Trejiuvanat

That sums it up pretty good. Though I shouldn't say much, as I haven't even seen Revolutions and Reloaded I saw just about a month ago when it was on HBO.

I've never been too much into comics, and the fantastic four did not seem that interesting when compared to Superman, or the X-Men. From the trailers it seemed a really bad movie. Way too much (and obvious) CGI, stupid oneliners, and rather average actors. (Alba is hot, but blonde doesn't suit her). Yet another summer movie that I won't waste my money to go see.

Read today that the people responsible had been identified, and that at least one of them was dead. And that there were some people detained. I'm also suprised by Jahled's comment that they may have come form within the Pakistani-Brit community. Regarding my position -which will probably not change- I still cannot see the exposed logic behind the arguument. The war against Iraq and Afganishtan -independent from their results- were not waged because the U.S. wanted to rid the world of people like Hussein or the Taliban. Both invasions were mainly fought in the name of the intern security of the world powers (mainly of course the United States). The regimes of every country even if corrupt or inmoral do not lose their sovereignity. Whether that sovereignity is well-deserved or not is another matter, that would even question the existence of any regime. The corrupted government will always be a target because of the image they give, but their fates cannot be judged and sentenced. There are dozens of worse regimes than Saddam's, not only in the Muslim world but in Africa or in Latin America. No one is expecting any world-power to head in that direction, because no one wants them to do so. Afganishtan is still the same mess it ever was. It was not a country that went 'bad' because of the Taliban's, it's situation was never bright. Same for Iraq, they can choose a leader. but they are choosing a leader among those that were repressed by Hussein that were running and exploiting the country before him. Having a constitution and claiming that their rulers were elected by the people is not the same thing as being a democracy. Evaders mentioned Nazi Germany, which is another matter entirely. There was an open war against a country, because if had attacked and harassed another sovereign nation. And even WWII was not fought to save the Jews from extermination, the allies fought because all fell under attack from Germany and/or its allies. I agree that the Islamic world must come out of its slumber, in some ways the Islamic world is 'temporarily' displaced in relationship to the West. Inverted if you think of it. When Islam was at the peak of its civilization, the West was living its darker ages, and now when Islam is in its darker ages the West shines under the oh-so-great banners of democracy and capitalism. I do believe that with time (a few generations) the Islamic People will understand that neither sticking to old saddam-like regimes favoring terrorists, nor becoming capitalists Oasis like Dubai will be the way to go for Islam. But any changes need time, and they grow even more difficult the more interest the West has in that region of the planet, especially because of the now sharpening interest in the Oil Reserves. Personally, the way things are going, I fear that MidEast will be repetition of what has happened to Africa or Hispanic America before that. A land with much-needed natural resources that will be controlled by the world powers and then left behind in chaos. Lastly to clear up some historical facts: As for El Ã

This thread has turned out to go beyond condolensces regarding the attacks on London to a discussions of idologies. I'll keep it open for a while as long as it keeps a civilized tone. (Those last CAPS seemed a bit too sharp for my liking). As for my personal opinion on the matter. This is a blurry subject, no matter how one turns the matter there's nothing but half-truths and circumstational facts. And if you drag historical events and comparisons to it, there's definitely no truth at all. Especially if you consider that terrorists have no political affilition, no religion, just a twisted motive that may only be true for them. Terrorists in general do not have a religion (and I think it is unfair to blame Islam), they can claim their deeds in the name of God, but that in the end is all bullshit. Religion is a cowardly justification that in the end winds up hurting badly those who do believe and profess their faith. I have little love for religions over all, but I can respect all who believe in it whatever faith they choose or where raised in. Like Jahled there are aspects of Islam that disgust me, but it is something we cannot fight against, because we are not living it. As outsiders we are not entitled to judge nor sentence a religion. Changes of that kind must always come from those that live in it. If Islam does not change it will be forgotten and recede to a similar position to which the Catholic Church has receded. There are also aspects of our religion (Capitalism and Democracy, which are the Western World's Religion) that disgust me, they are barbaric and tyrannical in it's own sense. Back to the topic: What's the solution for terrorism? Is there a solution at all? Declaring a war on terrorism and put every singly terror attack on the spotlight definitely is not the wisest move. It's just giving the terrorist more justification that they are doing the right thing. Are things safer now? Did the invasion of Iraq or Afganisthan stop the attacks on Madrid and London? Even if Bin-Laden is captured and Al-qaeda dismantled will then the violence stop? It's the wrong war to fight. The Talibans and Saddam needed to go, but they should not have been ousted by foreign forces. If a regime is corrupt it will and it must be removed by their own people. That's what has happened over the course of our history. It's not a thing that happens overnight, and such a process takes time. (It's essentially what will happen in Cuba, what is happening in China). In the end just as I cannot tolerate the acts of terrorists, I cannot show tolerance the current solution, in which democracy and 'freedom' are imposed.

Just finished my last post in the introductory setting things up for the subRPs. Ulan and the Solos going to Zonama, the Imps back to the Empire, and there's Corran, who will be a 'mini-plot' I want to keep around for a while, probably jumping in between sub-rps while figuring out where booster's gone.

The small torpedo had not yet disappeared from sight when the Honor Guard of Chiss started to move out. Indicating that the ceremony would continue elsewhere. Perhaps in the dining room, perhaps elsewhere. Beside him Eressa brushed away a fugitive tear from her cheek, and smiled wanly at Oreton. The Grand Admiral returned another wan smile to her. "It will be pretty rough for her," Eressa murmured. "She must carry a great weight, and with most of her friends away. Even Hirotek." Oreton wondered momentarily and noticed that though the honor guard had moved out. Athien had remained. She now had her back reclining on the podium and followed the torpedo with her eyes. A few Chiss looked at her but followed the Honor Guard out, as did all other dignataries. "I will try to talk to her." The Alderaanian spoke softly and Eressa nodded. Oreton was moving towards her, when a strong hand grabbed him by the shoulder. "I must speak to you, sir," Fel said. "I suggest you do it over dinner," Eressa answered for Oreton and led Fel out of the room. Oreton then turned and moved next to Athien. "Thrawn will always be around you." The Grand Admiral stated. "Jedi Wisdom, I did not now you were schooled in their beliefs?" Athien snorted quietly. The torpedo had now disappeared entirely. "I have found that most of their moral code can be applied to every situation one finds itself," Oreton commented lightly not wanting to appear rude. "I feel your pain Athien, but be not too jealous of your pain." Athien looked at him with a angered look. More emotional than the average Chiss, Oreton clearly saw she was disgusted at his intromision. But there was also curiosity, the legacy of her father. Not willing to break out until she learnt enough. Her question came as an obvious combination of both. "What do you mean?" came the sharp question. "I have lived a similar situation to yours, to bury a father. The pain then blinded me, I did not want to admit that anyone had suffered his death stronger that I. Every condolesce seemed hypocrisy. I refused to give up on him." She was about to interrupt him when he quickly came around and finished his argument with a simple swift answer. "It was then that I realized I had lost myself from him." She hesitated which gave Oreton time to elaborate. "In my refusal I shut myself from everything that he represented. I forgot his advice and counsels, I dismissed his past warnings. I came to realized that he would for ever perdure in me, through the knowledge he passed on to me. When I act to his advice and warnings I can feel his smile, and I can see his wisdom in all the people he touched during his life." Her eyes now turned down, considering the words of the Imperial Grand Admiral. "Your father touched many in his life, and proof to it was the assorted reunion of dignataries here. Imperials, Chiss, Jedi, Vagaari, Alderaanians, Corellian, Wookiees, Mandalorians, Yuuzhan Vong and even Rapora. They were all here, all of them were here to bid farewell to him. Are they not the people that your father wanted to see working together? "Fear of loss, the Jedi claimed, led to the Dark Side. Over our lives we must learn to let go, pain is a tough master but its teachings remain with us, until it is time for us to pass. Death allows not to be cheated, always in the end it perdures. Your father above all people knew what he was doing, so heed his advice and orders, because he most likely had a reason for doing so." A shy 'thank you' came from the mouth of Athien, and Oreton considered that he had finished and walked away into the corridor. "Admiral Darak Noreto was always held in great steem in our family," Athien murmured so Oreton would hear it. "Your father also touched our lives." *** Dinner was pleasant, a calm meal, with light idle chatter at the different tables. Han Solo's quiet laughter could be heard when he was explaining the delicate art of Alderaanian Table Protocol to an overwhelmed Ulan Shai who failed to comprehend the purpose of having food specific utensils. The Mandalorians were also enjoying the calm atmosphere drinking and toasting in honor of their death. Wearing what would seem an hybrid of a TIE pilots uniform and a Jedi's robes, the warriors still seemed dangerous though deprived of their trademark armor. In their table, a handful of Jedi were enjoying their meal, listening to Corran Horn's recollection of a strange meeting with Thrawn on Corellia years ago. "Just like telling stories around a bonfire," Fel said and laughed politely and Eressa giggled. Even Onolovav could not help but smile. Only the Chiss table was still quiet, but Oreton considered that usual. Even in the UDA table their members were exchanging light chatter. Athien still seemed to keep to herself in a table seated with the Rapora and another high-ranking Chiss from the UDA. Oreton took a sip from the Kinuarian Icewine. "I recall you wanted to speak to me," the Grand Admiral turned to Fel. "Unless it is something of a more secret nature." "Not at all, and even if it were I believe the people in our table would eventually find out about it," Fel said and laughed. Seated around the circular table were Onolovav -Oreton's captain on Imperious, Eressa, Jagged Fel, Shankyr Nuruodo -one of Fel's elite pilots and distant relation to the diceased Thrawn- and Stent -security Chief of the now lost Hand of Thrawn-. "Actually I was requesting your permission to return to the Empire with you." That made Oreton's spirit sink slightly. It had been an unexpected request and even unsolicited. "I hope that is not your method of learning the new location of our capital or the hidden Imperial colonies," Oreton smiled, but shook it away. "I would be honored and thankful if you were to return with me. I am simply left to wonder as to why would you choose to return with me." Another of the service droids poured more wine into his glass. "Partly inspired by some of Athien's words and some of Thrawn's. Originally my association with the 'Hand' was meant to be temporary and I would hace come back the the Empire had Thrawn succeeded all those years ago. As it is, my involvement with the Hand has kept me away from the official hierarchy of the UDA," he then waved his hand before his face as he realized there was little need to tell his whole tale. "In short, I want to help you to reinforce the Empire, I have had ample experience in the political arena which can be of use, given any problems with the Moff Council and I have enough experience with the Rapora to help you renovate training programs to prepare officers better. I want to help you continue what Pellaeon started. And I might even be able to bring a few ships and squadron's to reinforce security." *** Ulan Shai had finally dismissed all the knowledge Han had tried to transmit and aribritrarily chose a fitting utensil for every plate served. By the end of the meal he picked the last remaining utensil for dessert. "See," Han focused on Leia. "He managed it all the way through the end picking the right stuff." Leia's giggle grew to a soft laught that she hid behind her hand. "It took him less tries than it took you to learn how to use them." Han gave her a lopsided grin in return. "Right." "Han?" Corran asked from his seat in the near table. "What are you up after this?" "Dunno. We are trying to choose. From one of the evacuees we heard there's a cool resort somewhere in Berchest. I was promised some vacation after accepting that generalship again." Corran looked from Han to Leia. "We heard that Luke and Mara left Zonama on a particular mission, I think we will go there to check things out." "It seems that the crazy Jabitha lady figured that in the big Jedi's absence she should call upon the big Jedi's sister. Not too mention Jacen's there, too. Hey kid," Han looked at Ulan, "there's plenty of space in the Falcon if you want to say hi to the family, the dog and the cat." Ulan considered, given his recent episodes he knew it would do well for him to talk to the priests or at least be removed from the direct action, he had many mistakes to account for. His weakness and capture at the hands of the Rapora that might have led to its discovery, up to the sentiment of incapacity that fills him whenever he relives the escape from Ord Mantell and Kyp's death. Ulan nodded. "What about you Corran?" Han asked. The green-eyed Jedi shrugged. "Not sure. I was thinking to go with with you, or go back into the core along with the rest of the Jedi. Or even try to find where Booster is and what he's up to. You know the smugglers, Han. They are always up to something, and I bet Lando and Talon have something big up their sleeves." "How do you figure that?" "I didn't get the usual Booster rant for almost getting killed after Ord Mantell, which means as much as the Venture being busy. And Booster would only get busy when he has to run errands for the smuggler pair." "Makes sense. I'd rather have you go and figure out what they are up to." "Is that an order, Han? I though you quit the generalship before the funeral." Corran asked in wonder. "Oh I did, and gave Omas that shiny insignia back. He made a bet that before dinner was finished I'd be giving orders again," Han shrugged. "Now I have to pay the Falcon's fuel out of my money. You are still going after Booster?" He nodded. *** Dinner ended without further highlights and the guests went down into the hangar bay to take their respective shuttles. Most Jedi were going back to Ossus or Denon, the Imperials and their liasions took their shuttles and went over to Imperious and their other warships. The Mandalorians left in their Gladiator Fighter with the exception of Boba Fett who had Slave I parked opposite to the Falcon. Corran Horn took his own black and green XJ X-Wing and flew out. Han, Leia and Ulan boarded the Falcon and departed last of all. In the cockpit of the Falcon, Han turned right to see his wife adjusting some instruments. "I have this feeling the worst is not over yet. Not by a long shot." "I know." She said sadly. "I have a bad feeling about this."

You need to find a freehost for your images. Try imageshack.us or some other online hosting service that allows remote linking. In imageshack after uploading the image you'll get a forum-postable link that'll put a thumbnail in your post. That's preferable to posting the entire picture. If you are trying to link another picture just use the [ img] [ /img] tags (sans the spaces) around the link.

And please reduce your avatar, Antonius. It's way to big.

What aliens from BFC? Where? Interesting funeral. I hope we'll get to see so more of Thrawn's legacy, I'm intrigued as to what happened to his will...

Yep there was a poster with it it was double-sided and had all the stats and ecy entries of all units and chars in the game. Now even if you buy it from LucasArts, there won't be a poster anymore.

Do you really want to know?

I had guessed as much. As for that planet, would you pretty please give all of us some information? It's a ice planet, in remote area, and the freighter's there by orders of the Galactic Alliance. There are some restrictions for the planet, and there was once a structure under the ice. I'd say Hoth, because that's the only one I can think of that fits into the logic here. It wouldn't be Alzoc III cause it's inhabited and it probably isn't Ilum, though that make an interesting setting. I'd think that that ice planet will eventually turn into a refugee world when more Aklasp enter the scene.

Tofu summed it up pretty good. Having a handful of bombers in the fleet will help to take out the shields and batteries. Most of the time the problem is to keep them alive after a battle (good thing there's an order to recall them). Troops have bombardment defense which is how they fare against orbital bombarments (duh!). The higher it is the more chance there is to hit that stupid mine and have all the sector go hostile.

Yep. Use Mask's patch it works for custom made videos and music.

I guess that what happens when a battle gets too prolonged. There was even a Threepio mention, though he is with Luke and Mara on the other side of the galaxy. As for everyone else. No idea... I think Mad's on vacation, and I haven't seen Darky in a pretty long time. I think between the three of us we can close down the Intro RPG. And hope more people come around for the sub RPs

Oreton was on the surface of Ord Mantell long enough to witness the Mandalorian Maneuver with the ship they came in. I'd think we could say that if he sees some more ships with similar characteristics to take them for Mandalorians... As for your warships in the battle... Well, that's my mistake. But we all know Mandalorians wouldn't sit idle if a battle was going on. Just like the Imps thehy were the back-up that came too late. As for that shadowy operation... I'm curious. By the way what happened to that female character you (re?)introduced a while back?

Marquand was the director of Return of the Jedi, he directed most of the in-location scenes (he has a cameo as a at-st pilot on Endor) but after a fight with Lucas he withdrew and wasn't part of the editting. Keshner (once a teacher of Lucas) was the director of ESB with Lucas around him more as an executive producer. Lucas would correct elements of the story he wanted to be told differently, but it was Keshner who decided how they'd be told. From wookiee growls to chasing scenes that really made up the dark atmosphere of Empire, they were part of Keshner's touch to it. Curious is, that Lucas got Keshner and Marquand because directing was too stressful for him. And he was happy with the role of an executive producer. Now that he was 20 years older, and I doubt that directing has become less stressful I wonder why in heavens did he not get anyone else to direct.

Some of the MDATAs are the movie files so they won't play if you rename their extension to .wav. They can be played with the Bink and Smacker utility.

And in ROTJ after Marquand left because of conflicts with Lucas...

Oreton had left the long lasting battle before it had turned sour, he had spent weeks on the surface of the planet preparing enduring defenses for the inevitable campaign of conquest that the Rapora woudl launch. He had been highly disappointed when the realization came that the fate of Ord Mantell would be decided in that single battle by the River. Worse yet, was that he found himself obliged to leave before seeing the ground battle's end, and then make a hasty and secret escape from the planet itself. The battle had been at its second day when he decided to leave ground operations to his ground staff and take his stealth shuttle and hyper to the nearest rendezvous point. Which was just out of the Ord Mantell system. Imperious, the UDA attachments to the Imperial Fleet and a small armada of Star Destroyer had been there waiting for the event of an emergency. From the battle it had been evident that the Rapora had a strong force in orbit, and that the Empire's Fleet would need to intervene. Then had come Thrawn's message that asked him to remain on standby, the Chiss had already been moving his pieces to recover Solo and the forces on Ord Mantell. Of that second battle for Ord Mantell there was little to remember or accound except for the unveiling of the Raporan trap. Oreton had just brought his forces to help Thrawn when the replicators had appeared and opened fire on Thrawn's ship. The white flash visible from afar on the forward viewport made him feel as if a dagger had been plunged into Oreton's heart. Oreton backed off from the viewport ran down into the crewpits. But Onolovav had arrived before him to the forward sensor station, his sad look confirmed that Thrawn's ship had perished. Oreton's voice came back angry and grieved when he ordered his ships to maneuver to keep the exit window open, keeping shy of the replicators and of the Mass shadow of Ord Mantell. It seemed that the Rapora had reduced their combat intensity, satisfied perhaps with the loss of the enemy, Thrawn's and a huge portion of the UDA had died in matter of seconds. Oreton believed he could discern a malicioius glee that manifested through the battling Rapora, along with contempt for whatever forces remained and a quiet satisfaction over the death of Thrawn. "Whatever was left from the UDA are moving out, they cannot hold the window open. The Mandalorians are being overrun. Orders sir?" Oreton looked at his captain. "What's the status of the evacuation?" "Many transports are safely in hyperspace, others are about to leave the area, some others were lost by the replicator attack." Onolovav reported. "Begin to maneuver us out of this system. Coordinate with the Mandalorians and the UDA for a rendezvous point." Oreton answered and sat back on his chair. *** Han felt his guts knot again as he saw the bright flash in space, he too was gone. In the cockpit in the copilot's chair Leia's voice came surprised and shocked, "By the force, he's gone!" "I'm not sure I'll miss him, but he'll be hard to replace." Han answered. "Oreton is ordering all ships to leave the area." "About time," Han murmured as he sent the Falcon deeper into space, leading some last groups of transports away from the Raporan formation. "Why is it that Ord Mantell always leaves me such bad memories," Han said as soon as the lines of hyperspace were visible. "I swear I'll never go there again." Leia smiled faintly and leaned her head on Han's shoulder. "Where are we going, by the way?" "To the Imperial rendezvous point." "Great," Han breathed. "Just the place I'd want to be. Along with Oreton and Athien in Thrawn's funeral." Han looked at his wife. "And you know what I think about funerals." "Yes," she said softly as she remembered hundreds of funerals and memorials. "They make me sad too." Now it was Han who leaned his head in Leia's shoulder. *** When normal space rematerialized in front of him. Oreton ordered all units to report in. He wanted who made it and it what shape. Then he asked for his shuttle to be prepared. "Sir?" Onolovav asked. "I will shuttle over to," his voice seemed to hesitate, "the UDA Flagship, I will bring my condolensces to Commodore Athien personally." In matter of minutes he was in Athien's ship. The crew were attending their duties, but even the Chiss were showing signs of despair and sadness. When he entered the bridge it seemed a grave. The officers attended their routines but one could tell that evidently everything was wrong. Athien was sitting on the chair with her head in hear hands. A moment of weakness overcame Oreton at the sight of this image. He had come here expecting to find her heartbroken. Thrawn had been everything in her life, her father, her tutor, her idol. Oreton could relate the moment to the day he had been informed that his father had died. When he had been taken away and there had not been a body left behind. "Commodore." Oreton said and his voice was slightly broken. "Athien." And she raised her head but did still not look at her. He walked up next to her chair and looked at her. The blue face wetted by tears. Oreton took out his handkerchief and gave it to her. "He," she started to say. "I know." Oreton said. "I feel your loss, Athien. It is a loss to us all," he spoke softly. "He will be avenged," she answered firmly, though the words were provided by a broken voice...

It's a result of bad planning. In Eps I and II GL wasted lots of time with useless subplots and scenes (Tatooine segment in ep I, Naboo segment in Ep II). If the prequel plot had been laid out better, I mean better split up between the three movies we would have had higher quality prequels. Ah Lucas you fool. You should have done at least 14 drafts of the prequels before starting to film them as he did with the OT.

That's the biggest failure of EIII, there's too much going on and too little time, so most of the scenes seem too hasty and compressed.

Terror hardly needs a reason and as ever it strikes at the innocent, and proof of it were today's attacks, or last year's in Madrid or New York's 4 years ago, or essentially all other manifestations of terrorism happening right now. Trying to second-guess motives right now hardly matters, and no one will justify their actions for this treacherous attack. I'm glad that J found that his friend, and that -so far- he has lost no one- I wish no one here loses anyone. Right now we must be glad for those who survived and grief for those lost.

Poor them... With UDA licking wound, Imps struggling for inner stability, Chiss gone, who will they turn to? Hapans? Ewoks?

I'm pretty certain he was, Stellar mentioned somewhere that Palpy was in direct command of the Raporan Forces there. And Palpy should eb the only one able to outthink Thrawn. Kyp's death was very good, fitting for him. I'll write an Imperial part, just for Oreton's reaction to Thrawn's death.