Ceorl

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://gothamist.com/attachments/jen/2008_04_nypdstorm.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gothamist.com/2008/04/26/when_the_nypd_m.php&usg=__Ylxhc8gyxgrknko2PaQApNSjdYM=&h=450&w=600&sz=63&hl=en&start=20&um=1&tbnid=JebnhSRCQjKlEM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgalactic%2Bempire%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN Go figure, when I should be doing something productive I decide to google and discover this little gem of humor.

Stoping the goose is easy; just install steel plates in front of the turbines

Chapter 3: Riptides... Page Residence, Coruscant Day 57 Fading sunlight filtered past high-rises while Ceorl wrote in his study. "My reassignment couldn't have come sooner. Two months with Bin Essada is two months stuck with a wampa loose in a starship. Granted the man is effective. Only a week after Trace's abduction passed before the Balmorans caved to his demands. But I could not stand his hubris; a demi-human with delusions of grandeur. Last I heard that odious tub is bluffing, threatening, and bribing his way towards Yaga Minor's obedience. My thoughts still linger over the Rebel fleet that attacked Coruscant shortly after my return. An audacious plan, yet three transports and an escort carrier were hardly a match for the Imperator class Majestic and Coruscant's TIE squadrons. Their flight back into hyperspace was swift. The indecision in reassigning me is also a source of frustration, especially in light of the Rebels' new found aggression. I was told Intelligence had the matter well in hand, tracking all potential hyperspace trajectories, and I was not needed. But traitors are like kath hounds. Once they have caught the scent they will not relent until something is brought down. So I spoke with several of Palpatine's sycophants, telling them my concerns and of my ability to do something about them. Within three days the same Rebel fleet 'liberated' Balmora. The brazen attack was celebrated by Balmoran unionists as a triumph over Imperial oppression. But the fear Essada planted has grown deep roots and the "liberators" now find themselves stuck maintaining a military presence to assuage concern over Imperial retribution. Their destruction could help the galaxy forget the loss of one space station..." A communication chime sounded. "Go ahead," Ceorl answered. "Captain Ceorl Page," an operator back at Imperial Command said, "you've been summoned by the Emperor. A transport will be arriving at your residence in fifteen standard minutes." Ceorl smiled. "Understood," he replied. "Recognition at last." he concluded his data entry. "In these dark times, I may still profit from others' folly." Imperial Palace, Coruscant Day 57 http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f262/waltersp/SCN61.jpg At the highest point in the palace, a long rectangular room shrouded in black, Palpatine sat in his dias, looking through a large layered window below at the city. Escorted by several crimson clad guardsmen into a smaller anteroom, Ceorl suddenly he felt a shock staff strike his back. Electric pain lanced his body and darkness engulfed his vision. A dull rhythmic pain signaled his return to conscious thought. Two guards were holding him upright before the Emperor. "Ceorl Page, you have served me well," Palpatine, standing no more than a foot away, said. Ceorl, disoriented and injured, could only vacantly nodded. "As a staunch advocator of my agenda," the Emperor continued, "and a devoted naval officer. However your son's defection calls your loyalty into question." "Judder," Ceorl muttered. "Do you care for him?" Palpatine asked, his yellow, animalistic eyes stripping the truth away. "Yes," Ceorl answered quickly, surprising himself. "A pity, then I cannot trust you," Palpatine gestured to his guards who released Ceorl, unceremoniously dumping him to the ground. "Still I have high hopes for you," Palpatine said as he ascended to his throne. "But to insure your loyalty you must be taught service has a price." Suddenly Judder stood before Ceorl, bound and kneeling. A guard handed Ceorl a blaster pistol. "Kill him," the Emperor commanded. Ceorl did nothing. "Kill him and assure your place among my elite," Palpatine's shrill voice bore into Ceorl's skull. He picked up the pistol but did not fire. "He is a traitor to everything you have fought for. Kill him." Ceorl tried to rise to his knees but only managed to sink into a kneeling stance. "Wait..." he mouthed, fighting for time. A shock stick pressed against the back of his scalp. "Kill or be killed!" the Emperor commanded. As Ceorl felt staff's electric current begin to enter, frying synapses, plunging him back into darkness, he fired. The energy beam sliced cleanly through Judder, leaving a gaping hole in his chest. Without noise Judder toppled and vanished, a figment or an illusion Ceorl could not tell. Into the stillness, Palpatine began to laugh. "Good, good," he cackled as Ceorl slipped back into unconsciousness. Imperial Palace Day 59 Commander Page together with two Imperial officers, Commander Brandei and Colonel Grammel, stood before Emperor Palpatine. "While Lord Vader is away it falls to you three to remove the taint infecting Balmora." Palpatine said, turning his chair towards the men below. "Their punishment will be a message to the rest of the galaxy." "As you will, my lord," Grammel said, bowing. "We will not allow chaos to seep back into the Empire. Like a wound, Balmora must be cleansed. To that end, I will dispatch the Star Destroyer Majestic to retake Balmora. Admiral Brandi will oversee the Imperial Navy task force and General Grammel will lead the counter-attack." "Thank you my lord," both men chorused. Palpatine turned to face Ceorl. "See to it that COMPNOR's inquisition is ruthless," he said, eyes narrowed in boundless anger. "Thank you, Emperor" Ceorl replied. "Our message must be clear. Do not fail me," Palpatine intoned as he turned his chair, and his attention, back towards the skyline. The three men bowed and made their way out of the throne room, keeping their faces toward the Emperor. As Ceorl entered the antechamber he couldn't chase away a feeling of cold despair, like a half-forgotten nightmare, from his visit.

Well mine is much cheaper, but I already broke down when I was renting a movie at Blockbuster and bought a Clonetrooper bobblehead for $5. http://images.entertainmentearth.com//AUTOIMAGES/FU8246.jpg Also got Darth Vader for my dad

Don't forget you can run the game in compatability mode by right clicking the Reb.exe and going to Properties/Compatability. I sometimes find that helps resolve issues with old games; though I'm afraid I've never had problems like you're describing on XP or Vista.

Chapter 2: Imperial Diplomacy http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f262/waltersp/SCN411.jpg Commonwealth Building Seswenna Sector, Balmora Day 12 Essada slammed a meaty fist down on the conference table. "No, that will not do councilman. Either you obey my gubernatorial decree or you are in violation of Imperial law." The Balmoran representative, a thin mouse of a man, spread his hands. "Governor, while the ST factory workers strike it is impossible to meet your production quotas." "Then you shall force them to produce," Essada demanded. The Balmoran scratched his brown beard. "How?" he asked rhetorically. "The police and militia will break the strike. And if you had stormtroopers with you we would not be having this conversation." "The strikers' demands are unacceptable to the central government," Ceorl interjected. "The Emperor's declaration of martial law makes this protest illegal and we need you to make this plain to the union." "Then, with no offense, I suggest you, not me, bring that law up with the union. Strikes have been an accepted practice on Balmora for centuries." "The fact that I am here speaking with you is negotiation enough," Essada said as he heaved his bulky frame up. "Tell these traitors that they'd best get back to their jobs or face the might of Imperial justice." Ceorl also rose and both men departed while the councilman remained sitting, scratching his beard. "That was not terribly negotiable, sir" Ceorl said as the pair entered the corridor. "That sycophant is of little use to us," Essada said disgustedly. "The Emperor instructed me to not tolerate anyone in defiance of Imperial will." "Any action against the strikers will be construed negatively by the populace," Ceorl cautioned. "And we lack the forces for an occupation." "I know," Essada said, momentarily halting and forcing Ceorl to a jittering stop. "You saw combat during the Clone Wars." "Yes sir," Ceorl said, answering the rhetorical question. "Good, good." a greasy smile crossed Essada's lips. "A squad of Imperial commandos waits in case of such an impasse. While I debate with our intractable friends, take them and capture the leader of this labor dispute. His arrest will send a message that we cannot be kowtowed." Ceorl's hazel eyes narrowed. "I shall take your leave, sir, and prepare the operation." As he began to walk away, Essada caught him by the shoulder. "Remember I want him alive," he said sweetly. Trace Residence, Balmora Day 17 A cargo transport glided to a stop in front of a two story skyrise apartment. Two mercenaries guarded the front door. "I don't remember any deliveries for today," one grumbled as the transport's panel door slid open. Crimson laser bolts lashed out, immediately dropping the man to the concrete, clutching his belly. The second guard drew his weapon as a beam hit his face, killing him instantly. "Nice shot," the commando sergeant, a grizzled cloner, said to Ceorl as he holstered his pistol. "Luck," Ceorl admitted, a shiver of thrill shooting up his spine. The sergeant gave a jagged smile and quickly exited the transport with six troopers. Using hand signals the men stacked against the door as the sergeant removed a keypass from the dead guard. Sliding the key into the door, a green light flashed, and the commandos moved in, slicing the pie as three cut left while three others cut right. Energy blasts lighted the room as two guards fired from a second story balcony while another used an upturned table as cover. A commando went down, howling, while a guard pitched over the balcony, crashing into a glass table. Another guard fell and the final one quickly threw down his blaster rifle. "Not worth dying for," he spat as he raised his arms in surrender. Ceorl entered the room as the commandos secured their prisoners. "Three dead, one captured and one wounded," the sergeant said of the enemy. "Seven-six is hurt but he will pull through." "Good work," Ceorl said amicably. "See to it that the wounded are treated and secure the building. I want Edward Trace alive." "Yes sir," the sergeant responded. He detailed a single trooper to guard the room and another to secure the entrance while the rest fanned out into the adjoining quarters. --- A few minutes later, an older man dressed in a nightgown was unceremoniously dumped before Ceorl. Edward Trace took a moment to look around his parlor room turned battlefield. Ceorl wasted no more time. "By order of Sector Governor Essada, Edward Trace you and your family are now in Imperial custody. I should not need to make clear that you will insure the loyalty of the union workers. Failure to comply will cause 'hardships' for those dependant on you." Trace looked numb. "Remember that tonight's action spared lives" Ceorl continued. "If the Emperor places the planet under military control we will spare no measure to reestablish order." "What do you want from me?" Trace finally grumbled. "A statement ordering the workers to resume production; once we have you safely to Coruscant. You have," Ceorl checked his chronometer, "five minutes to gather your belongings." The Daily Planet Front Page Report Day 18 "Last night, Rebel agitants attempted to abduct Edward Trace, head of the Balmora Union Labor movement. Imperial Commandos foiled the plot and later escorted Mr. Trace off planet for consultation with the Central Committee on Coruscant. 'It was a near thing,' Captain Page, adjutant to Sector Moff Bin Essada, told reporters. 'Rebel operatives posed as security personnel and we were forced to kill several during the rescue.' Documents later released show Calixan Randles, a longtime members of Mr. Trace's security detail, as a known Rebel sympathizer. His apparent plan was to agitate the labor movement by making the abduction appear to be an Imperial plot. 'At this point we are still investigating what occurred,' Police Commissioner Baniss Keeg said in a prepared statement. 'We would ask that residents remain calm and await further developments.' Despite a police curfew in effect, protests are being held demanding Edward Trace's return."

Odd, I have Vista but had no problems with Rebellion beyond adding the d3drm.dll file. However, I have the 32bit Vista (or whatever the cheaper version is called) and that may have something to do with it.

Thanks, oh and now with screenshots to help tell the story

Author's Note: This story is still in the draft stages and posting at this point is to, hopefully, ellict feedback. I would also appreciate anyone who conducts a peer edit. Let me know what you think. "Let them hate, as long as they fear" Chapter 1: Original Ambition http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f262/waltersp/SCN321.jpg You will help me to... negotiate Imperial Senate Seswenna Sector, Coruscant Before the Battle of Yavin Above the rows of assembled senators an image of the Emperor, old, disfigured and half hidden underneath the folds of a black hood, flickered to life on display boards suspended above the central podium. "This is a dangerous time for the Empire," he spoke in a terse, measured tone. "Treasonous acts by disloyal elements threaten to undermine our government. But we will not allow a few malcontents to disturb galactic prosperity! In order to ensure swift and decisive action we are absolving the Imperial Senate of its duties for the duration of this crisis. Order will be maintained. To that end regional governors now have direct control of their sectors. Work with them to bring an end to this insurrection." The holovid screen faded to black and the chair motioned for recess. --- With the crowd a middle aged, balding man left the senatorial chamber. "An indefinite recess, Ceorl," a nearby Sullustan said in resignation as they descended a flight of steps. "I have never heard of such an action." "Palpatine does not temporize." Ceorl Page replied, his nasal high tone carrying above the low murmur of the crowd. "I warned you the sedition within the Senate would destroy our mandate." A nearby senator grimaced. "The conflict will only tighten the Emperor's control over the bureaucracy," he said, to which Ceorl nodded. "We will survive," the Sullustan commented. "SoroSuub still wants a representative within the government; if not as a senator then in another capacity." He looked keenly towards Ceorl. "You knew this could happen weeks ago didn't you?" Ceorl gave a thin smile. The Sullustan frowned. "Given your talent for landing on your feet, where are you going?" he asked. "The Senate is finished and its rebels are doomed. Democracy is dead." Ceorl replied. "I reenlisted weeks ago." Imperial Palace Seswenna Sector, Coruscant After the Battle of Yavin Coruscant: the endless city, beacon of humanity and Empire's heart, boasted tens of thousands of skyscrapers, billions of lives, and, literally above all, the Imperial Palace, an immense complex of cold gray steel and polished serpentine. Within its walls technicians and officers hurried down corridors. An ant hill overturned. Into this chaos Ceorl stood before his superior. Bin Essada sat behind a desk, eyes immersed in bureaucratic details. It took several minutes before he deigned to notice Ceorl. A fat middle aged near-human with light brown hair and a high forehead accented by a sharp widow's peak, Essada smirked when he looked up, "It is good to see you arrived promptly. I expected procrastination." Ceorl saluted. "As you know, sir, this is not the Senate." Essada's lips twitched slightly. "Captain, what can you tell me about Balmora?" Ceorl paused briefly in thought. "A free market factory world whose people are opportunistic and disloyal. Their senators caused endless grief in debate," he finally replied. "Good, your past dealings may prove useful to me." Ceorl's eyebrows arched. "What is the assignment, sir?" he asked. Essada rose and walked over to a nearby viewport. "With the destruction of the Death Star, many systems have had the termnity to either stop responding to Imperial procurement requests or publically declare for the Rebel Alliance. We currently can do little about the insurrectionists, but I have been ordered to bring the fence striders back within the Empire. Balmora's military industrial complex has recently halted weapons production and I mean to put them back on schedule. I cannot abide these politicians but neither do I have the military assets to administrate the retributional justice they so richly deserve. You will help me to... negotiate," he ground out the last word. "Of course, sir" Ceorl said smiling. http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f262/waltersp/Start1.jpg Personal Log: I now know where my son is. I shouldn't be surprised. He did take after his mother more. Judder is still officially listed AWOL but, knowing him, his defection will become spectacularly apparent. I should be concerned for my career, but all I can think of is his Academy graduation. Judder dressed in a crisply pressed cadet's uniform with an eager smile. My son does not realize the rebels' ideology will be their undoing. All men lose heart, all men betray, and when the Empire capitalizes on these failings the rebels carefully spun lies between species who cannot live together, let alone stand each other, will be torn apart. I shall try to keep track of him.

Glad to see the forums are back Interesting discussion here. For my two cents as a McCain voter, the real problem for the Republic Party in the election was the economic situation. Any party in power at the time of economic problems is going to get blamed, rightly or wrongly, for what has happened. The fact that our current problems occured right before election was the primary catalyst for Democrat victory.

These were stories? You mean I'm not actually a galatic commander?... drat.

Yep I pre-ordered the collector's copy myself. Fyi, GameTap is offering all three Fallouts to play (1,2 and Tactics) which you can enjoy using the thirty day free trial. I got to enjoy relive the fun before Fallout 3 comes out.

I thought this a place that might appreciate some parody rap if you haven't seen it already:

$60 EBay is a rip off, imo. I did a quick search on Amazon and found a copy for $25 (not counting shipping) and one fella praying for an astronomical $150. Still giiven that highway robbery and since you already own the CD there is always a torrent which is *cough* *cough* *hack* illegal *cough* *sputter*.

You know I should try that cheat in JA since you can get a saber lock that causes your sword to hit the neckline for an instant kill when you win.

For the, at best, two folks who care I did play through JA again and I gotta say it holds up well but you had to like Outcast. Academy takes everything that was good about Outcast, lightsabers, lightsaber fights, force powers, level design, and gameplay and makes it even better. It also takes the worst parts of Outcast, the story, voice-work ( I went to the dark side just so I could kill Rosh (who ironically sounded much better when he was evil)) and makes it even worse. For the record, I went crazy trying to figure to fight the two sabers in one enemies; especially the Jedi at the end of the game. Oh look I'm just going to spin my sword like a helicopter blade... BAM instant death even as my thrown saber goes right through you. And there was a huge bug in the tier one level about sabotaging the power plant were I could not end it. I eventually had to use the noclip cheat to finish.

Play Rebellion with your girlfriend? Man, I hope your girl is the old-school gaming type and, remember ,to let her win. Since your internet is working, the best place take alook at this forum post, viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2443&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 , in particular the last two forum posts by Addict-Ant which (I think) best explains how to play Rebellion online. You will need to download two programs, Hamachi and HW Virtual Serial Port. With Hamachi make sure to use both the built in tutorial and JediIgor's instructions at the start of the thread. With HW, JediIgor's discussion of TCP/Com is somewhat relevant but supliment this with Addict-Ants instructions. If you work carefully through the steps its become, relatively, easy to get things running. Believe me on this because I am NOT computer savy and, after several hours work with Addict, we were able to play online. Hopefully it won't take you this long but, if you are serious about playing, make sure to set-up as much as possible before playing with your girlfriend.

That's some real dedication there Vin. The Angry Video Game Nerd would be proud.

Rebellion is not like Force Commander, a crappy game which has more in common with Empire at War. And no there is no Battle.net like program, if you wanna play on-line you are going to have to tinker. Rebellion, in comparison to Force Commander, is difficult and complex in a way that is going to really only appeal to dedicated stragety game fans. This doesn't mean you have to be good to play this game, the AI is really bad, but you have to put some real time into this game in order to see a pay-off. Basically if you want to get into the game and, right away, start blowing junk up go out and get Empire at War. If you want to carefully muster your forces and, step by step, establish control of the galaxy then Rebellion might be for you.

Sorry if someone already found this and I am re-posting, but I couldn't find mention of this work anywhere on the site and I thought folks should check this guy out. He has created some excellent, and obsessive, computer graphical art. I particularly like the work on the Star Destroyer. http://fractalsponge.net/

Geek that I am this is one of the parts I like about Rebellion and I tend to follow the established convention of naming my ships to reflect political ideologies. So the rebels tend to be things like Liberty, Independence, Valley Forge, Hope, Freedom, etc. This is my Imp ship list: Dreadnaught: Hyperion, Titan, Gnisnal Escort Carrier: Bulwark, Companion, Gendarme, Scutate Star Destroyer: Adamant, Admonitor, Allegiant, Apartheid, Ascendant, Bellicose, Castigator, Cavalier, Chimera, Conquest, Dominant, Fury, Glory, Harbinger, Imperator, Inflexible, Majestic, Malice, Miasma, Nihilist, Pontus, Subjugation, Tyranny, Verloren, Interdictor Cruiser: Compellor, Grappler, Red Claw, Strangler, Detainer, Possessor, Comptroller, Suppressor Super Star Destroyer: Executor, Terror, Vengeance, Vae, Hegemony, Sovereign Victory Star Destroyer: Enforcer, Inexorable, Seriatim, Vindicator, Ukase, Punishment, Mandate Carrack Cruiser/Lancer Frigate : Dagger, Stiletto, Blade, Dirk, Shank, Misericord, Poniard, Anlace, Expeditious, Vanguard, Assagai, Cohort, Ravager, Destroyer, Devastator, Spoiler, Annihilator, Consumer, Abolisher, Devourer, Havoc, Pillager, Raider, Scourge, Wrecker, Trampler Galleon: Numerical Designation (GA-001, SGA-101, etc.) P.S. The gamefaqs ship comparison charts also provide a good list of names.

Rush just to let you know, me and Addict tried to play only through the client and were unable to connect. Near as we could figure you will need Hamachi to play online.

Out of curiosity I decided to check out an advertising link on these forums and found a decent quality "hip" clothing line offering some expensive, and elaborate, Star Wars themed cloths for $100 to $50! This is just too funny and, the best part to me, the Bobba Fett and Stormtrooper hoodies have sold out! http://www.shopecko.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3054996&cp=3165999&view=all&gclid=CKy98uKYp5YCFQNHFQodvBxfyQ

Funny you say that because I just finished replaying Jedi Outcast and found it to have aged fairly well (the character models and combat animations especially seemed good given the game's age). Granted it's far from a perfect but overall I enjoyed replaying the game; was even stunned to see that folks are still playing it online! I say this because I'd really suprised if Academy departed too much from Outcast's formula. Course I suppose this means I'll have to load up JA at some point and give it a play through again.

Appreciate the posts here. Allowed me and another fella, after several hours of tinkering, to get a game going.