Cromwells 60th Birthday

Comment from the holographic archivist: "This record is assembled from broadcasts of GNS and some security droids of Councillor Cromwell. Due to the enormous meaning of the moment of CiC Dritz Do'Urdens resignment on the historical evolution of the New Republic, he agreed to assemble the following file."

GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ GNS - Galactic Network Service

The holocom comes alive and the GNS Reporter Bonerawer appears, sitting in a flourishing garden with mystical ferns, an idyllic small waterfall nearly hidden with some red, wild roses and blue leafed ivy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

this time Galactic Network Service has the opportunity to broadcast the interview with one man whose life is one of the most exciting, sometimes deadly, but all the time changeable, waxing and waning, like the moon over Algara, where he originate from. He was born there, as oldest son in a political family, that still lives on Algara. Tomorrow, he will celebrate his 60th birthday, but, I dare to forecast, this will not be the last we heard from him.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm proud to present you Oliver Cromwell, former New Republic Navy Admiral and XO of the Second Fleet, then appointed to the High Command in special mission. After this time of war and destruction between the New Empire and the New Republic, say, after the time of Xindell the First, nearly nothing is known of his life.

The camera zooms out and a smiling Oliver Cromwell appears, sitting on a comfortable armchair. He wouldn't be an eye-catching appearance, if there wouldn't still be that basically funny interpretation of life, that he cannot hide.

"Admiral, how would you describe your life?"
"Thanks, Mr. Bonerawer, first, I'm not Admiral anymore."
"So, Mr. Cromwell, then."

"Well, I tried my best, and I will do so in future. Just due to the fact, that I will be sixty soon, this won't change. But, I adore life as it is now as much as I liked my duty in the navy."
"You became Admiral quite young, Mr. Cromwell - how did this happen ?"

"I grew up at Algara, where parts of my family still life. But it happened to be that, while Senator Palpatine rose to power and declared the first Empire, nothing really changed at first on Algara. But one day, when I was on holiday on another planet, I was 17 then, I saw the pictures of the uprising against the imperials on Algara and the cruel overtaking of my home town. So, I joined the New Republic Navy as soon as it was possible. That is nothing special, it happened to this time to hundreds other young and brave men and women."

"But, what was so special, that you just fell through the ranks and got 5 medals, 2 Commendation Medals, the quick response medal, the bravery medal and the Horthav battle medal."

"Special?" - Cromwell thinks - " Nothing - it was just to be at the right place in the right time, well, and it was special somehow, that mine cousin was an imperial by heart and that we met in battle several time - I heard, that this was made to a holocom movie, or something like this, I don't know. He served as general of the stoormtroopers on the Dark Storm under Emperor Xindell the First. Before this, he was general of Aqualis planet defences, that happened to be my first battle when I finished at the NR Cadets Academy. Then, the hardest time in my life started. The Second Fleet and the Red Dragon, that was always the name of my ship, was nearly always facing incredible odds - mostly, the Dark Storm itself. After 3 battles, I additionally was appointed Recruiting Officer, within 5 battles I was promoted to Captain and started to train Cadets on the Academy. After some more deadly meetings with the Emperor, where more than 50 fighter pilots where lost, some I never really met, some good friends, I was promoted to admiral. Possibly, all this, you might call special, but I don't think, that anybody would have acted different. Its just as I told you: Being on the right or wrong place at the right or wrong time, just as you think about."

"Incredible, but, it is told, that you returned to Algara some times, especially one time, it was in disguise and with a special order. It was for the NR Intelligence ?"

Cromwell smiles, and answers slowly, " Its right that I returned to Algara some times in the past and it was ALL the time in disguise. I have to say, that I won't comment any rumours about the NR Intelligence service especially concerning me. But you are right, that I stumbled upon a curious thing once I was on my beloved home planet that led me to reveal a group of terrorists, using drugs to make algarian citizens to increased force users but on the same turn, to humble subjects to one of the local politicians. The most funny thing was, that the I led the New Empire clearing everything out that time and that I was saved by one of my friends and fellow comrades, the jedi Art Farliner."

"You know the Commodore personally?"

"I trained him - well, not in the Force, as you know, I'm totally unable to make anything with that, but he was cadet, when I was recruiting officer and then, he was one of the best officers in the Second Fleet."

"It is told, that you have close contact to CIC Dritz?"

Oliver Cromwell laughs out loud " If everybody would HAVE as close contacts to the Commander in Chief as it is TOLD, the CIC would not have ANY time left to command even an ensign around. Well, it is true, that we know each other due I was appointed to High Command some time. I do not begrudge him to his duty, he has to work as both, as a politician AND as a soldier. I was sure, that he will never accept the job again. He has mine highest esteem for doing so in time of trouble for our freedom and peace. He was and still is, mine paragon."

Bonerawer: "Mr. Cromwell, the battles of 30 years ago are history, most of your younger viewers knows them only from history lessons, movies or holocamber games. What happened to the Admiral, when Emperor Xindell the First was dead and the long ceasefire brought the peace back to us? But first, dear viewer, we have to make a break for advertisement. We will be back in a minute...."

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm happy that you are still here, to hear the life history of the former Admiral of the New Republic Navy, Oliver Cromwell.

Mr. Cromwell, we talked about your past life up to know. But, what happened to you after the Era Xindell the First and the ceasefire was proclaimed ?"

"Mr. Bonerawer, this was the sweetest moment in my life. I've seen many deaths, cruelty and poverty up to that moment - and all in the name of peace and freedom. I had to write a bulk of letters to families of unknown comrades, which has fallen in the line of duty. I had to give orders, to discipline people and to kill. Some would call that a heroic life - I won't. It was a kind of hell. I resigned as fast as I could do and switched back to science, like my father and my family did before. I didn't want to destroy things anymore but to help let things grow. So, I brought up the new republic part of the terra forming enterprise of my father. It worked out fine was very successful. We helped a lot of planets to regain their independence in agriculture, re-established life on destroyed planets and so on. It was more heroic than fighting."

"Mr. Cromwell, now, after the war has broken out again and our future became suddenly unclear, what will you do?"

"I don't think, that I will be able to command a fleet or a ship anymore - so many things changed up to now, I would have to start as Cadet again. But, I don't know. If this is not only the last shiver of a dead empire, and that IS what I think, time will change, not only for me. But, the little Emperor carries a big name - and he first need to proof that he is more than that: someone with a big name. ".

"A last question, Mr Cromwell, what was the most funny thing that happened to you in the service ?"

"Well, there was one Imperial Officer, Thrawn he was called, I think, he once ate my hat !", Cromwell shakes his head, "you know, it was a somehow diplomatic meeting or something like this - I don't really know anymore, and then, he snatched my hat, and ate it. And I was without the hat the whole meeting, because nobody had any extra hat, of course. Years later, he then told me, that he just wanted to see, how I would react, and that he samples hats and needed a NR one and he didn't want to ask. So, he just did as if he swallowed it, but put it into a reserve-stomach or something like this. That WAS really funny but annoying as well - a soldier without his hat ! On an official meeting, it was a bit embarrassing, because NOBODY would have believe me, so I just told everybody, that I lost it!"

The reporter, laughing, "Mr. Cromwell, how will you celebrate your birthday?"

"I will make a little party, with friends and having a nice meal."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, that was our special interview this week with Oliver Cromwell, former Admiral an terra forming scientologist, who will have his 60th birthday tomorrow."

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Later in the day ...

Cromwell sighs. Sitting at a table and looking through the preparations made for his 60th birthday is not his favourite recreation. But it has to be done. Suddenly, an urgent message appears in his holocom - " Surprising" thinks Cromwell, due to the fact that he had added several, VERY restrictive filters to his holocom. Hearing the message, he shakes his had, sadly.

TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW REPUBLIC!!!

Recently NR have won several battles, which indicated our fair chances to achew our goal and free the Galaxy from the tyranny of Empire and Emperor. But to accomplish this goal we need help from everyone, since it is our common task. So the New Republic is beginning the search for capable officers to lead our ships into the battle, and the Jedi Academy is looking for new candidates to be trained. Join now, and help us to return the PEACE and FREEDOM to the Galaxy!
Commodore Art Farliner

This means war - soon. This means more deaths, more devastation. This is more than the normal HQs messages to everybody - that is a new call to the arms. "Anyhow, before I can just think about this, I will have to go through my preparations:". He looks through a bulk of papers, searching for the invitation list, "where the h**k.. ahhh, ok. here we go

1) the persons due to my actual terra forming programs (TerraSci enterprises):
Minister for Terraforming and Science Kral-Gro with his wife (Barab I, Darlonn Sector)
High-Decan Prah-Loh, (Priest for agriculture) of the brotherhood of Dreena (Outer Hapan Star Cluster)
Thomas Lauer, First Director (TerraSci) for the Darlonn Sector with wife Jutta and their 5 children and the board of directors of his firm.

2) My neighbours
Senator Bols, Mr. Flfedv and Leary Muj, ........."

Cromwell finishes the list with more than 100 persons on it, and then, suddenly, he slaps himself.

"Oh well, I'm getting old, so I nearly forgot my real friends....." He goes to the holocom and sends out messages to all his former comrades in the NR Navy. "Hopefully, I was early enough, so they can arrange to join the Party."

He re-checks the list and nods. He starts to smile and thinks: "Now, to the real interesting part: the menu !!!" Thinking about grilled pigeons in an Anoath wine souce, plakol slices on rancor teethes, mashed grehlah dips or spicy orange soup Cromwell continues on preparing the menu.....

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The little park, that Cromwell likes to call his "garden", is still empty. The sun is falling, and the orange sunlight covers the trees, bushes and flowers in an unnatural smooth colour. Some Pan flutists exercise in the background and some white dressed attendants are crossing the green grass to light the torches. Cromwell sits down in his beloved armchair and inhales the last moments of quietude. He smells the perfumed oil of the torches and imagines the nights on his home planet, where you can hear in late summer nights the sirens snails that enter the cliffs in moonlight and the wind hauling through their shells. A sudden fistle catches his mind, and he sees a kwalf, a squirrel-like animal, that crosses the grass, sees the attendants and jump into the next tree and disappears.

"It's time, the first guests may arrive every second." thinks Cromwell. His personal communicator beeps, and he smiles. Crossing the huge main room with the bar and the buffet he checks a last time if everything is prepared. He sees the starters and the drinks ready, and, of course, the warning plates, which species must be careful with which diet. He remembers a cadets party, 30 years ago, where one cadet was quite ill because he didn't take attention to this fact. Cromwell nods to the musicians, that start with a smooth, but popular song.

The first guests are accompanied by an white dressed attendant. "Ahhhh, Senator Bols, Mr. Flfedv and Ms. Leary Muj, I’m so happy to see you. Please feel free, get a drink and some of those crackers over there." The next guests, with a friendly, diplomatic face appears. Cromwell apologizes to his neighbours and greets the Minister for Terraforming and Science Kral-Gro with his wife that just arrived from Barab I in the Darlonn Sector. Cromwell bows slightly to the ministers wife and greets Kral-Gro. He introduces his neighbours to him and the senator immediately starts to talk about some of his VERY interesting trade ideas.

Then, the party fills with people, his friend and first director, Thomas Lauer, arrives with his 5 children, which run around in the park and discovers and chases the poor kwalf. The party starts, and Cromwell, despite his 60 years, gets very curious, about what presents he will get..........

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Posted by Commodore Art Farliner on June 02, 1998 at 11:34:04:
In Reply to: Welcome to my birthday party posted by Oliver Cromwell on June 02, 1998 at 05:35:5
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As the evening came over forth moon of Yavin system, on on which capital of New Republic was built, small , but heavily armoured land speeder arrived at house, surrounded by garden decorated for party. As speeder stopped near the entrance several persons emerged from it, and immediately caught attention of severalof reporters, who gathered outside the building, since they was quite well known persons, although rarely seen on public.

GNN Reporter Wolton: Mark, look, Commodore with family arrived! I haven't seen them on public together since they returned from last expedition to outer rim!
Mark(Holocam operator): I know, I`l try to get a good shot... damn! what's with that stupid camera???!!!

Farliner smiled, passing by reporter and his assistant who tried to fix his camera, which suddenly came back on-line just as Commodore and his wife entered the gate.Farliner looked around, and recognized his old friend who was the obvious reason of all this gathering, staying in just a few meters away.

Farliner: Hello, and happy birthday, old friend!

Farliners jedi senses told him that there is few more new arrivals coming into garden to greet the Cromwell, so he decided to talk with him later, and turned right to "main part" of greeting:

Farliner: I have brought a small present for you in this day. It is quite rare Corellian wine, which is nearly impossible to acquire nowadays, since the win yards which produced it was destroyed in production accident about 80 years ago... from what i have heard it could be one of the best wines ever made on Corellia ......I hope you will like it.

He gave a package over to Cromwell, and stepped aside, while Cromwell unpacked it...

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Posted by FA Calvin Hemingford / Hapan Ambassador Malik Hemingford on June 02, 1998 at 17:38:12:
In Reply to: Welcome to my birthday party posted by Oliver Cromwell on June 02, 1998 at 05:35:51:
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Cal had prepared for a speeder to be waiting at the platform where the YT-2400 Zodiac was to dock. As Cal got off of the shuttle with his father by his side, he felt happy. Happy not just for the 60th birthday of the famed Admiral Cromwell, but for the opportunity to spend some time with his father, which neither man had much time for anymore. They reached the speeder and Cal noticed that his father was carrying a box of his own. This promptedan obvious question from the young FA...

Cal: I didn't know that you had gotten him a gift also.
Malik: I figured this one would be a gift he would really like.
Cal: You usually do ok.
Malik: Ok? Ok?? He'll love this one.
Cal: I'm sure he will. We better get going.
Malik: You're right. The party should be starting.

The two men board the shuttle and it takes off. After 30 minutes, they arrive at the house of Oliver Cromwell. The antique house was structurally beautiful, with a gorgeous archway leading to the beautiful garden. A few of the guests had already arrived. And then there he was, the good Admiral. As he walked up to greet the two new guests, he put out his hand to greet the Ambassador. They had been friends for so long, and they were happy to see each other again. When Cromwell turned to Cal, he shook his hand as his father bragged a little about his son being a Fleet Admiral. The three men exchanged a few pleasantries, when Cal decided to hand Cromwell the box. Cromwell took the box and opened it. And even though the man was 60 years old today, he had the look of a little kid who was beginning to open his birthday presents. When he pulled out the extremely rare 60 year old bottle of Alderaanian brandy, he reached out his hand and very sincerely thanked the young man. Then Malik handed hm the box that he carried in. When Oliver opened the box, he saw a small case. In one section was a picture of the old Raptor Fleet from the days when Oliver was the Raptor Fleet liaison. A picture of FA Glabem and XO Wolf of the Malwan, Admiral Calrissian and XO Hemingford of the Quest, Admiral Cromwell and his XO and General Talion standing in front of Raptor Fleet HQ. Next to the picture stood a bronzed Officer's Hat. When he saw that, Malik spoke out.

Malik: We were waiting for a special occasion to all give it to you, but after Cal's death, we never got around to doing it. I hope today isn't too late.

Oliver seemed touched by the gift he had just received, and thanked him for the hat, and very happily showed it off to all of the guests who had arrived. Cal had walked over to speak with the Commodore, who had already arrived with his family, and had to work very hard to not speak of his sector andthe war, but was barely able to pull it off. Malik had also greeted the Commodore, who was another old friend, and the men spoke for a short while. Then Malik walked over to Senator Bols, another of his friends from his own days as a Senator. He spent most of the evening showing off his son and speaking well of good Admiral Cromwell, who he had hoped was celebrating the best birthday of his life...

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posted by Cromwell
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Cromwell loves parties and he enjoys greeting the people. Then suddenly the talking stops while a man enters with his family, himself dressed in a shiny white gala uniform of the NR Navy Admiralty and ---- a lightsaber attached to the belt. Cromwell smiles all over his face as he recognizes his old friend Art Farliner and heads towards him.

"Art, that's great that you could make it possible. I feared that the work would overwhelm the Commodore, after the announcement that was broadcasted all over the galaxy.
Farliner: "I have brought a small present for you in this day. It is a quite rare Corellian wine, which is nearly impossible to acquire nowadays, since the win yards which produced it was destroyed in production accident about 80 years ago... from what i have heard it could be one of the best wines ever made on Corellia .....I hope you will like it."

He gave a package over to Cromwell, and stepped aside, while Cromwell unpacked it.

"that's marvellous, that is...." staring at the label he tries to decipher the old Corellian writing, "that is really one of the most famous wines, ever produced. Art, that is,... its nearly unbelievable that there are still some of them left. How did you manage.. well I think I don't want to know, hehehehe.... Thanks, many thanks, Art."

Happy about this present, he turns towards Farliners wife.

"Thanks as well to you, Jewel, that's really great. But, how is life going at the side of one of the most influential members of the new republic navy ?"
Jewel laughs out loud and answers "That is, lets say, changing and challenging. Of course, as in every soldiers life, he could be at home more often, if it would be possible. But, as you know the best..." Cromwell nods, and seeing Farliners family together, he feels a little sorrow, that he does not have a family like this. First, there was the war, then the science,.... well, probably, he is not made for having a family.

Suddenly, the appearance of 2 new guests distract Cromwells thoughts from that bitter subject and sweeps them away in the same moment: "Hemingford !!!! Sorry, Art, Jewel, we will talk later on a bit ...I guess I will have an surprising thing to show you, but later...."

Cromwell heads towards his old friend Malik Hemingford, now Ambassador of the Hapan Star Cluster. "Hey, that is great that you could come. It becomes like in old days, see, Art is over there and Jewel, and now you as well."
Shaking hands and talking a bit of the old times, that not necessarily had been good ones, he noticed the Admiral standing beside his old friend. He recognized the family likeness and looked surprised: "Well, that's not true, or ? that is not Cal Hemingford, oh no. You are Admiral by now, it is like yesterday for me, that I sent my best greetings to you, Malik, due to the birth of your son ? Oh, well, time passes by faster than the Dark Storm disabled a shuttle."

Keeping an eye on the wrapped thing, the Admiral holds in his one hand, he talks on, until the younger man hands him out his present. Cromwell felt, that it must be a bottle, but, it was different to that one, that Farliner presented him. It seemed more heavy, and somehow cooler. Curious, Cromwell unwraps it and draws a deep breath "Alderaanian brandy , how could you know, that I LOVE it."

In this moment, Malik Hemingford pulls out a box and shows him a picture from times Cromwell thought passed by decades ago. He was very touched by this present, showing the short but hard time he was appointed to Raptor Fleet as High Command Element. A picture of FA Glabem and XO Wolf of the Malwan, Admiral Calrissian and XO Hemingford of the Quest, himself and his XO Jethro Hull and General Talion standing in front of Raptor Fleet HQ.

"That was, before the really bad time started, oh, well, good old Cal, and Rorbac Glabem, he was on some strange quest, I heard nothing from him, I don't know, how long up to now. I got his MC80, well, its nothing special by now, but in this time, it was the kind of a big ship. But, please, don’t hesitate in sacking the buffet. Its enough there for all. Sorry, but I guess I have to put those bottles in a save place, as well as the picture."

Cromwell hands the presents over to an attendant hand overlooks his party. Most of the people got something from the buffet by now, and the servants are busy in keeping everything filled. Cromwell signals the band, and they start to play some dancing music. He smiles at Jewel and with a slight bow, he asks her"may I have this dance ?....."

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Posted by Randar Gibb on June 03, 1998 at 16:33:24:
In Reply to: Welcome to my birthday party posted by Oliver Cromwell on June 02, 1998 at 05:35:51:
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A couple of hours earlier his ship had arrived at Yavin. Usually there were a lot of administration to take care of after a mission, but Gibb had left that to his XO. When Gibb arrived at Cromwell's house, a number of guests were making their way through the assembled reporters and holocams. He doubted anyone except his old friends would recognize him, or even remember him. Exploration in the outer rim never made good headlines, and as a FleetAdmiral he had tried to keep a low profile. And that was fifteen years ago... His theory held, and easily passed though the group of reporters, into the magnificent garden.Gibb followed the other guests through the archway. Awstruck by the sight of all the exotic and beautiful flowers and trees, he walked through the park open mouthed.Since he had been on a ship most of his life he had never really had a chance to learn to appreciate life on the ground, and what it could offer.

After a short walk he spotted Cromwell leaving the dance floor, and went up to him. Cromwell greeted his old friend who he hadn't seen for so many years, and they talked about old memories and friends and the beautiful garden for some time.

Gibb: "Oh, I almost forgot your present. Here it is." He handed over a very small wooden box. Cromwell opened it, and inside was a single small seed. He looked at Gibb with a puzzled expression on his face.

Gibb: "That, my friend, is a seed from the Itc'kala tree. The Itc'kala was discovered a few years ago by one of my scout ships on a remote planet. It grows quickly for a short time, then it bears the most wonderful fruits. The tree itself appears to live for centuries. My scientists have managed to use the fruits to make liqueur which is very tasty, believe me. I thought it would be a suitable gift for you. Congrats, Oliver."

Then he sensed other guests behind him who also wanted to speak to Cromwell so he left his old comrade, hoping to be able to catch him later. He looked around at the other guests to see if he knew anyone. Most of the guests were completely strangers to Gibb, but there were a few faces which he recognized.

He had met minister Kral-Gro on a few occasions and discussed some of Gibb's most recent discoveries in the outer rim with him. Four minutes later, Gibb realized he hated boring politics talk now as much as he did the last time he visited Yavin, even though he was interested in the particular subject.But since the minister was responsible for a good part of the funding of Gibb's exploration, he endured another ten minutes before he decided he had enough. He left others to entertain the minister, began to search for other familiar faces...

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Posted by Drusilla (Shawn) on June 03, 1998 at 17:48:23:
In Reply to: Welcome to my birthday party posted by Oliver Cromwell on June 02, 1998 at 05:35:51:
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Outside former Admiral Cromwells residence, a lot of people are gathered; reporters, holocam operators, security guards, plus a crowd of uninvited, curiously watching the guests arrive.

A slender woman, her long black hair beautifully contrasting her bluish skin, arrives anonymously. As she approaches the entrance, she notices a certain Fleet Admiral Randar Gibb a few meters ahead of her. She has never met him in person, but she knows he has meant quite a lot to the career of her current CO, FAdm Shawn Ch'Akka. She enters the "garden" and soon finds Cromwell, just stepping off the dance floor. Though several meters away, she lets her mind catch his attention...

Cromwell steps off the floor after escorting Jewel through a dance. Servants come up to him, discretely informing him about new guests arriving. Then suddenly his attention is drawn as by an unmentionable force to the edge of the crowd immediately gathering around him. A woman, looking like in her mid twenties, stands there. Her beauty itself is striking, but it is her eyes he finds strange. It's like she is looking rightthrough all membranes and tissues forming his physical body, looking right into his mind.

Then he notices the color of her skin. Bluish! Somewhere in the deep chambers of his memory, a picture forms, the picture of a certain LtCmdr from NR Liberator Fleet. Shawn, was it? But the picture starts moving, coming to life...

FAdm Shawn Ch'Akka bows before him.

Shawn: Admiral Cromwell, I do hope you remember me. I served under you in Liberator Fleet 30 years ago and couldn't resist congratulating you as you celebrate your birthday. I'm sorry I can't be with you in person, I can't leave my duties in the Jedi Academy at the moment. However, By sending you my close friend Drusilla as a transmitter and using a few tricks with the force, I'll still be able to speak with you for a moment.

The image pauses for a second.

Shawn: I know about all the work you have done since we last met, and I also know you have decided not to rejoin the navy. It's a pity, dark clouds are gathering again and we need your skill and experience. However, I have the deepest respect for your decision, I f I had a home to return to, I would too. But enough of the saddening stuff. Finding a proper gift for a person like you has not been easy, but I think I have found something for you. May it prolong your life and serve you when you need it the most.

The image fades and disappears

Cromwell blinks. The beautiful woman is gone, as is the strange image he saw. For a moment he's unsure, has he begun imagining things? Then he looks down, finding a small ring on his left thumb. At first sight, it look simple, made of plain white metal with a small purple stone in it. But he suddenly feels the power flowing from it, into his body and mind. He feels a lot younger than he has felt in years, vitality isblooming within him and his mind feels as sharp as it was 30 years ago. The next thing he realizes is that the encounter with Shawn had taken only half a second, none around him seems to have noticed anything...

He returns to the festivities

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Posted by Fleet Admiral Bossk on June 04, 1998 at 08:11:13:
In Reply to: Welcome to my birthday party posted by Oliver Cromwell on June 02, 1998 at 05:35:51:
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As the New Republic Transport shuttle exited HS over Yavin 4, they immediately began a course too the surface

Bossk: "How long until we can land?"
Pilot: "It will be just a few minutes."
Bossk: "Good."

20 minutes later..... As Bossk walked through the tangle of vines, and plants, marvelling in their explicit detail of each and every holographic one, and the beauty of theothers, Bossk saw his old friend Cromwell at the middle of the garden, entertaining.

Bossk: "Cromwell, So nice too see you old friend."
Cromwell: "Bossk, it has been a long time, I am glad that you are here."
Bossk: "It has been a boring trip, but the promise of food, and drink at your table, is an invitation never too pass up."
Cromwell: "Nothing is still the same about you, you never lost the flattery."

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Posted by Commodore Art Farliner on June 04, 1998 at 08:09:09:
In Reply to: Arriving (Cromwell, anyone interested) posted by Commodore Art Farliner on June 02, 1998 at 11:34:04:
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As Farliner watched how Cromwell was skilfully leading Jewel in dance, he remembered another part little more than 30 years ago ...he noticed that Cromwell has only increased his skill in dancing during all those years. Then both FA Hemingford and Ambassador Hemingford came closer and they talked about different subjects for some time, trying to avoid their job related discussions. As first dance ended, and Cromwell, turned to entrance to greet another guests Farliner suddenly felt a disturbance in the usual flow of the Force ..in less than second he localized the source ...and smiled, recognizing Shawns XO.

Cromwell stopped for a second, looking into the eyes of Drusilla, then looked on his hand..and turned to guests, but Farliner noticed sudden change in his appearance, as if he would became younger, to be certain, he even looked younger now, much like Farliner himself. It was obvious that this change was connected to small ring that Cromwell was wearing now.

He knew of course, that some of Jedi Masters of the past have created a powerful artefacts that allowed people to channel their inner energies and allow them to feel the effect of prolonged life, usually achewed by Jedi. Of course, effect was limited ...but even those will make his life longer. Farliner looked on Jewel, knowing that she have caught this moment as well. Truly, Shawn have brought in a present, worth of Jedi Master.

The music started up again, and for some time Farliner ignored all other people here, enjoying chance to spend some time with jewel just dancing and not caring about anything else. Few dances later they decided to make a break and take some refreshments. While walking over to nearest stand, Farliner noticed a man nearby, who was looking around, obviously trying to find someone familiar here. Second later a feeling of recognition filled commodore, who immediately turned to the man to greet him with warm smile:

Farliner: Gibb! Long time no see, my friend.

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posted by Cromwell
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Cromwell stands on a balcony with a small stair descending to the garden. The sun was down and only the torches and candles light the night. In this moment of silence, he recognizes this neebling feeling in his heart, seeing his old friends together, chatting. It reminds him of all of those friends he lost in battles or that never reappeared after he resigned in the Navy.

"Alas, Shawn gave me a valuable present", he thinks and remembers some cold days outside, while he was overwatching some terraforming stuff with the feeling of needles in his back. They where gone, and he has a prickling feeling in his one hand originating from this plain white metal ring with a small purple stone on it. He looks close at it and it seems to be something tiny pattern engraved, but he couldn't feel anything on its surface.

He turns around, to put the seeds for the Itc'kala tree that Randar Gibb brought with him from far away into his biological laboratory, that no water or heat will spoil it. He is very curious about that tree, that will fit perfectly into his garden. He doesn't wonder about, how his friends have chosen perfect presents. After that long time fighting side by side, you know a lot about your comrade.

On the way back, passing by at his personal "sanctuary", where he keeps his "souvenirs" he suddenly knows how to say "Thanks" to his friends in a proper way. Just a few weeks ago, he was able to gain a breathtaking artefact from a unknown artist. This artefact, it was told, was personally owned by Emperor Xindell the First and stolen out of one of his citadels after his death. He goes, with the fire of his new given youth, to get his friends together to show it to them.

He gathers Malik Hemingford, Randar Gibb and the Jedis Farliner and Bossk as well to see that artefact. Opening the heavy oak door, they enter the dark room, where just a few sculptures glow in a shimmery light. Both jedi gets a bit nervous due to this strange disturbances in the Force, that is more remembrance than real. Those artefacts assembled here have more than there value on the free market, some of them seem to have an own personality.

"What is it, Bossk" Farliner sends to his fellow jedi. "It is, awkward, I don’t know,..." Still in the dark, Cromwell removes a curtain from a picture and the Jedi Knights gasp surprised..................

silence

On the first look, it was nothing special, but then the picture moves into your mind and takes over control ....Cromwell sees the eyes of Bossk and Art focussing on this picture, and trying to get its message, black and white, mirroring each other but on the other hand just always the outlines of each other..... nor the one neither the other would be existing alone.......

Cromwell chuckles, seeing the Jedis fascinated. The others smile as well, impressed by this picture, but, as not having that powerful abilities in the force, not as touched. Oliver signals them to leave without any noise, leaving the jedis behind..... The three remaining friends return to the party, laughing.... and head towards the bar to get one of these marvellous drinks they serve in tacky bars on Kashyyyk.

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Posted by Commodore Art Farliner on June 05, 1998 at 05:02:13:
In Reply to: Party keeps going... (Cromwell, Shawn, Gibb, Cal, anyone else interested) posted by Commodore Art Farliner on June 04, 1998 at 08:09:09:
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As first wave of curiosity passed, farliner looked into picture more carefully, barely noticing the other guests leaving ..he was able to feel the presence of Bossk nearby, and second later Jewel entered the darkened room as well, and after a first look on picture stayed where she was, feeling the effect of unusual painting ... the picture was somehow simple and very complicated at same time ..perfectly showing the balance between darkness and light, between dark side of the force and light one ..noone clearer than Jedi knew that the balance is what really matters, since if one o sides take over, balance will be n more, and chaos will rule ...that was the reason why jedi was always fighting Dark Side, but never by attacking first ..just defending. And balance was to be kept at all costs, since most of the greatesttragedies in past happened when someone who held the great power thought that he can simply eradicate all what is dark and unjust from universe, forgetting about the balance...

For another half an hour three Jedis stood in the room, then as one, turned and in one fluid movement left the room, to return to the party....

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posted by Cromwell
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The old friends are sitting at the bar, when suddenly the personal com of the commodore beeps. He looks at the message and says to Cromwell, handing him over the pad „Sorry, Oliver, I do not want to blow up your party, but, as you know the best: duty - first !"

Cromwell reads the message and then suddenly, all over the room, com beeps are heard. Confused guests contact their offices and some of them gets pale

"I have to obey, I don’t feel like partying any more, as well, as all the other guests, I think". Looking around, he sees the news spreading and upset persons trying to contact their home planets and ships... "I guess, I have to may an announcement"

Entering the balustrade, he rises his arms and say loudly, with the skilled voice of a singer and speaker

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I just got a very disturbing message: Commander in Chief Dritz Do'Urdens resigned. I know, that this might cause trouble in the balance of power - military as well as political. I guess, most of you have to return to their duties now. I have to say thank you for coming, all of you, and that I hope, we all will meet again in future to end what we started tonight - a party. I hope, we will be as young " here, he touches slightly his ring " and even happier as now, in a liberated galaxy, with independent planets and free citizens on them. By now, we all have this empty feeling here," Cromwell touches his chest, where he feels his heart beating proving that he was more disturbed as he shows it, " we all trusted in CIC Dritz Do'Urdens - he was like a rock in the wild sea, but he didn't leave us, he is just changing the duties and he might return some day. Remember, what he always said:

The needs of the many outweighs the needs of the few, or the one.

Always remember this, and we will never be alone. May the force be with all of you, wherever you go ! "

Cromwell stands on the balustrade and with the increasing applause, he feels, that the sudden hectic that nearly took over the situation was vanished and replaced by a strong will to resist any attempt of the dark side. hour later, standing in his garden, Cromwell breathes the cool, flowery air and looks at the little kwalf, that tries to get some of the remains of the party. He sighs and takes a strong coffee, and starts to make some preparations for his terraforming projects, that might be affected by this unexpected change in the New Republic....

Comment from the holographic archivist: "The moment of CiC Do'Urdens resignment was the end of the Consolidation Area - and the start of the Full-Republic System. Afterwards, the Navy never got back to its powerful position, more and more decision had been made by the senate and the governmental bodies. Therefore, this moment might be called the endpoint of the Consolidation Area."

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