon Hawk. Though how the droid exactly came to the possession of the Sith Empire remained a mystery, during the complicated negotiations on Alderaan the Imperial delegation relinquished the scorched remains as a 'sign of good faith' - which of course turned out to be a lie as Coruscant would be sacked -. If it was any other droid it would have been most certainly scrapped yet after confirming its identity and checking for malware a restoration effort transpired and along with the Ebon Hawk itself the droid was displayed as if it was a caged animal in a zoo, something that was of course still a contentious matter. Aside from the occasional protest, there were a handful of attempts at 'liberation' by droid rights activists who regarded him as a cause celebre in their fight to have droids be recognized as sentient beings. Come to think of it, the methodology and even antics of the demonstrators did appear somewhat familiar but Gail shrugged as thus far she had not encountered any of the protestors.
"Someone forgot to power you down for the night, huh?"
The proverbial droid turned storyteller and a permanent exhibit at the museum was now frantic and began to retreat but oblivious to the droid the Rhinnalian in actuality felt sympathetic given how they had a similar plight. "Don't worry, I'm not going to as honestly you deserve better than this." She reassured him. "And frankly, I shouldn't be here either. How much do you know about the Great Hyperspace War?"
" Excuse me?"
"Well, as funny as it may sound, I perfectly understand what you're going through." Gail sighed. "And it's a long story."
" I have time."
One Year and Nine Months ago…
Idlewild Airport - Jamaica, Queens, New York City, Queens County, New York, United States of America, North America, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way Galaxy
08:12: 15 ATC / Monday, August 12th, 1968 - 13:45/1:45 PM
Three days following the announcement that the nation-states of Earth were joining the war against the Sith Empire, the Rhinnalian was scheduled to depart to Tython, a world that in her time was considered to be nothing more than a legend, and Ossus was for a time considered to have been the homeworld of the Jedi Order, a 'fact' that she recently learned was erroneous.
Still, returning home to her native galaxy was long overdue for the Rhinnalian but in some way it was of little comfort as the galaxy had moved on without her, she was still a relic of a bygone era, and yet as far as the Jedi Order was concerned her training was incomplete and her fate was still to be determined.
But before her scheduled departure, Gail was going to say farewell and she was standing next to Jake at the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Idlewild Massacre, a heinous act of terrorism in which a joint Cuban-Vietnamese cadre led by Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz - the brother of the late overthrown leader of Cuba following the 'Bay of Pigs' - effectuated a massacre on Saturday, March 5th, 1966 and this was the very incident which reoriented the policy toward the War in Vietnam and resulted in an official declaration of war being issued against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam by the United States of America as well as an American-led invasion of the aforementioned Communist nation. It concurrently did lead to a conspiracy theory being postulated by, among other organizations, Students for a Democratic Society, who dismissed the episode as a false flag orchestrated by Diem's secret police and in collaboration with radical veterans of Brigade 2506. This delusional conjecture would in addition to other grievances and another incident, a riot outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia which resulted in the deaths of Bob Dylan and Barry McGuire as well as left Phil Ochs becoming both quadriplegic and aphasic, would trigger disastrous consequences domestically, one which gave rise to the Weather Underground Organization and a period which would become a significant stain on Kennedy's legacy as President despite his accomplishments such as signing the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in Moscow on Monday, August 5th, 1963 and Kennedy upholding his pledge to get man to the moon yet despite it all the idea of Camelot had turned out to an illusion.
"I was inside the Provost Marshal's Office at Kaneohe Bay at the time." Jake recalled as he gazed solemnly at the first slab listing the names of the victims then another slab dedicated to Antelmo Massarelli, a retired soldier for the Genovese crime family who was formerly an enforcer for Lucky Luciano himself back during Prohibition and who gave his life fighting off Viet Cong gunmen inside the terminal and behind the pair of slabs on the wall was The Three Volunteers - a statue of Greg Allen, Colton Bradlee, and Bill Harris, three businessmen from Athens, Tennessee and participants of the McMinn County War who also did their part, using their personal hunting rifles to end the attack which could have resulted in a higher death toll. "The fact that Raul Castro not only hijacked a plane but turned it into a bomb with passengers and crew still inside...Gunmen masquerading as members of an Orchestra…"
She did not need the Force to discern that Jake was still understandably appalled by the enormity, at a loss of words as he remained silent and reflected until he decided to change the subject.
"I'm still sorry that I doubted you." Jake sighed. "Alien abductions have been a craze for a while." The Hoosier then grimaced as he undoubtedly recollected memories of his brother Clark's obsession with Flying Saucers, Sasquatch, and even fabricating tin foil hats for fending off subliminal messages.
"It's fine." Gail dismissed it even though the Rhinnalian knew that the apology did not include a concession on accepting the Force as a phenomenon. "You know, I think I came to understand this crazy planet."
"Such as…?"
She decided to humor him. "We extraterrestrials are all the same, whether we're taking over the planet through mind control, robots, disintegration rays, or the fighting machine from 'The War of the Worlds' that invaded New Jersey back in the '30s." She said with a wry smile.
"Funny." Jake snorted. "Take care, Champ."
"You as well, Jake." Gail smiled before thinking of six certain rodents who were not only surprisingly adorable but also whimsical. "By the way, can you tell Valerie to make sure that the latch is secured and her pack of rats don't escape their cage?"
"That's impossible," Jake chortled, as he remembered the occurrence specifically involving Puff Puff who knocked Clark's box of candy cigarettes off of his desk, followed by bottles of Mountain Dew with glass shattering and the green carbonated and heavily caffeinated fluid ruining his candy cigarettes. "Those intelligent rodents can squeeze through holes the size of a dime."
"Figured." The Rhinnalian sighed as she rolled her eyes. Then, without another word, Gail turned around to board her assigned vessel, but not before waving.
Gail paused, her eyes searching the crowd. There stood her brother Callen, his hazel eyes scanning the sea of faces. He still bore the same freckles scattered across his nose and cheeks, the same brown hair that had seen him through the Great Hyperspace War, a war that was a few lifetimes ago, and yet was only a recent memory for them. "Callen!" Gail called out, her voice thick with emotion.
He turned, his face lighting up in recognition. He approached her, his steps slow and deliberate, the weight of skirmishes and loss etched into his posture.
"Gail." He greeted softly, a warm smile gracing his lips. "It's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too, brother." She replied, returning his smile. She looked at him, at the weariness in his eyes, the lines etched around his mouth, and her heart ached. He was the only family she had left.
"Are you… are you ready to go home?'" Callen asked, his voice barely a whisper. He looked at the boarding gate, the destination board displaying the star system of Tython.
"I am." Gail nodded, her gaze fixed on his face. "But my path is undetermined, I'll be heading to Tython… I don't know where it leads after that. The Order-"
"I understand." Callen murmured, his eyes searching hers. "I'll be heading to Coruscant." Callen continued, his voice firm, but his eyes still filled with uncertainty. "I haven't been reinstated in the Navy, but…" He trailed off, the unspoken words hanging in the air. He was still trying to find his way, trying to rebuild his life.
"I'll send you a message once I'm settled." Gail assured him, clasping his hand in hers, her touch firm, reassuring. "I know you'll find your way, Callen. You always have."
He squeezed her hand, a surge of warmth radiating from his touch. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they were back on Rhinnel, their childhood home, a place of laughter and innocence, a place they would never quite return to.
"I'll miss you." Callen whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
"I'll miss you too." Gail replied, her heart aching with the bittersweetness of their farewell.
She turned to board the shuttle, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. She could still hear the echoes of ancient, forgotten languages, the faint scent of spices, the vibrant colors of a world she once knew so well, a world that now seemed so distant.
As she boarded the shuttle, she cast one last glance at Callen. He was still standing there, his back straight, his eyes fixed on her, a somber figure against the backdrop of the bustling airport.
Even though they were siblings, their paths were diverging. One who may destined to continue the Jedi path, her future shrouded in mystery. The other, a veteran of a war over for over a millennia, trying to find his way in a new reality. But they were connected, their fates intertwined, their love for each other an enduring bond, even amidst the vast expanse of time and space.
Gnost-Dural - Chief Librarian of the Jedi Order
Tython, Tython System, Deep Core, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
11:20:15 ATC / Wednesday, November 20th, 1968 - 15:25/3:25 PM
The Kel Dor Jedi Master was uncertain what to think of her, the adolescent who came from the age of Masters Ooroo and Memit Nadill, a time when the esteemed Jedi scholar Odan-Urr was then only a Padawan, and of course, it was also when Naga Shadow invaded the Republic with the aftermath being as Dural discovered was the origin of the present conflict but the Chief Librarian believed that there was still more to learn on the Great Hyperspace War and the fact he gained the unanticipated opportunity to interview a first-hand witness was serendipitous.
"Your feelings betray you, young one." He admonished after she walked into his private living quarters as scheduled.
"I thought I was ancient?"
The Kel Dor remained tranquil and he was mindful of the fact that passive-aggressiveness was a Rhinnalian trait.
"I'm sorry, master, I-"
"All is forgiven." He dismissed. "Take a seat."
The padawan sat down and crossed her legs, waiting for the inquiry to proceed and give her account of the long-ago conflict.
"This recording is an interview with Gail Thayer, a lost padawan from an earlier time in Jedi history and only found by chance. As a first-hand witness to the Great Hyperspace War thirteen centuries ago, I'm hopeful that she would shed some light on the Jedi involvement during the counter-invasion."
Before raising the sensitive subject of the Republic's campaign into Sith Space with the repercussions only becoming known after being uncovered by Gnost-Dural himself, the historian decided to start from the beginning.
"Before the Sith Empire, led by Naga Sadow invaded. What were you and your master doing prior to the invasion?"
"My master, Dankrad Bast and I, recently returned to Coruscant after assisting the Jestanians in fending off pirates that were active in the Corpheli Sector."
Gnost-Dural sensed the candor but Thayer hesitated as if the memories were prostrating. "Go on."
Gail sighed and recounted her experience during the Battle of Coruscant, the one which occurred over thirteen hundred years ago. "Master Bast and I were rendezvousing with Masters Svag, Sonam-Ha'ar, Tuknatan, and Nadill at Senate Hall when we were cut off and encountered monstrosities."
Gail Thayer - Padawan of the Jedi Order
Galactic City, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
06:06: 20,053 YAR / 06:06: 1,347 BTC - 09:00
It seemed to be a typical day on the capital world of the Galactic Republic and many native Coruscantis as well as off-world visitors whether for business or for pleasure went about their daily lives oblivious to an encroaching threat.
"It isn't that I doubt, Odan, Master." She said, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's just that the laymen are understandably skeptical. They are incapable of precognition."
"Now you're sounding like your mother." Dankrad sighed, referring to Nela, a scoffing woman from the influential Motti family of Phelarion who of course married her father Jouvil, chieftain of the Thayer Clan, and yet despite his padawan being attuned, the proud blue blood remained skeptical of the Force and was dismissive, even propounding 'explanations'.
Before Gail could respond, she and her master both sensed danger approaching. Without hesitation, they reached for their lightsabers, ready to defend themselves and the planet, the very one considered to be the heart of the Galactic Republic itself.
"I was hoping we would have time to strategize." Dankrad deadpanned as civilians began to run and the defensive batteries fired at the incoming warships. But instead of bombarding the planet, the Sith armada sent drop ships that fell from orbit.
"Get out of the way!" A Republic Sergeant yelled as he led his detail through the panicked crowd. They were attempting to conduct a counterattack against the invaders before they could establish a beachhead for follow-on forces. But to their surprise, one of the pods contained not enemy combatants, but war-beasts.
"Gail, get back here!" Dankrad ordered, but the impulsive Padawan ignored his plea. She continued sprinting towards the war-beast, her lightsaber at the ready.
With a swift and precise strike, she severed the legs of the war-beast, causing it to collapse to the ground. But as she turned to face the others, she noticed that more beasts were approaching from all sides followed by enemy infantry.
"Master, we need to fall back and regroup." Gail said, her voice filled with determination.
Dankrad nodded in agreement and together they fought their way through the chaos, using their lightsabers to defend themselves and those around them. But the Sith war behemoths were relentless, and it seemed like there was no end to their numbers.
Gnost-Dural - Chief Librarian of the Jedi Order
Tython, Tython System, Deep Core, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
11:20:15 ATC / Wednesday, November 20th, 1968 - 15:45/3:45 PM
"Impulsivity seems to be a habit of yours."
"I like to think on my feet."
The Kel Dor remained expressionless and while there was some disappointment the historian and preeminent keeper of the Jedi Archives was mindful that Jedi Training of her time was, for the lack of a better word, rudimentary and only became more methodical and centralized over time with Odan-Urr going on to become one of the most influential members in the history of the Jedi Order and it was unfortunate how the Draethos was cut-down by Exar Kun, a once-promising Jedi Knight who was anointed by the spirit of Markos Ragnos to take up the Sith Mantle.
"So it seems, but records indicate that you were embedded with forces sent to the Sith homeworld."
She looked down and Gnost-Dural discerned a feeling of shame and remorse radiating from her, dejected over the abominable transpiration. "I was never deployed to the ground but was aboard the Comet which was one of the vessels blockading Korriban, to prevent a breakout." The brunette looked up and gazed sincerely into the black eyes of the Dorin gas-breathing sentient. "I can't say for certain what exactly transpired on the planet and while it could've been the dark side clouding my judgment, I did sense Republic forces including Jedi going house to house to put those inside to the sword."
Rhinnalians had a stringent culture of honor that could be regarded archaic by some and yet the fact at least one among the Jedi spoke up against Pultimo's directive was encouraging yet as far as he was aware it was regrettably the only instance and Gnost-Dural was hopeful he could learn of others. "Were you aware of any others who spoke up?"
"No." She professed, the answer being one the Kel Dor did not anticipate. "There were a few who were conflicted but many of the soldiers and crewers felt that punitive action, an eye-for-an-eye was warranted and as far as I'm aware I was the only one aboard the Comet who asserted, attempted to reason but I was only a padawan…I was confined to quarters and wish I could've done more, I-"
"I believe this interview is over." Gnost-Dural interrupted, cutting her off before she could break down.
Jedi Council Chambers - Jedi Temple, Tython, Tython System, Deep Core, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
11:20:15 ATC / Wednesday, November 20th, 1968 - 17:00 / 5:00 PM
"It is my opinion that Gail is unfit to resume training and her personality is unsuitable for current Jedi standards." Gnost-Dural asserted in response to the Grandmaster's query after the historian personally delivered his report to the Jedi High Council which elaborated on the events of the Republic's counter-invasion following the Great Hyperspace War.
"That's most unfortunate."The Grandmaster, Satele Shan, expressed with a hint of disappointment but the Jedi historian was not finished with his findings.
"There's more. I have reason to believe that she lost faith in the Order due to her experiences during the counter-invasion." The Kel Dor asserted. "She may not have been on Korriban but taking into account her ordeal and her principles then witnessing a contravention of what the Jedi Order espouses…"
"A truly dark chapter, one you uncovered and enlightened us on." Master Giffus Fane sighed. "The repercussions of which are still being felt."
"The Order changed." Wens Aleusis professed. "And where would she go? The Order is her home now and we're her family."
"That may be, Wens, but you remember our decision on Shigar, at least before his mission to Nal Hutta and the Battle of Sebaddon?"
Satele was silent as Nikil Nobil was referring to her former Kiffar trainee, a male from the Konshi Clan, and Shan had come to believe that Shigar was ready for Knighthood yet after a discussion the Kiffar was deemed unready to face the Jedi Trials due to his lack of self-control and tact yet instead of objecting to the decision Satele advised her student to instead prove the High Council wrong and in the aftermath of his mission alongside Larin Moxla - who was at the time a former Republic soldier that had been drummed out and was living in the Coruscant Underworld - Shigar earned the opportunity to endure the Jedi Trials following the ordeal whereas Larin was reinstated to her former rank of Lieutenant and she was now a Major in Republic Special Forces. Still, the Grandmaster couldn't help but wonder what the Thisspiasian was getting at by bringing up her former apprentice.
"I do but care to elaborate?"
"There are some parallels here with Padawan Thayer's attitude, aside from the Rhinnalian connatural passive-aggressiveness of course, and I believe we should consider having her continue her studies under Knight Konshi's tutelage."
Satele couldn't refrain from smiling slightly as she found her fellow Councilmember's suggestion to be rather sagacious and it seemed logical. "That's an astute suggestion, Master Nobil."
But then Gnost-Dural decided to object from a more analytical perspective. "While it is a cogent perspicacity, Master Nobil, and nominally I would hold no objections to having her be trained by Knight Konshi, however, the facts here differ as it may be in her best interest to part ways." Gnost-Dural contended. "I'm not saying this lightly, especially given her particular circumstances but having her continue her training under Knight Konshi or even transferring her to one of the Service Corps may not be propitious. Still, it may be prudent to consult the Council of Reassignment on Padawan Thayer's future with the Order."
"Very, well, Master Dural but perhaps before consulting the Council of Reassignment we should reflect as there may be a path for her." Satele soothed, attempting to find a middle ground between having her remain with the Order and either continue her studies or transfer her to one of the Service Corps or even expulsion but there was even the chance that perhaps the Force itself would reveal her fate.
Gail Thayer
Zael's Grillhouse - Collective Commerce District, Galactic City, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
Friday, June 20th, 1969 - 12:00 / 12:00 PM
"Sorry about Sam, he's -"
"-A man of culture?" Gail finished but Jake glared at her momentarily in response to cutting him off.
"I was going to say he can get engrossed in the arts but exactly." The Hoosier corrected. "Besides, he's going to have lunch with a former classmate of his from prep school."
The day following a fortuitous reunion at the museum, Gail was leading the newly arrived, fish-out-of-water Jake to a certain restaurant, specifically one that was founded and still being managed by someone from her past. While many sentient beings had short lifespans with the maximum lifespan for humans being around one hundred and twenty years of age, Kadri'Ra were a long-lived sentient species, living up to fifteen hundred years and she decided to surprise Jake by making introductions, especially given how they were essentially dragons.
"Looks stuffy." Jake muttered as the Leatherneck adjusted his tan tie. "I should have worn my dress blues."
"Don't worry about it."
Jake believed that he knew better and unless it was a greasy spoon a suit was a non-negotiable prerequisite. "The tablecloths say otherwise, Champ. It's not Burger Chef or Edward's Drive-In."
"It's casual dining." She corrected while choosing to ignore the nickname he knew that she loathed.
"Casual…dining? What are you talking about?" The Hoosier then dropped the subject as he spotted a fabled creature that should only be relegated to the domain of fantasy yet apparently unless it was some mirage they forsooth existed. "Is that…. A dragon?"
"In a way…" Gail simpered, her hazel eyes twinkling as she observed Zaelvor-Has talking to one of the droid waiters before she opened the door
"Hello, Zael." Gail greeted, a warm smile gracing her features as she stepped towards the host stand. "It's been a while."
"Not really funny considering…" Zaelvor-Has sighed.
"Who are you speaking to, Dad?" A younger Kadri'Ra inquired.
"Gail, Callen, and a friend of theirs." The elder of the two disclosed.
"Jake? I would like you to meet Zaelvor-Has and his son, Halvuth."
"Please, call me Hal." The younger one insisted. "And forgive me for insinuating, we don't get many humans here, just carnivores."
"Zael? Hal? This is Jake, a friend of mine."
Although he didn't show it, Jake was admittedly uneasy as only now did the American himself recognize that they were the only three humans here. 'Great but hopefully they'll eat what's on the plates and not snack on us.' "Umm…How do you do?"
"Inimatadated, isn't he?" Callen snickered.
"No offense but dragons are supposed to be mythological." The Leatherneck deadpanned.
"Well, perhaps on Earth these dragons are fairy tales but there's non-sentients like Krayts and then there's us." Zael mused before turning to his son. "Excuse us for a moment, I'll have one of the droids bring you to a table."
"'You have some rather interesting friends." Jake observed, his voice laced with a hint of awe.
" Zael is the only living friend from my time I have left." She sighed, a wistful expression clouding her features.
Jake looked at her empathetically and he still could not imagine what she was going through, to have her entire life turned upside-down but in the short time he came to know her he believed that she could persist and acclimate. "You're overlooking the fact that there are still those who care about you." He alluded to himself and of course others but before Gail could respond the pair were interrupted by a waiter droid.
"Follow me, sir, ma'am." It directed before ushering them to their seats.
"Carnivores, huh?" Jake deadpanned as he read through the menu, one thankfully typed in High Galactic Standard only to notice that the choices were either meat or fish, even the sides and the drinks weren't meant for human consumption aside from water. There was not even something akin to bananas being offered so he could at least intake potassium.
"I used to come here with Odan, according to him this was the only establishment that fried -" Gail paused as she attempted to remember the exact animal from his homeworld but failed. "Honestly I don't what's called but I think it was a giant tarantula of some kind. I still can't believe that bookworm was venerated."
"I can get engrossed in reading history myself." Jake grinned and he did learn at the museum that her friend had gone down in history as a celebrated figure in the Jedi Order.
"I still think you and Odan would've gotten along well." She speculated since the Hoosier was studious and enjoyed reading in addition to other recreation but Odan-Urr by contrast was so obsessed with books that if he had not joined the Jedi Order he would have likely sought employment at some grand library.
"Maybe but I'm not the seminary type, Champ." Jake declared only to see crestfallen despair but then another waiter droid appeared and thankfully provided a welcomed interruption.
"What would you like, sir?" The 'robot' asked him.
Jake paused as he scrutinized the menu once more just in case something slipped past his notice but still only saw a choice between meat or seafood and he settled on ordering just a steak. "I'll have just your prime, err…Nerf sirloin, medium-rare, please."
"And for you, miss?"
"Bantha Kabobs, please, and thank you." Gail ordered. As the droid departed to the kitchen to inform the cooks of the request, the former Padawan remembered another reason why Odan-Urr preferred this restaurant over any others. "There's another thing I neglected to mention. Odan also enjoyed the peculiar cooking method."
Jake arched an eyebrow. "Sorry?"
"Look behind you." She prodded, a playful gleam in her eyes.
Jake turned, his gaze landing on a scene that left him speechless. Halvuth, standing behind a grill, was using his own breath, a fiery blast of flames, to cook the food. An unsettling mix of fascination and apprehension washed over Jake as he watched the young Kadri'Ra tend to the flames, a smile playing on his lips, the Hoosier couldn't refrain from grimacing as he became concerned that it was either overdone - or worse - charred to a crisp.
"This is why it's the main attraction." Callen said with a chuckle. "Imagine, cooking with your breath. It's not something we can do."
Jake glanced at Callen, noticing the amusement in his eyes. "I can imagine. Though is it still considered cooking if it's done with direct flames instead of heat?" He questioned, trying to wrap his head around the concept.
"Well, the food turns out nice, if a tad more smokey than usual." Callen shrugged. "And it's certainly a lot faster than using an oven. We'll just have to see if they overcooked the Bantha Kabobs this time."
Gail rolled her eyes and mumbled something about her brother's endless teasing."'Don't worry, Jake, Zael and I assume Hal are habile cooks, and they know how to handle their…" She gestured with a slight wave of her hand. "Unique talent."
"You don't say." The Hoosier deadpanned, as if it was obvious.
"Are you going to eat?" The Rhinnalian inquired, not sure if she should be amused or what.
"Ummm…You first." Jake prodded, still in awe by the exact cooking method being utilized, including a fine steak no less.
Gail shrugged and picked up her Bantha Kabob by the stick. "You honestly should be more exploratory." She mentioned before taking a bite. "Sometimes I wonder about you."
The Hoosier couldn't help but think of the time he, his first cousin Jessica, Samuel, and Samuel's cousin Donna were at a certain famous cáfe in Rome where famous visitors such as Buffalo Bill Cody and even the celebrated American author Samuel Clemens - better known by his pen name of Mark Twain - themselves sipped coffee.
"I still know some legitimate snobs who believe they're worldly and I remember the day Donna at the Antico Caffè Greco ordered me an espresso because it's impossible to get a simple black coffee in Italy instead of concoctions that the Beatniks drink." Jake mentioned while staring down at the steak. "Sometimes comfort food is all that's needed, especially in strange surroundings and I'm sure the Bootnecks of 42 Commando are still being looked at funny by the locals when asking for hot black tea instead of herbal or conflating Limmie ball with soccer, pardon me, what they erroneously call 'football'." Though to be fair the Hoosier himself was baffled at times by phaseball and of course grav-ball as they were equivalent to baseball and basketball respectively yet had different rules.
"What about the Taghilaw?" Gail mentioned only to regret it. "Sorry for bringing it up."
Aunt Joslyn, his uncle Ryan's late wife, waas an authentic Filipina from the Municipality of Mataasnakahoy in the province of Batangas, and she passed away in the Spring of 1958 as a result of the Influenza Pandemic. The bond between Jake and his siblings with Leo and Sally grew stronger over time but her absencewas always felt. That and Aunt Joslyn's dishes of course as she had her own special recipes for traditional Batangueño fare.
"Don't be. You lost more than I did." Jake asseverated then picked up the knife and fork to cut before, of course using the American style of etiquette: setting the knife aside and placing the fork in his dominant hand before bringing a chunk up and chewing with his mouth closed. After savoring the slice, Jake felt better as he had misjudged the fare as well as the unorthodox cooking method. "Hey, this is not bad…"
Gail rolled her eyes. Jake may be a stick in the mud like the rest of the Meyer's and impugn on the Force but no one could rightfully deny that he was not principled and she could respect it.
Present…
Gail Thayer
Outside Apartment 23292 - StarTower Residences, Manarai Heights, Galactic City, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
08:21: 16 ATC / Thursday, August 21st, 1969 - 23:25 / 11:25 PM
Gail was making her way home from her shift at the Museum, and although she was exhausted and just wanted to relax in her small apartment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as old habits die hard and she at times forgot that everything had changed. The streets were no longer as familiar as they once were, and the people seemed colder, and more distant but as she neared her apartment on the twenty-third hundredth level, she was approached by a stranger who seemed to have taken an interest in her droid and she raised her guard.
"Hey, that droid…" The man pointed at the antique protocol droid, B4-Z9, standing next to Gail. "It's an antique, over thirteen hundred years old and yet in mint condition. How much are you selling it for?"
Gail hesitated, not wanting to part with her beloved droid. "I... inherited him." The Rhinnalian fibbed half-truthfully as it was in fact the truth from a certain point of view and she hoped that it was sufficient to deter the man's interest.
"How much?" The man persisted, undeterred by her response.
"He's not for sale." Gail insisted, reaching for her holdout blaster pistol while just inside the apartment was her protosaber, a weapon she had of course crafted herself long ago.
"Come on, lady. Everyone has a price." The man argued.
Gail sensed weakness in the man and decided to use her Jedi mind trick. "This droid is not that valuable." She said, using the Force to influence his thoughts.
The man's eyes glazed over as he repeated her words. "Your droid is not that valuable."
"On second thought, you will go home, get some sleep, and then find a new trade." Gail commanded, releasing the man from her mind trick.
The man shook his head, suddenly realizing that he had no interest in the droid anymore. "On second thought, Miss, it's late and I'm going to find some other occupation as I'm retiring from the droid collecting industry. Sorry for bothering you." He apologized before quickly walking away.
Gail let out a sigh of relief and turned to B4-Z9. "No worries. Have a nice night." She simpered, feeling victorious."Well, Bee-Four, aside from the interest, how was your day?" Gail asked the droid, her voice full of warmth and affection.
"Rather dull admittedly, but rest assured, Miss Thayer, I did keep the house while you were away." B4-Z9 replied in his monotone voice.
Gail smiled, grateful for the droid's presence and help. "You did all this?" She asked, looking around the spotless apartment with even the laundry pressed and folded neatly.
"I still need to cook dinner for you." B4-Z9 informed her. "I honestly was unsure of your arrival!"
"No need, I'll cook myself then we'll turn in for the evening." Gail said, feeling lucky to have such a loyal and capable droid by her side.
As she sat down to eat, Gail couldn't help but think about the events of the day. She was glad she didn't have to part with her droid, but she also realized that she needed to be more careful in the future. As a former Jedi, she had to be mindful of her actions and use the Force responsibly but for now, she was just happy to be home, enjoying a quiet evening with her trusty droid.
Hud Trektik - Senator for Champala
Senate District, Galactic City, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Core Worlds, Republic Space, "The Galaxy"
Thursday, August 21st, 1969 - 3:15 PM
The Chagrian from the species' homeworld of Champala waited patiently for the proper opportunity to address his colleagues in the chamber, a proposition that though controversial was arguably essential for the ongoing conflict as the Republic Army and Navy were falling short of manpower. While the Republic's forces from the all-encompassing Republic Military and the discrete yet just as professional Planetary Defense Forces to the underequipped militias on backwater worlds as an aggregate still outnumbered the Sith Empire more than fifty-fold, the Republic Army and Navy in particular were divided between humanitarian assistance, anti-piracy missions, security at isolated installations, and of course those recuperating from wounds or illnesses and those either on R&R or on leave. It had additionally become clear that two-year enlistments were insufficient for the needs of the Republic Armed Forces and after Supreme Commander Malcom enlightened Trektik of the present developments, showing that an offensive that would optimistically rollback the Empire was possible yet he still required additional troops to steamroll the way towards Dromund Kaas and pleaded for bonuses in order to entice recruits instead of making due with the shortfall and what he had.
Hud, however, was going to do one better: He was about to unveil his plan for conscription and the conscripts would be serving for the duration of the conflict, one projected to last no more than five years and that was in the worst case scenario.
"We shall now hear from the esteemed Senator from the great planet of Champala!"
Knowing that it was cue after being recognized, Hud pushed the button and detached his repulsorpod from his assigned docking station to approach the Chancellor's podium in the center of the room and made his case to the entire assembly.
"Your excellency, fellow gentlebeings, I have here before you a bill proposing the enactment of conscription." Hud disclosed, the measure was unexpected or perhaps it was unanticipated despite being in the heads of those who would support such a measure but until today no Senator dared to bring forth such a drastic draft. "Despite our recent progress in the present war against the Sith and the valiant efforts of our newfound allies, voluntary enlistment has been down twenty percent and two-year enlistments are insufficient. The Republic Army, Navy, and Starfighter Corps needs manpower -"
The Senator was interrupted by jeering and even insults from some of his colleagues but of course being a respectable forum such vanity would not be tolerated.
"Order, order!" The Vice Chair of the Senate, Evran, directed. "The Senator of Champala has the right to be heard!"
The room gradually quietened and in due time the chamber was so silent that even the drop of an object could be heard.
"Thank you, Vice Chair." Hud nodded before continuing from where he was before being cut off. "Now this bill does address inequalities with the planetary conscription quota being proportional to each member world and citizens of traditionally pacifist worlds or of pacifistic species shall be enrolled into non-combat positions only. Lastly, members of Planetary Defense Forces, emergency first responders, and those otherwise employed in militarily essential occupations are exempt whereas those not exempt, if their lottery number is announced on the Holonet, would be inducted." The Chagrian assured the skeptical members of the delegation. "While I sincerely wished that such a drastic measure is unwarranted, that voluntary enlistments were sufficient, we need to resolve this war as swiftly and efficiently as possible."
"We shall give the body three days to consider this measure." Evran decided. "But until then, this body is dismissed!"
First and foremost I'm cognizant that the incorporation and debut of a certain new character could have been better written as it is a balancing act in revising and revamping the story and I rolled the dice here because I reasoned that this chapter, which was intentionally planned, would provide some necessary clarification and help clear things up with of course more to come in a future prequel set during First Contact and the events before E:ARwD.
Additionally, the inclusion of the last scene is some foreshadowing as the OC will be one of those drafted into the Republic Military.
And while on the matter of what transpired in Sith Space following the Great Hyperspace War, apparently there has been a retcon done in regards to what exactly transpired on Korriban but at the very least a cultural genocide was committed by the Galactic Republic and there's no escaping from it.
Now I have been unable to find anything on a draft and as far as I'm aware, the policy of two-year enlistments mentioned in the Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Epic Conflict is still in effect in-universe during this timeframe in SW:TOR.
Also, casual dining, at least in the United States because there are bistros in France and Italy, has a relatively short history. In the 1950s and 1960s, dining out was typically a formal affair, with white tablecloths, fine china, and a strict dress code with the only other choices for eating out being the local greasy spoon diner, the drive-in, or fast food but generally most people ate at home for breakfast and dinner with, well, packed lunches being typical for the breadwinner and children attending school.
It wasn't until the first T.G.I. Fridays opened its doors in 1965 when casual dining as Americans know it got its start and eventually the concept spread but the very first T.G.I. Fridays, located in New York City, was originally envisioned as a bar albeit one where singles would commingle. This was because, at the time, women were not seen in bars due to respectability or were even outright prohibited from some establishments, such as notably McSorley's Old Ale House. But when the first T.G.I. Fridays opened it became a hit and by the 1970s a few copycats, Chilis and Applebees, arrived which further spread the concept and the middle void, the one between cheap and upscale, had been met.
And I can confirm that there are some indirect references to Paladin's remarkable story Strange Surroundings intentionally included as a shout-out in this chapter and his tale is about a Bootneck - a British Royal Marine Commando - being teleported to The Clone Wars. You don't have to of course as it is your decision but nonetheless as a courtesy to him I still highly encourage the readers of this story to at least check it out as I'm a fan of it as well as A Time Displaced Sith by OfficerDonNZ and of course The Force Awakens Rewrite written as a collaboration between JSailer and Squasher. In fact, during your spare time you may enjoy reading those stories as well and I won't steer you wrong, :)