The Smoke be for the Fires: (Book 1)

[Akirapryde]

Hail Our Heroes!
Republic Heavy Cruiser Defiance
Arriving: Coruscant System

The fire fight had been just what Fiolla had expected. The enemy was dug in and waiting for them. Sure she knew it was a good thing to protect the civilians of the town but not like this. That damn Jedi never listens to her and now her men were going to pay the price for his mistake. He even foolishly ran right on top of a land mine because he doesn't listen. Her hands and combat knife worked hard as she tried to disarm the mine while Zey gave brutal cover fire. Shots ripped next to her and the runt as sweat dripped in to her eyes while she worked. Luckily for the runt, it was a simple mine with no tamper switches. There was the click she had been working for. It meant that she had jammed the trigger with her blade. Seconds turned to what seemed like hours as she leaped to her feet and grabbed the little runt by his shoulders. In that moment saw two rifles from different windows pointing right at them. She could leap over the car as she had originally planned. But that meant almost certain death for the runt!

In that second of her life, she remembered back when they were kids growing up. Oh how she, her sister and him used to play together at her uncles estate. She even remembered how he had earned his nickname, runt. She used to pick on him so much. How she loved him like the little brother they never had. So much had passed since then, but deep down inside even now she saw that little runt who she loves as a brother. She never believed that he deserved to be out here in harm way. He had always been too small, too weak, and so much her little brother. She hated the idea of him being out here. And now his life was in danger.

'No' She thought as she jammed up the servos in her armor twisting in that moment and hurling Daz over the vehicle and out of harms way. Her heads up display in her helmet showed both shots ripping through her armor. The medical sensors picked up the wounds and had the platoon's Corpsman not died in the crash he would have been alerted of the fatal wounds. Talon's legs gave out under her as she crashed to the ground. Tears filled her eyes as the internal bleeding ran out of control. The pain was so much more intense then she had ever thought. The armor signaled her heart rate dropping below safe levels as well as her blood pressure dropping. She could feel the coldness of her limbs rushing up her body as her own life's blood rushed out of the entry and exit points of both wounds.

Yet there was comfort in her heart as she approached death's doorstep. While her suite alerted her of her medical condition and continued to send out its updates to the Platoon Corpsman, she only looked under the vehicle and saw Daz laying there looking elsewhere. “I am sorry my friend” she coughed out through the blood, She couldn't have known that the second round smashed through her com-system. Even if she wanted to call out for help she couldn't. “I'm sorry brother......” she managed to correct as she cough up blood for the last time. In that moment Talon felt the great weight of guilt lifting from her. In her deed of saving Daz's life she had managed to earn forgiveness for her past wrong doings. Her eye sight faded as she slowly drifted off in calm and peace.

She felt her body slowly falling out from underneath her. Upward she felt her soul drifting. Around her she could feel the combat taking place. There was only warmth and comfort around her. She knew that they were in good hands with Zey. There was no reason for her to linger about. Her life had been short but fulfilling. Behind she left her loved ones in good hands and she knew that they would be taken care of. Higher and higher in to the light she drifted. There was happiness and she could even feel the warmth of the afterlife beckoning her.

Then she was surrounded with dark thunder clouds as her vision now gone. She could feel cold rushing back to her being. Voices yelling in the distance, 'what's going on?' she questioned as more and more feelings rushed over her being. Peace was replaced with pain, once more intense pain. She cried out as she slowly opened up her eyes to see Daz and Zey arguing over her death. She could not make out all of the words but she knew that Daz had something to do with her being called back to life! “She doesn't deserve death...” she heard Daz saying to Zey. Daz had called her back!

Talon leaped from her bed with a jolt screaming out loud. Her breath racing, sweat dripping her from body she rolled over to her side and looked at the clock. Even still drunk she only managed to get less then an hour sleep. Her room on the Defiance was dark but she could see enough to get around. She slid off her bed and landed on the floor. Her hands shaking uncontrollably as was the rest of her body. “Get a grip Talon..” she said looking at her hand. She slowly rolled over in to a siting position and took a look at both hands. Still they were shaking as she opened and closed them. “Get a grip girl!!!” she ordered herself as she slammed her fist on to the cold hard deck.

Reaching up over her shoulder she grabbed the bottle that had help her to sleep earlier from the nightstand. While her hands still defying her, she held the bottle with both and put the stopper in her mouth. Gripping the stopper with her teeth she pulled the bottle free from it with a pop. She sit there for a moment looking at the large bottle now half empty and she was ready for more. Spitting the stopper across her floor she sighed. She was not even seventeen yet and already she was more then comfortable with drinking. Her life had always been on the fast track. Pre-Academy followed by Academy and early graduation. Then early commission and a jump in pay grade. It had been a fast life and one that she had to work so hard for. She put the bottle to her mouth and drank till she could not drink anymore.

Pulling the bottle away her tears once more returned, She pulled out her dog tags from under her shirt. On the same chain was a small unimportant silver woven knot, “So now the time has come” she said in tears, “Defeated, to you I fall. And I will let my soul, Be carried by your call. Today I give myself, to utterly be thine. And I will take your knot, For my life as sign. Wanderer, I call to thee, My sacrifice is yours alone.” her tears over coming her voice, “Throw Gungnir over me, And take me as your own.” she said then stopped. Unable to continue, she cried softly till she was able to add, “But Valhalla has been denied me, my Lord.”

She struggled to her feet as she took another drink from the bottle. Using the nightstand as support she pulled draw her body back and lunged forward screaming, “Fuck you Daz!” as she throw the bottle against the door screaming. It shattered in a loud crash echoing across the room. The remains of the bottle and its contents flew about the room. In her drunken state fell to the ground. Crying, “What have I ever done to you...why Daz why deny me...why???” she cried out loudly no longer caring.

She stumbled to her feet, “Why...” she said more softly as she stumbled over to her desk. Using the desk for support she picked up another bottle and ripped the stopper off it like the one before. Taking another drink she reached over to her chair and pulled out her heavy blaster pistol. “Why?? Why??” she kept saying as she stumbled to the door. It hissed open as she walked through it and vanished down the hall. The door hissed close as her departure.

****************

Captain Heartman was very pleases with the way the plans were going. Tra Vae was good to his word and his Father had come through as well. With a little luck, he would have just what he was looking for. He was about to create a Galactic Hero for the Republic. He smiled to himself as he looked over the reports and the press releases. He really didn't have to doctor much up. She was just who she was, a brave woman that was ready to be recognized by the Republic. He leaned back in his chair once more completely proud of all that he was able to put together in just the past three days in hyperspace. Now there was just over twenty four hours till the big show.

There was a chime on his intercom. “Yes?” he said as he answered it.

“Captain, you need to get down to the training deck.” It was the Training Sergeant Major and in his voice Captain Heartman heard concern. Something bad was happening.

“I am on my way!” Captain Heartman said as he got up from his chair and rushed out of his ready room.

*******************

Captain Heartman walked on to the training deck to see the Training Sergeant Major, Doctor Trailue and Commander Shallder ducked behind some crates. The answer to why they were hiding soon became appertain as a blaster shot landed on a nearby wall. He was not about to dive for cover on HIS ship. He stood his ground and looked to where the fire came from. “TALON!” he shouted.

He saw her stumbling as she attempted a bit of target practice. “What is going on here!?” he demanded as he walked towards her. Doctor Trailue and Commander Shallder followed now that the Captain had shown up.

“Can't you see uncle? I am getting better. See pushing more and going further.” Talon said as she tried to hit another target. She failed horribly.

Captain Heartman was not impressed. In fact his anger was growing fast. “Put the weapon down Talon.” He ordered.

Talon stopped to take a drink from her bottle then looked at the weapon. She tears were flowing from her eyes. “I don't want it anymore.” she said tossing it to the side. “I don't want any of this any more.” She said in tears. It was clear she was suffering from her near death experience and extreme stress she had been under. She needed help to cope with her life, professional help.

“Talon, look at yourself. You're drunk and acting foolishly.” he said trying to be calming. He held out his hand behind his back. Doctor Trailue stepped closer and slipped something in to his hand. Captain Heartman started to walk forward slowly. “You have one of the most impressive careers in the Republic Navy. This kind of behavior” Motioning at her and the surrounding area, “is not good for that career.” he said softly.

Talon started to take another drink from her bottle but stopped. He was right, she had work so hard for this career she has now. But what did she really have? She had her troops who would die in combat at any point in time. She had Zya, the closest thing she ever had to a friend. Yet for all that she did, there were those in the unit that actually feared her. She worked so hard and for the first time in her life she realized that she really didn't have anything. She looked at her uncle, he had commanded this ship for years. Was this to be her future as well? She looked at the bottle, “what have I become?” she said softly looking up to her uncle.

Captain Heartman smiled at her with pride. “You have become a hero that millions can look up to. You are famous my little Talon” He said pleasantly.

She still looked at the bottle then over to her image on the wall, “Something that others can look up to” she questioned then looked back to her uncle, “How can they look up to me when I despise what I have become!” she said thinking of her sister. She had real friends that would lay down their lives for her out of love for her. She had a real life outside of what she was in the order. Her life was so much more simple and didn't have the pressure of success. She dropped the nearly empty bottle to the deck with a shattering sound. She turned and started to walk away, “I...I want to quit” she mumbled.

Captain Heartman couldn't believe his ears. “What?” he paused in disbelief, “What did you say.”

She turned to face him, “I quit!” She yelled out making sure he could hear her now. For the first time in her life, she was taking control of it. “I don't want this anymore. I want more then to become a killing monster!” She barked as she moved towards him. Looking down again, knowing that her anger shouldn't be directed at him. He had always been there for her. Supported her when her own parents were unable to. He was like a second father to her. He didn't deserve this, “I hate what I have become, uncle!” she said calming down a bit. Her tears now out of control, “I push so hard and still I hate what I see in the mirror, uncle.” she admitted to the cold hard truth that took her near death to realized.

He looked down for a moment. There was so many ways this could go and still he needed her for his plans. He looked up at her with a sad look in his eyes. “Gigit,” he said in such a soft and nurturing voice. The affect on her was clear as she looked up with tears in her eyes. She remembered her childhood nickname he used to call her back at his estate. “I know you have pushed yourself so hard and have accomplished so much.” he said as he saw her eyes. She could see that he saw what she was saying. “Come here, Gigit.” he said holding his arms open for her.

She could not believe it, he understood her. For the first time in her life she knew that everything was going to be okay now. She smiled in relief as she rushed forward in to his arms. “Oh uncle!”

He closed his arms around her in comfort while she held tight to him, “You are no monster, Gigit” he said running his hand through her hair. “You just need some help and I will make sure you get that help Gigit.” he said as his hand slowly rose up behind her back.

“I really just want to be a teenager again. I don't want to be a soldier anymore. Please help me be free of all of this.” she said crying with her face buried in his chest.

He frowned as he spoke, “I know Gigit and you won't have to worry about this anymore. I will take care of everything. Promise” he said as he drove the needle of the sedative in to the back of her neck. He pushed the plunger before she could even react. He held her tight as she attempted to struggle, but it was over as soon as it started. The sedative was fast acting and she never had a chance.

***************

Fiolla could hear voices but couldn't make them out. Her head felt light and fuzzy and her body refused to obey her commands. She couldn't even open her own eyes. She knew that she was laying down on a bed of some kind. Or at least she felt like she was laying down, or maybe floating. She felt something in her arms but not sure what it was. There were beeping sounds around her as well as other noises. She was scared. She didn't remember what happened or how she got here, she tried to call out for her uncle but no sound came out of her lungs. The voices came closer, “Are you sure this is the only way?” They were strange noises as if they were some kind of alien. Fear continued to over run her mind.

“Yes I am sure.”

“Look I am not doing this unless you give your word that once this is over she will get the help she needs.”

“You have my word Doctor. Now can we please continue.”

“Okay how far back do we need to wipe?”

“Just before the point she was shot and killed. Erasing those memories and input these. That will solve this problem Doctor.”

Fiolla felt terror consuming her, Erasing memories? Whos? Mine?

“Nurse, give her another dose of sedative and take her deeper in to the coma for the procedure.”

Fiolla tried to yell out but no sounds left her mouth, 'Please don't take my memories!' she tried to beg of the voice. Over and over again she begged but soon all she felt was darkness around her......

******************

Thousands of Coruscant citizens came out to welcome the finest unit in Republic History. The entire Republic City was closed to all traffic while the mighty Fleet Assault Carrier Defiance made his slow pass over head. With Defiance's combat wings joining Coruscant's own wings flying in tight formations around the mighty ship, it was truly a spectacle like none seen before. Large air burst fireworks drew in large crowds around the city to watch the mighty warship return home.

The 501st had been on deep patrol along the outer rim for the past six months and was returning home from their peacekeeping duties. While on station in the outer rim, troopers from the 501st had conducted operations ranging from counter pirate operations to humanitarian missions. Each mission that had been set before them by the Senate they completed with stunning colors. Even operations like rescuing Jedi in dire distress. No mission proved too small or too large for the 501st, they truly have earned their place as Coruscant's Own.

As the flagship of the unit made its customary pass by the Senate, the crew and troopers of the 501st stood on deck in their white dress uniforms. This tradition dated back to the first time the 501st returned home from combat thousands of years ago. The tradition was created to show the Senate that they honored their promise, 'We will return home in victory' However this returning was a shock for most. Normally the Unit Commander would take up the position at the bow of the Defiance as it made its pass. Today that position of honor was reserved for one young member of the unit. Lieutenant Fiolla Heartman.

The reason for her to hold such a honor bound position was soon made clear after landing at Republic City's spaceport. Here a large award ceremony was held for the brave men and women of the 501st. A number of troopers and crew members were honored for a degree of awards and brave actions. But it was for the last award recipient that the Senate held out for the best. Lieutenant Heartman was recognized for her remarkable bravery, valor, and courage under fire.

It was the speaker of the Senate who awarded her with the Republic's Order of Valor for leading a brave assault to liberate a small village from an oppressive warlord on Yavin IV. Disregarding the fact that her unit was out numbered over thirty to one, she and her brave unit took on the enemy. They liberated the village with no civilian lost of life. During the assault, Lieutenant Heartman heroically braved enemy fire to rescue a Jedi that had gotten trapped in a mine field.

Even after taking not one but two shots to her back that were near lethal, she lead her unit on a grueling forced road march that lasted nearly twelve hours. At the end of the march she once more lead her unit on another assault with the support of a few Jedi to capture the Force using crime lord Marshien Lazlo and his thugs. During the battle she managed to rescue another Jedi that had been captured earlier that day. Sadly despite her best efforts, Lazlo escaped justice after being killed during the battle.

Jedi Master Tra Vae summed up everyone's feeling when he said, “With more troopers like Lieutenant Heartman working side by side with the Jedi Order, the Republic shall never need to fear the darkness.” Due to her courage in rescuing two of his young Jedi, Jedi Master Tra Vae made her an honorary member of the Jedi Order and awarded her the second highest award eligible to those non-Force users.

As the day festivities slowed down, a new sense of security was felt throughout Coruscant as many eyes were now watching the bright and distinguished career of this young Republic Marine Officer. From this reporters desk, We here at the Republic News Agency would like to issue our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the brave men and women like Lieutenant Heartman of the 501st. To whom they stand between us and the forces of darkness.