Logging into my account, and see that the website has been updated somewhat. When I go to view my subscription page, it gives me an "active" status, but not how many days I have left on my subscription. Does anyone else have this problem? I need to know when my sub expires. -- Stephen

This problem seems to be common on MMOs all over. World of Warcraft used to have an unspoken rule about not overselling items that are worth pittance on vendor, but in recent years, thanks to Blizz creating utility mounts -- that have access to vendor, transmog, auction house, etc. -- that were set to the hundreds of thousands and millions of gold to purchase, things have taken the same turn in their Auction House as things have ended up in SWTOR's GTN. In my opinion, there's one way to fix this: -- Items that are posted in the GTN have a set limit cap of how much the poster can place. Average it, say, at only 5 times vendor value. -- There is an uppermost cap on any price set on the GTN. No higher than say 1 million credits for a rare or legendary item. There's still a chance to make a killing, but with these safeguards in place, folks can afford to buy stuff off the GTN, and those that are either credit sellers or scalpers looking to make billions just so they can brag can be stopped from inflating the markets unscrupulously.

I personally find PvP the hardest to do, mostly from the fact I'm a sight-disabled player (I'm legally-blind, I use special contacts to see). It's hard for me to follow fast-moving action and from the point of Warzones, I cannot keep up with other players to make the experience either enjoyable or productive. Seeing that two comps are behind a PvP requirement is disappointing for me at the least, frustrating at the most. I don't want the game to become "push-button" easy, but I wish they offered alternate means to acquire Pierce and Four-X. Perhaps a PvE tiered quest chain, accessible through a quest giver or console where you first meet the comps during KotFE?

I'm working towards leveling all of my primary characters to level 60 in preparation for the new Expac. However, I've heard word that once you have the new Expac, lvl 60 characters cannot play the old content (all prior to the new expac). IS this true, or not? I don't want to level my characters just to have them not be able to play in all the old content (I have friends that may need help). Can someone confirm what is the truth here?

An Acklay mount goes without saying, but don't make it a random drop from the Packs, please? I was so excited to see that jetpack mount, only to be disapointed that it's too rare to guarantee getting unless you're awfully lucky. (it currently sells for millions of credits on the GTN). Also, consider making a new skiff mount, but have it so you and your current companion can ride it when summoned. (a side bit, if you and your companion are romancing, then a special animation with the two characters cuddling or such?). Give us more purchasable mount options too! Noit just speeder types, but the organics (tauntauns, reerks, etc) as well as proper vehicle types (tanks, fighters, etc).

Thought I'd post to a new story I finished and posted on the fiction forum: Title: Let Us Begin Link: http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=712913 Author: BossaMatam Characters: Keth-Wyn Ma'tam (my Consular Shadow), Nadia Grell Blurb: A little something I did to help the muses in-between work on "Hearts of Havoc" and other stories.

LET US BEGIN by Stefan St. John / © 2014 DISCLAIMER : This story is an original prose based on situations and themes from the MMO game Star Wars: The Old Republic. All characters, with the exception of all Original Characters created by the Author are the property of Bioware and LucasFilm, Ltd.. . This story is the rightful property of the author; all original characters and the plot depicted within are protected by copyright law. . This story was produced to entertain fans of the original game, and is in no way, shape or form intended to be published for monetary gain. Please do not sue. The Jedi Temple, Planet Tython…. The soft clik! of the door release preceding the light, slow tread of feet across the polished stone floor, was all that Master Keth-Wyn Ma’tam needed to know that Nadia Grell had arrived. Clad in his tan, light clothing that he usually wore with his Consular robes, Keth appeared to be resting on his hovering meditation chair. With his back to the wide, slat-covered window of his quarters, the Jedi continued to “meditate” amid the shadows and light falling across his body. He held that pose for several moments as his student silently approached. With his eyes closed, Keth could picture in his mind’s eye the hesitant poise in his padawan’s posture, the way she bit her underlip as she hovered between interrupting his “repose” or staying silent until he noticed her. However, the tone in her voice was hardly that particular emotional-hue as she asked, “Are you going to play this game again, Master?” Keth couldn’t help the soft chuckle that slipped past his lips, nor keep from smiling at her pouting tone. “Am I becoming so easy to read, Nadia?” Nadia made a soft, scornful-yet-playful sound. “Only when it comes to moments like this, Master. You knew when I was right outside your door all this time.” Opening his eyes, Keth allowed a smile to spread across his face as he stared at the young Sarkhai woman. “I see I shall have to be more imaginative in the future.” Unfolding his tall form, Keth rose from his chair and made a small bow. “Thank you for coming so quickly, Nadia. Returning his bow, Nadia cast a small look over her shoulder at the open doorway. Keth chuckled again, before making a small gesture with one hand. Across the room, the door control clicked home and the opening was sealed closed once more. With a grin, Nadia took two, quick steps before she leaped towards Keth. who caught her easily. She embraced him tightly. “I missed you.” “I was hardly gone for that long, Nadia.” Nadia pulled back to look at him squarely. “When you leave, any amount of time is like . . . an eternity, when we’re apart, Keth.” Keth’s smile turned soft as he placed a fond kiss on her forehead. “You are hardly apart from me, Nadia. Not when we are so connected, together.” Their connection -- a bond far deeper than that of simply a teacher and student, master and apprentice -- had been forged in the tests of the on-going conflict between the Republic and the Empire of the Sith. Once, he was simply the liaison of the Chancellor, and she the young, force-sensitive daughter of an influential Senator from Sarkhai. He, the experienced and she, the novice. Now, against convention, tradition and dogma, they had formed a pairing. Steeped in their mutual goal of learning of, and through the Force, they presented a public showing of two dedicated Jedi; both Master and padawan. But here, in private, they could cast away the public mask and seek solace in their love for the other. A love that Keth could see clearly in Nadia’s dark eyes, which widened now as she smiled up at him. “Still, you’re back now. That is all that matters.” She arched up to give him a kiss in return. “How was your visit with the Alliance on Coruscant?” Keth chuckled, then sighed. “The Rift Alliance is working wonders for the Republic, but I’m afraid a few frayed ends still remain to be taken care of.” Setting her down, Keth turned to guide her over to his meditation chair. Taking his seat again, he said, “Senator Alauni is still decrying restitution for Salucami, even as the Senate has done far and beyond in assisting her world.” Nadia pulled a small seat closer to him, sitting down with nod. “She never did seem satisfied with how things unfolded before the end of the fight on Corellia.” Her tattooed face twisted into a frown. “Why is it some people can never be satisfied with what they have in life?” Keth folded his arms and said, “It is a sad fact of the Universe we live in, Nadia. Some will never be satisfied with their lot, until they have consumed all in spite of reason. The special committee that the Senate assembled for aiding the Rift Alliance is practically bending over backwards to satisfy the Senator’s demands.” He looked at Nadia and gave her a half-smile. “Fortunately, Tai Cordan and Diab Duin are balancing Alauni’s pressure by using what resources they can provide. With their checks to Alauni’s temper, the Alliance will go far to better their new ties to the Republic.” “That’s good to hear,” Nadia said. “Is there news from the Jedi Council on Coruscant, Master?” “Fortunately, yes. Our fellow Jedi are working to restore the Jedi Temple ruins. With hard work and ample assistance, we may see it finished within a few years.” Smiling, Nadia said, “I hope to see it someday, Master. The temple here on Typhon is impressive, yet I hear many of the knights and Masters speaking of how the old temple used to be like.” Keth nodded. “We’ll make a trip to view the temple grounds when they are finally restored . . . in the future.” With a grunt, he levered himself back to his feet. “However, today I have a special lesson for you to learn, my padawan.” Rising to join him, Nadia’s face brightened, “Great. What are you going to teach me today?” Together, they walked across the room to where a long storage case sat against the far wall. Keth knelt and made quick work of the case’s locks, sliding it open and reaching in to remove a long-shafted object. “Something that I feel I have been neglectful with your training, Nadia.” “What is that, Master?” “Your martial skills.” Keth craned his neck around and fixed her with a bemused smile. “You have a rare talent with the Force; one that proves both powerful and at times limiting. Force skill alone may take you far, my padawan . . . but, without training in the martial arts you may never attain the rank of Jedi.” “Oh, I . . . I see.” Nadia turned thoughtful for a moment. “But, what is there to learn about fighting? I mean, we have fought together, in battle--.” “Yes, and you have fared better than most Jedi would, Nadia.” Rising, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “However, you cannot rely all your life on blind luck.” Lifting his hand he slowly ticked off a couple of points on his fingers, before closing it into a fist. “If you apply yourself to discipline, training, and seeking to perfect the physical arts of our Jedi heritage . . . combined with your Force gifts, it may make you one of the most powerful Jedi of our time.” Nadia took heart from his words. “I understand, Master.” She squared her shoulders and asked, “So, where do we begin?” “Building on what you already know, Nadia. You fight well enough, but true mastery comes from constant and evolving practice. Even with things we may find unfamiliar.” He held the long object with both hands, keeping it at chest-level so Nadia could examine it better. As she swept her eyes along its length, he explained, “A lightsaber may be a Jedi’s weapon, but its use stems from techniques used by other weapons, other cultures. Part of my formal Jedi training was with Master Opa Bi-Gorsa; one of our finest weapons-masters. Part of the reason why my skills in combat are as good as any of our Order, is due to the extensive weapon training I undertook as his padawan.” With a smile, Keth said, “I shall continue his tradition, by teaching you the same.” Nodding, Nadia reached out and traced a finger along the fittings on the weapon’s shaft, trailing over flared blade fixed on one end. “What weapon is this, Master?” Keth said, “This, my pupil is a warstaff . . . one of the ceremonial weapons of the Cathar.” He motioned for her withdraw her hand, before twisting a portion of the staff with both of his. The wide blade at each end snapped open and shifted, forming longer, keener-edged ones, each with a ribbon of rippling energy flowing down their centers. Stepping back a pace, Keth slowly twirled the weapon, making the blades softly sing as air flowed across them. “The Cathar consider this to be a honor-weapon, used in their hunting and coming-of-age rituals.” Nadia eyed the whirling weapon with interest. “I see. It does resemble a saberstaff . . . I, would presume it follows it in function.” Keth nodded. “You have good insight, my padawan.” He slowed and brought the warstaff to a stop, before holding it out to her. “Take it. Tell me what you think of it.” Doing as he bade, Nadia plucked it from his hand and slowly moved it through a small pattern of defensive moves. “It’s . . . stout, and heavy. but . . . it does have good balance.” “The extra weight from the blades and the field-generator inside it give it mass,” Keth explained. “But the blades are fine-honed metals. Durasteel with some cortorsis ore.” He made a motion towards his waist, unclipping his own lightsaber and bringing it up in one, quick action. As the weapon’s purple blade extended, he brought it around to clip the warstaff’s near-blade; connecting with a flash of light. Surprised, Nadia still kept her grip and didn’t drop her guard. “Oh!” “Cortorsis is one of a rare, few materials that can withstand and even interrupt a lightsaber’s blade. This makes a warstaff a potent weapon against Jedi.” Keth said, withdrawing his weapon. “It may be less of a sort of weapon a Jedi might use, but as Master Opa told me many times, ‘To know a weapon for all its strengths and weaknesses, is to know how to best fight against it.’.” Nadia brought the warstaff around, holding it edge-on to examine it closely. “Well, I can see where it’s strengths lay, Master. It’s robust, tough and if it can block a lightsaber, it can make a formidable weapon.” Keth deactivated his lightsaber. “Mm-hmm. What can you tell me of its weaknesses, Nadia?” She frowned, before shifting her stance to take several, more forceful swings with it. “Well, it is . . . heavier than my saberstaff. I’d have to . . . train with it more, before it became natural to use.” She paused and made a thrust-strike with it. “It might be good in melee, but . . . how would it fair against blasters, I wonder? I know, our lightsabers can deflect blaster shots--?” “Indeed, and the warstaff might stop a few shots, before the metal gave way to damage,” Keth said. Replacing his lightsaber on his belt, he reached out and took the warstaff from her hands. “It is an elegant weapon, but modern technology would render it useless in a prolonged fight.” Nadia frowned. “Why train in using it at all, then?” “Say, perhaps, in a fight you lose your lightsaber? A foe might damage it beyond repair,” Keth stated. Nadia quickly took his meaning. “Do you mean I’m to carry two weapons around with me?” Chuckling, Keth said, “It would be unwieldy and impractical. However, my point is that should you find yourself in battle and without your main weapon--.” He pointed to where her own saberstaff hung from her belt. “Then, you could improvise. Find another. Use it to win through and survive.” Nodding, Nadia frowned. “Not many battles may have us near such weapons, I would think.” She looked down, but lifted her gaze back with comprehension filling her face. “Still, the knowledge of such skills would prepare us for any eventuality, and . . . well, it seems daunting to me, Master. There are dozens of combat weapons I can name!” Keth quickly moved to soothe her rising anxiety. “True, but many follow basic theories and forms. Those basics are what I wish to teach you, Nadia. With those, you’ll be able to identify any form of weapon, and know the best way to use them in a fight.” He reached out, cupping his hands over the points of her shoulders when she started to turn away. “Nadia, take comfort in this; what I will teach you is nothing more than what I learned under Master Opa’s guidance. It may seem enormous in task, yet anything worth doing shall ever be so easy. Once begun and learned true, you will never find it so hard as when you first begun.” She sighed, reaching up to grip one of his forearms with a free hand. “Nothing ventured, is ever truly gained . . . or so my father said once.” Squeezing his arm, she smiled softly. “Why is it I hear a lot of my father in you, Keth?” Giving her shoulders a reassuring grip, he said, “Tobias Grell was a good man, Nadia. I feel he, and I after a fashion, only say what you truly need to hear. As well, for the short time I knew your father I could see that he loved his daughter very much.” Grinning, he said, “He wanted what was best for you, Nadia. As do I, and I shall not fail him on that score.” With a soft laugh, Nadia cupped Keth’s cheek fondly. “I know you won’t fail, Master.” Letting her hand drop, she stepped back to let his hands fall away and raised the warstaff to look at it briefly. “So, practice it is then? How are we to proceed?” Keth smirked, then turned to reach back down into the case to remove another warstaff. “Before I let you bash away with that, the next thing you must learn is how wielding it conforms to what you know about using a lightsaber.” Motioning her to stand near him, he snapped his own warstaff into active-mode and put himself into a ready-combat stance. “Now, what is the form we know is best for users of saberstaffs, my pupil?” Nadia moved smartly to mirror his stance, saying, “The Sixth Form, ah . . . Niman, right? It emphasizes use of Force-techniques in combination with dueling skills.” “Correct.” Keth moved to spin his warstaff into a ready position, before he said, “Yet, aside from Force-techniques, it does emphasize the use of knowing where each of your blades are in combat. Now, observe my form . . . .” … and thus, Keth and Nadia began the first step in her martial training; the first of many ‘firsts’ they would take together. END

Three of my favorites from across the whole of the movies: "*chuckles* Truly wonderful the mind of a child is... The padawan is right. Go to the center of gravity's pull, and find your planet, you will." -- Episode 2, Attack of the Clones. "At and end, your rule is. And not short enough it was!" -- Episode 3, Revenge of the Sith. "Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me, by my size do you? Hm?! And well you should not. For my ally, is the Force. *looks upwards* Life creates it . . . makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us, and bind us. *grunts* Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter! You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you . . . and me. The tree . . . the rock. Yes, even between the land and the ship." *after performing the feat of pulling Luke's fighter from the swamp, and hearing his declaration of disbelief* "That, is why you fail," -- Episode 5, The Empire Strikes Back. -- BossaMatam

The problem with putting in a THIRD faction is that now you have to add more classes, develop individual stories for them and somehow tie it all in to the greater storyline of the Galactic Republic vs. Sith Empire. And let me state emphatically that I hope BioWare DOES NOT bring the Vong into this story. Doing so out in the EU ruined it in my opinion. We don't need that here. Plus, bringing the Vong into SWTOR sort of fudges up the storyline for the future of Star Wars. And before you say, "Well this was 3000 years before Star Wars, so they could have forgotten about the Vong by then.", let me cap that right off. As powerful and dangerous as the Vong were made in the EU, you cannot use the argument that the Republic or Sith would forget about them after dozens of centuries later. Give the Devs their due and time... they'll come up with something to give us more story-driven stuff in the next Expac in the future. -- BossaMatam

Osetto -- The problem I have with that listing is the fact both Enlisted and Officer ranks have been lumped together. Plus the fact they're (again) being too generalized and vague with the total spread of ranks between them. It doesn't make sense to jump from Major to Colonel (O3 grade to O5), as there has to be an intermediate rank in there. Commander as an "honorary" title... I can see unit members calling their C.O. Commander, but the actual rank has to be there. It just makes sense to me. Aside from the fact I know they've skipped several ranks for the enlisted. It has been confirmed that the Republic does have a Sergeant 1st Class (E7), as Elara Dorne in the Trooper story confirms this when she introduces herself to your character. Plus, as the Republic and Imperial Navies both clearly stemmed from traditional "Wet" Navies, it doesn't make sense to have Private and Corporals in their ranks. The logical titles would either be Seaman or Starman (though Bill Baldwin -- author of the Helmsman series, a well done space opera fiction -- uses Starman or Starsailor almost exclusively). -- BossaMatam

Greetings all. Since the game seems to be generalizing and somewhat vague about the ranks of both enlisted and officers within the Republic and Imperial military chain-of-command, I did a bit of speculation and research. In the end, I came up with a listing of ranks for both factions that seems to fit within the few bits of data the game has given us. NOTE! These are just speculation and in no way is it meant that BioWare/EA has set these as the actual ranks in the game. I did figure this would be a good suggestion for the Devs to help flesh out anything they may have in the works, as well as help any player who's RPing as either a Trooper or Agent. With that said, here's my list. Enjoy! OFFICER RANKS of the Galactic Republic & Sith Empire Overall Leader Supreme Commander - Minister of War Rank/Class Lvl Republic Navy / Imperial Navy - Republic Army/Marines / Imperial Army/Marines O10 Fleet Admiral / Moff/Grand Moff - Field Marshall / Moff/Grand Moff O9 Admiral / Admiral - General / General O8 Vice Admiral / Vice Admiral - Maj. General O7 Rear Admiral / Rear Admiral - Lt. General / Lt. General O6 Commodore / Commodore - Brigadier General O5 Captain / Captain - Colonel / Colonel O4 Commander / Commander - Lt. Colonel / Lt. Colonel O3 Lt. Commander / Lt. Commander - Major / Major O2 Lieutenant / Lieutenant - Captain / Captain O1 Sublieutenant / Lieutenant 2nd Class - 1st Lieutenant* / Lieutenant* Ensign / Ensign - 2nd Lieutenant* / Lieutenant* 2nd Class (* -- Imperials pronounce this as "Leftenant") ENLISTED/NON-COMM OFFICER RANKS of the Galactic Republic & Sith Empire Rank/Class Lvl Navy - Army/Marines E9 Master Chief Petty Officer - Sergeant Major / Command Sgt. Major E8 Senior Chief Petty Officer - Master Sgt. / 1st Sergeant E7 Chief Petty Officer - Sergeant 1st Class E6 Petty Officer 1st Class - Sergeant E5 Petty Officer 2nd Class - Technical Sergeant E4 Petty Officer 3rd Class - Specialist E3 Seaman - Corporal E2 Seaman Apprentice - Private 1st Class E1 Seaman Recruit - Private 2nd Class I based the ranks on the current usage of the US and UK Military ranking, as recognized by NATO. If there are any discrepancies or errors, I apologize in advance. I'll work to make corrections in a future post. Thanks for reading! - BossaMatam

1. - Assassins/Shadows : Switchable Saber staff/Dual Sabers Yes, I know there are certain abilities which require saber staffs for each class, but the solution would be to tweak one of the trees to allow for the use of one of the weapon forms (Tanking - Saber staff / DPS - Dual Sabers) or make it a learned ability that would override the abilities' need. 2. - Reverse Grip - Optional Skill for All Sith/Jedi After seeing it used by Starkiller in the Force Unleashed games, I think this would be a nifty option for Force-Users. Make it an unlockable skill, which will allow your character to wield either their single saber or dual sabers in a reversed grip. 3. - Troopers - Dual Pistols Bounty Hunters who spec Mercenary Advanced Class can do this. Why cannot we get this for Troopers? I don't really care for Assault Cannons as my only other option other than a Blaster rifle. 4. - Double XP BOOSTS Yes, instead of having to wait for another weekend event to try to push our leveling, why not make these items that can be acquired either through the Cartel packs or direct CM purchase? You can still keep them to the Minor (1 hour) or Major (3 hour) types, but having them would make for a great kip-up for people trying to crunch those last few levels to grind out before the cap. 5. - More Crafted Color Modules & Mash-up Capacity for Mods. It would be a big, BIG convenience for players if we had at least all of the primary colors in the spectrum available to be crafted as Primary- and Secondary-Only modules. Also, consider the ability, at the crafting tables to take one Primary-mod and one Secondary mod and combine them for a single-use module for our gear? I hope these help, and thanks to any Devs who may be reading. -- S.

Dewback, certainly. A Mini-Rancor... well, could be fun. But, what about an Acklay mount? I'd love to see the look on people's faces when THAT came tromping through the Fleet Station. ^_^

Did some checking in-game and here's the results I came up with. To better help you find the parts you need I even listed them and their cost in Planetary Comms / PCs. Items are also listed from Lowest-Level Planet to Highest (so you don't get killed as agro-bait by accident): T7’s stats are Aim and Endurance, so you can equip some items that can be used on Troopers. Core(s) -- Coruscant Equipment Vendor : AA-16 Core / 6 PCs Belsalvis Equipment Vendor : LS-93 Core / 6 PCs Motor(s) -- Balmorra Equipment Vendor : WD-47 Motor / 5 PCs Part(s) -- Quesh Equipment Vendor : HJ-07 Parts / 4 PCs Corellia Equipment Vendor : OP-89 Parts / 4 PCs Sheild -- Nar Shaddah Equipment Vendor : Tactile Deflector D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Belsalvis Equipment Vendor : Subelectronic Deflector D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Subelectronic Power D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Subelectronci Personal D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Corellia Equipment Vendor : Entropic Energy D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Entropic Personal D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Entropic Response D-Shield Generator / 14 PCs Sensor Unit -- Voss Equipment Vendor : KD-62 Sensor Unit / 6 PCs Blaster Pistol -- Recommend searching the GTN and buying any Orange moddable pistol and swapping out the mods/crystal for the ones you need. Hope this helps! -- Travelin' Matt

Taking this from back when I played WoW, and the whole deal with Gear Transmogrification sounds similar to the discussion here. Back on WoW, you could basically T-Mog any armor to look like another piece of gear, with restrictions (I'll list the main three): -- You can only T-Mog Gear Type for Type (Cloth to Cloth, Mail to Mail, etc.). -- Gear used for T-Mog Must have a Stat on it (+End, +Agil, etc.) -- Unless you earned it, specific PvP Gear (Season 1 and earlier) cannot be used for T-Mog. Now, in retrospect for SWTOR and Gear Recolor/Dyes, Certain restrictions are understandable (Below lvl 15 white, green and blue world drops, Certain Gear Sets, etc.). However I do agree that restricting recolor from most gears either crafted or bought through the CM packs IS NOT a good idea. Too many players wear that gear, and saying specific LORE sets will be restricted will kill a lot of future purchases by players and just make players go back to using more common gear to outfit their characters. Again, we're also speculating on a feature that has yet to go live on the main servers. So let's wait and see what comes on the PTR (soon I hope) and in the meanwhile KEEP COMMUNICATING to the Devs. Instead of negative waves, keep telling them what you want to see in the game. If anything, the Devs for this game have been a lot more open to the players than most other MMOs out there these days. -- S.

"Hearts of Havoc" http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=618927 BossaMatam Trooper/Male - Elara Dorne (will also feature Jedi Knight, Smuggler and Consular) The war for the Galaxy has resumed between the Republic and the Sith Empire, but before the famed Havoc Squad can resume the fight, the CO and his XO must make a trip of huge importance. (Adventure/Romance). -- S.

HEARTS OF HAVOC by Stefan St. John / © 2013 DISCLAIMER : This story is an original prose based on situations and themes from the MMO game Star Wars: The Old Republic. All characters, with the exception of all Original Characters created by the Author are the property of Bioware and LucasFilm, Ltd.. . This story is the rightful property of the author; all original characters and the plot depicted within are protected by copyright law. . This story was produced to entertain fans of the original show, and is in no way, shape or form intended to be published for monetary gain. Please do not sue. CHAPTER ONE Aboard the Havoc’s Harpy, In Transit to Coruscant from Mos Petti Space; Year 11 ATC.... The rumble vibrating through the durasteel space frame of Havoc’s Harpy preceded the climbing pitch of her hyperdrive. Outside the cockpit view port, the stars stretched from pinpoints into streaks of white-blue light as the BT-7 Thunderclap rocketed through the transition from normal space into hyperspace. At the controls, Sergeant Alli Brin sat stiff and straight, as she removed her hands from the hyperdrive’s motivator controls. “Transition from Mos Petti to hyperspace is complete, Sir. All systems read nominal.” Standing with her hands clasped behind her as she hovered near the main chair in the cockpit, Captain Elara Dorne nodded briefly to herself, before glancing down at the young, auburn-haired woman in the pilot’s seat. “Nicely done, Sergeant.” Releasing her left hand to let it drift over to pat the armored plastron on Brin’s right shoulder, Elara said, “You’re progressing very well at the helm. A few more sessions, and you’ll be certain to earn your chief-pilot’s certification.” She allowed herself a small mental smile as Sergeant Brin let out a breath she clearly had been holding. “Just remember to equally apply yourself to all aspects of your duties, and you’ll make it far with Havoc Squad.” The young Sergeant nodded, taking in the myriad of readouts on her console before turning to look up at the Executive Officer of Havoc Squad. “Yes, Sir . . . well, thank you, I mean-.” She swallowed the nervous knot and smiled before saying, “I do appreciate the encouragement, Sir.” Elara nodded, returning Brin’s smile before gripping the young woman’s shoulder briefly. “We all strive to support each other in Havoc, Sergeant.” Stepping back, she let her eyes flow over the bridge; taking in the lights and data flowing across the consoles and the swirling pinwheel of the Known-Galaxy holo-map dominating the center of the closed-in bridge. “Continue with your duties. Alert myself or the Leftenant if something comes up.” Sergeant Alli nodded. “Yes, Sir.” With that, Elara turned and departed the bridge, moving at a measured pace down into the central area of the assault ship. The main compartment looked as sparse as the bridge, even more so than their Imperial counterparts. She knew from first-hand it was hardly devoid of comfort. Ships like the Harpy were utilitarian at best; only the bare minimum of bunk space compartments and facilities. Yet, in the recent months since joining Havoc she’d become so used to the Harpy’s spaces, it felt like her second-home. Now that home was pointed back towards the Galactic Core; to the capital world, where surely another mission awaited her and her Havoc teammates. Stepping into the clear, she made her way over to the holo-transmission table to check for any incoming communications. When a nearby hatchway opened with a thunk!, she paused to take note of the contingent of Troopers gathered in the space within. All wore the white-on-blue of Special Forces Unit 229, which were being taken back to Coruscant aboard their ship. Unit 229 had lost their ship in the latest action over Bos Petti. As Elara started to regard the holo-table’s readout once more, one of the surviving senior non-comms from Two-Two-Nine emerged from the storage compartment, following the tall, feline-faced form of Lieutenant Aric Jorgan. They clearly weren’t meaning to be overheard, but the sharp tone in the Sergeant’s voice made her look back up and listen: “We’re not asking for much, El-Tee, but we lost some of our prime equipment in that last pull-out action-.” “Equipment, Sergeant Rill, that Havoc Squad can ill-afford to spare,” Aric said gruffly. Taking a moment to pull a tabulation-pad from where it had been magna-locked on the compartment wall, the Cathar officer studied it briefly before rubbing one hand through his close-cut hair. “As it stands, we’re pushing the limit with what equipment and weapons we can requisition for ourselves. We’re more than willing to share a ride with you -- such as it stands that you lost your transport -- but we cannot give you what you should have had the insight to salvage before the Imps nearly punched your ticket back there.” Sergeant Rill looked ready to snap at Aric, until he saw the unwavering look Elara was giving him from just behind Aric’s back. Faltering, Rill shook his head and said, “Look, we’re not asking you to give us the whole bolt and barrel-.” “Then don’t.” Aric crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. “I sympathize with you, Sergeant. I really do. This war’s stretching all of our resources pretty thin all around. Yet, if I said we don’t have the spares, we don’t.” Pausing, he returned his eyes to the tabulator and added, “That’s the final word I can give you.” Again, Sergeant Rill looked like he was about to explode, but he let his shoulders drop as he muttered, “Yes, Sir. Well, I . . . I understand clearly.” Elara’s frown deepened, only to vanish when Aric looked up and sighed at the defeat in Sergeant Rill’s posture. “Look, I cannot give you any gear, but we do have a small surplus of medi-pacs and ration kits. I can give you some of those, but nothing else.” He held up one hand when Rill started to protest anew. “Take my advice, and what we can spare for you, Sergeant. Take up your case with Command when we reach Coruscant to get your equipment restored.” “Yes, Sir . . . I’ll, do just that. Thank you, Sir.” Rill saluted Aric, before moving back into the compartment to rejoin his fellow teammates. Elara took a step closer behind Aric and cleared her throat. “Nicely handled, Leftenant.” Aric didn’t turn to face her, but he nodded to acknowledge her presence. “Take me and that Sergeant back about a few years, and I’d have been chewing his head off through his battle helmet. Just like a rookie non-comm to go asking for spare gear. Especially knowing what we all just went through during that meat-grinder of a mission.” He shook his head, before turning to face his XO, giving her a rueful smile. “I must be getting soft.” Elara felt her lips lift briefly. “Hardly, Leftenant. I dare say you could still make the paint blister into a perfect outline of that Sergeant on hull metal, if you really wanted to.” Aric chuckled softly. “Could be . . . and could be I’m just too tired to even try, Sir.” He sighed gustily. Elara nodded. The final action on Mos Petti has certainly taken a toll on everyone. Still, as she looked up at Aric, she could see he wasn’t quite ready to relent and find a jump seat to collapse into. In the year she had come to know Lt. Jorgan, he was dedicated, stalwart to a fault and would never quit until everything necessary to get their team ready for the next mission was done. “True, Leftenant. Fortunately, we’re not allowed to cause a ‘friendly-fire’ incident within our own ranks. As it were.” “If you ask me, Captain, some of the troops would benefit from a good ‘blistering’.” Turning, Aric looked Elara in the eyes unblinkingly and asked, “In any case, was there something you needed, Captain?” “Yes, Leftenant. For now, I’d like you to take charge of things. We’re en route to Coruscant -- Sergeant Brin has the con -- and aside from that, our expected debriefing with our CO will begin in thirty minutes.” “Yes, Sir.” Aric said. “I’ll be more than willing to take care of things.” He then cleared his throat before jerking at thumb at the closed door across the way. “In case you were wondering, the Major’s in there. Said he needed some alone-time before the debrief.” Elara glanced that way and nodded. “Thank you, Leftenant. You may assume your duties.” Aric nodded with a salute. “Will assemble the men in thirty, Sir.” He stepped past her, dipping his head to give Elara a knowing look before vanishing into another compartment. Elara sighed and rocked on her heels, before she stepped away from the holo-transmitter and made her way to the sealed door Aric had indicated. Pausing to briefly straighten her uniform tunic, she reached up to tap the ‘Admittance button on the lock panel. A tone sounded, followed by a soft hiss from the intercom speaker, through which a male voice said, “Enter.” With a snap-hussssh! the door opened, allowing Elara to step into the compartment beyond before it closed tight behind her. Inside, Elara took in the tall, sandy-haired figure seated on the standard-issue bunk along the far wall; his lower body still clad in the white durosteel leg plates and boots of his combat armor, while his upper lay bare to a brief undershirt that only covered his chest and abdomen. Lifting his head from where he was regarding something he held in both hands, Major Steff Davion smiled briefly at her. “Elara,” he said, before dropping his eyes back down to the object in hand. “What’s the status of the ship and crew?” he asked absently. Elara’s coolly-schooled features melted into a warm expression as she stepped towards the small desk across from the bunk. Reaching out, she pulled out the small stool stored underneath it and pulled it over so she could seat herself in front of him. “All ship systems are nominal. Currently we are on schedule to arrive in Coruscant within the hour. Some small matters are being seen to by Leftenant Jorgan . . . and we do have our debriefing in thirty minutes,” she said, coming to a stop when she realized he was too engrossed with what he held to look at her. “Steff, is . . . something wrong?” “Hmm?” Steff jerked his head upright, and blinked his deep-blue eyes at her. “No, no, nothing’s wrong at all.” Elara pursed her lips and stared hard at him. “You are certain, then?” Steff straightened up and frowned. “Now, why would you think something is wrong with me, Elara?” She raised both eyebrows and made a perfectly-shaped pout with her lips. “Because you’re only half-out of your combat gear, sitting in here alone with me and you haven’t even tried to kiss me. Yet.” Steff’s frown fell away, a slow grin spreading across his wide face as he regarded her. “Well,” he said, drawling the word so that it sounded like a rumbled murr. “You could have just asked me to kiss you, Captain Dorne.” Elara’s expression turned coy. “Are you making that an order, Major Davion?” Steff slowly put the object in his hands on the bunk beside him. “Per regulations?” Lunging towards her, Steff wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her off the stool and back with him onto the bed. Elara privately thanked whoever constructed their ship that all of the compartments that made up the main living quarters had insulated walls. The shriek she gave -- while delighted -- would have embarrassed her to no end if the rest of the team had heard it. Still, it was hard to think about avoiding embarrassment when she found herself wrapped in Steff’s arms. Especially when he was kissing her as soundly as he was just then. Submitting to his embrace, she curled her arms around his neck and held him close. Eventually, they broke off and Steff tipped her back against one arm, using his free hand to caress her cheek. “Sorry I didn’t do that sooner.” “I would have reminded you to do so, after a fashion.” Elara shared a smile as she and Steff stared at one another, before she leaned up and briefly kissed him again. “Now,” she asked before looking down at the now-discarded object on the blanket next to them. “What is it that had you so distracted?” Steff turned to stare at the wide rectangle of plastic and black metal, before sighing and picking it up. “Oh, something I’ve been looking at for a while now.” He turned it so he could thumb a recessed control along its edge, before holding it up to eye level. In a second, the surface of the placard came alive with a holographic field, and the three-dimensional image of a cluster of figures appeared. Elara focused on the group, then gasped softly when she recognized Steff among them -- albeit a much-younger looking, more carefree version of the Major. He was flanked by two taller men and a young girl; the former bore a resemblance to him, as did the girl. Comprehension blossomed in Elara’s mind. “It’s, your family?” “My father, older brother and younger sister,” Steff said, maudlin touched with pride in his tone. “That’s Russell, Kett and Sussana.” “I see,” Elara said. Tipping her head slightly, she rested it against his cheek and added, “They all look rather happy with you there.” “This was recorded just before Kett joined the Academy in Utare,” Steff said simply. “And, yes, he’s still serving the Republic, though he’s just a clerical officer, or so I was told by our father the last time we talked.” Elara nodded, before lifting her head to look at him. “Do you miss your family? I notice you don’t speak of them much.” Steff put the placard down on the bed, looking away briefly before replying. “I haven’t mentioned them . . . mostly because I didn’t want you to be sad.” He looked at her, the truth in his blue eyes. “Because of your family.” Elara felt a slight lurch in her chest, and she nodded slowly. “If you’ve been trying to spare my feelings . . . thank you, but you shouldn’t worry about me.” Steff resettled himself on the bunk, shifting her so she was sitting close to him. “Why shouldn’t I worry?” He gripped her hands in his larger one. “Elara, I can always go back to see my father and siblings. I can’t imagine what it must be like, not being able to see your parents-.” Elara pressed the fingers of her free hand to his lips. “Steff, I won’t lie. I do miss my father and mother . . . but I made my choice long ago.” She sighed and turned her hands so she could cover his in between them. “I would dearly like to see them again, but we both know that’s not possible. I serve the Republic now. They are still a part of the Empire, and I knew when I defected that there would be a cost for my choice.” Steff nodded. “I know. I just didn’t want you to be hurt or upset, if I ever mentioned my family.” Elara looked up at him with a stern expression. “You’ll be hurting me more if you do not tell me about them, Major Davion. After all,” she added with a mock-punch to his shoulder, “they’ll become my family as well, when we’re married.” Steff grinned and ducked her mimed blow. “Okay, okay! You win, Captain.” Elara gave him a pert turn of her head. “As I always will.” She nearly squeaked when he suddenly enveloped her with both arms, pulling her back into his lap as they both began laughing at his spontaneity. When it died down, Elara asked, “So, tell me about why this has come about now?” Steff gave her a serious look, before saying, “Partially because of what you just said -- us getting married -- but, it’s mostly because of the last action we just went through.” Steff hugged her close, and she went willingly. “I don’t know what new mission is coming up for Havoc Squad when we get back to the capital, but before we’re ordered out again, I want to take you home.” “Home?” Elara looked up at him with some surprise. “As in home to my family, on Andara.” He pulled back, taking in her surprised expression. “You don’t like that idea?” Elara said, “No, it . . . it is actually a wonderful idea. I mean, I should meet your family. After all, we cannot exclude them from the wedding, now can we?” Steff nodded. “No, we can’t. Considering my father would be pretty upset with me if we did.” He looked off for a moment, before smiling. “He and my mother had always hoped to see either myself or Kett married one day.” Elara noted the sad undertone in his words. “Did she . . . I mean, is she still-?” “It was a sickness, Elara.” Steff closed his eyes, but opened them when he looked back at her. “Not long after my sister was born, and it was a mercy that she didn’t suffer long.” When Elara cupped his cheek, he sighed and added, “You would have liked her, I think.” “I believe you. Especially if the way you’ve treated me is anything to judge by.” Elara smiled. “I think she’s done well by you, in that stead.” Steff took her hand and squeezed it. “So, you’ll come then? still get to meet father and Sussana. I doubt Kett can make it there in time for a visit, but I’ll make sure he attends the wedding.” “He must at least make the attempt,” Elara said, some humor in her tone as she hugged him closer. Laying her head on his shoulder, she asked, “So, we should look about arranging this visit without delay.” “I was actually thinking of contacting General Garza, when we drop out of hyperspace,” Steff said. He nuzzled into her blonde hair, breathing deeply before adding, “After we get done with our debriefing, that is.” Elara nodded. “Ah, the debriefing. That should be started in approximately twenty-five minutes.” She pulled back to stare at Steff, a lift to the corners of her mouth accompanying the flash of mischief in her eyes. “Which only gives us about twenty minutes of privacy, Major.” Steff grinned, before shaking his head slowly. “Why, Captain Dorne! One would think you would suggest that we could do something, utterly scandalous in that time-frame,” he said. Elara arched one eyebrow, before she leaned up to put herself nose to nose with Steff. “I’m not suggesting anything of the sort,” she said, her usual cool demeanor melting under sultry overtones, before she kissed Steff soundly. “I’m making it an order, Sir.” Steff enveloped her in a deeper embrace. “Do I ever tell you enough, that I love it when you pull rank on me?” * * * * * The couple made it to the debriefing with moments to spare, after they both put themselves and their uniforms back in order. The meeting itself took very little time at all; a fact that Steff himself was thankful for. Yet, while he tried to focus on the majority of details and information shared by the rest of Havoc Squad, his thoughts were still very much occupied by what he and Elara had discussed in his quarters. Getting married, he thought. Taking such a step together was a major undertaking for an average couple. For two people like himself and Elara, being they both had their duty and calling with the military . . . . It’s going to take some extra work to pull this off. he told himself. More so with what I have in mind. Though making the request from General Garza-? He snorted softly to himself. She’s no cream puff when it comes to matters of the heart. When Steff eventually called and end to the meeting, the sudden diminished sounds of the Harpy’s engines brought everyone in the room to a standstill. A moment later, the meeting room’s inter-comm chirped. Reaching out, Steff thumbed the receive-key. “Bridge, this is Major Davion. Go ahead.” “Sir, we’ve just transitioned into Coruscant-Space,” came the pilot’s reply. “Shall I request immediate advancement in the landing pattern, per wartime regulations?” “Negative. Put us into a high-orbit holding pattern, for now.” Steff said. “Yessir.” The inter-com went silent. Looking up from the table, Steff was met by the surprised looks of the majority of his squad -- only Elara was aware of his intent -- and the question spoke by Jorgan: “Um, is there a problem, Major?” When Steff arched one eyebrow, staring sharply at him, Aric quickly added, “I, ah, mean . . . is there a reason why we’re not trying to land as quickly as possible?” “There’s no problem at all, Lieutenant,” Steff said. “I do need you to get on the comm and put a call through to General Garza. There’s a matter I need to discuss with her.” Blinking, Aric quickly recovered and nodded as he started towards the doorway of the meeting room. “I’ll get the comm-channel open right away, Sir.” “As soon as you can, transfer the call here, Lieutenant.” Steff looked at the rest of the squad. “Everyone is dismissed. Captain, I need you to stay here with me.” “Yes, Major.” Elara nodded and moved around to the holo-terminal inside the room to stand next to Steff. As the rest of the team exited the room, she twisted her fingers together in a gesture that was uncommon for the austere blond woman. Steff noticed. “Are you nervous, Elara?” “No more than usual, Steff,” she replied. “I mean . . . I admit I’m only, concerned. What if General Garza doesn’t approve of this--?” She stopped speaking when Steff placed a hand on hers, squeezing them both. “It’s going to be all right,” Steff said, smiling reassuringly. “I understand what you’re feeling, Elara, but worrying about the negatives won’t do us any good.” He leaned over and kissed her briefly on the cheek. “Just trust me, okay?” “I knew you would say something like that.” Sighing deeply, she gave him a fond look before saying softly, “Well, when you put it that way, Steff, I shall do my best.” “That’s all I could ever ask for.” Steff said, coming to attention as the holo-terminal on the table came alive with light. Elara composed herself as well, just as the image of Aric Jorgan’s face appeared in the digital field. “The up-link with Republic Command is coming online, Sir,” he said. “I’ll have General Garza on in a moment.” “Very good, Lieutenant.” Steff said. Aric’s image looked down, then he said, “Transmission up-link established . . . Receiving communication now.” His face vanished amid a wave of holographic static, to be replaced by the image of SpecForce’s commanding officer. She turned to face them, her silver hair pulled back into a tight bun that allowed her stern, aged face to show the look of surprise draped across it. “General Garza, this is Major Davion, Havoc Squad.” Steff said as he and Elara both stood straight at attention. “Major Davion . . . and Captain Dorne. This is an unexpected surprise,” the holo-image of Elin Garza’s face became wreathed with interest as she stared at Steff and Elara. “I just received confirmation of your arrival in-system, but I expected you to appear in person to report on the mission in Bos Petti.” She glanced to the side and asked, “Is there a reason you are in contact with me now? Without the rest of Havoc Squad present?” Steff held up one hand in a dismissive wave. “Havoc Squad is all accounted for, General and I’ll be delivering my report on the operation after we make port. However, Captain Dorne and I need to speak with you about a specific matter.” “Ah, I see.” General Elin locked her hands behind her back. “Proceed then, Major.” Steff glanced at Elara for a second, before he cleared his throat and faced the General squarely. “Permission to speak plainly, General? Also, can this transmission be ‘locked’?” Arching one eyebrow, Elin took a moment to adjust something out of transmitter-range. “Very well, Major. This channel is now secured.” Steff nodded. “Thank you, General. You are aware that Lieutenant Dorne and I have started . . . a more personal relationship together, yes?” Nodding, Elin said, “Of course. The digital copy of Form 3578 K crossed my terminal, not an hour after you and Captain Dorne signed it. Publicly, I cannot comment one way or another on the matter. After all, the regs specifically state how Republic Command feels about such relationships, but you both followed the appropriate protocol.” Her usual dour expression softened a bit as she added, “Personally, however I have to admit . . . I do believe the two of you have made a good choice in forming a personal bond together. Havoc Squad has once again become the best of our forces in the field, in no small part because of the fact the both of you do work so well as a team. You both have gone to great lengths to support each other, both in your duties as Republic officers and those that lie outside of Havoc Squad.” Steff looked at Elara, sharing a small smile before he said, “We do make a pretty good pair, General.” “Though, we cannot take all the credit, General,” Elara said. “Our unit would never have had such success, without help from our squad-mates.” Elin nodded. “For that, the reason I don’t disallow your involvement with each other is clear.” She pointed at Dorne. “As well, Major, I know that Captain Dorne would never have gone forward with any relationship -- with you or anyone else, for that matter -- if she did not have great respect for you as both an officer and a gentleman.” Steff blinked. “You’ve . . . been keeping an eye on us then, General?” Elin’s smile widened a little. “A good commander keeps up with all of their troops, as best as they can. Otherwise how else could I know them enough to lead properly?” She arched her eyebrows and asked, “Still, I sense there’s more to this than your merely contacting me to confirm your relationship?” Nodding, Steff cleared his throat again. “It just that . . . Elara and I both know that the war between the Republic and the Empire has only just begun, General. It’s clear it won’t be won quickly and . . . well, Havoc is bound to be at the spear-tip of many of the future actions taken by our forces--.” “What Steff is trying to say, General,” Elara said as she moved to stand closer with him, “is that we would like to request some time away from the unit, together.” She looked up at Steff, and getting a nod she went on speaking. “I have yet to meet his family,” she said, taking his hand in hers. “As such, since we are planning to be married soon--?” Steff took up as she trailed off, saying, “It wouldn’t be for an extended time frame, General. Just long enough for my family to get to know Elara. I’d say, at the most, a week’s time.” “Ah, I see.” Elin’s hologram tilted her head, and frowned all the more as she regarded the two of them. “In all fairness, Major, I cannot have you leave your unit just now. Considering the state of our war against the Empire, for the commanding officer and executive officer of my most elite combat team to request an absence . . . well. It would be ill advised.” She made a slow gesture with one hand. “There’s any of a number of systems the Empire is currently targeting for a renewed assault, and Havoc Squad would be essential to aiding any defense that is needed.” Steff felt the disappointment radiating from Elara, and he tried not to mirror it in his own reply, “Ah, that is true, General. I--.” “Just a moment, Major. I said it wouldn’t be advisable . . . ‘professionally’.” Elin’s image shifted -- vanishing for a second as she stepped out of range of the holo-transmitter -- before she returned with a data-unit that she lifted, looking down at its view screen. “However, the latest battle reports have come in, and in the last twenty-four hours most of the primary actions taken by the Empire have halted,” she said. “A few minor skirmishes are being contained, and projections are good that the Imperials won’t attempt something major within two or three weeks.” She looked up and shook her head. “As it stands, in my personal viewpoint, I don’t see why your request cannot be allowed.” Steff grinned, feeling the sharp intake of breath from Elara beside him. “Does that mean we have your permission to take our leave, General?” “Yes, Major, but only if you do so with the following caveats.” Garza lifted one hand and ticked off two fingers. “One, I’ll authorize your leave, if you are certain Havoc can function without you for that span of time. In any event the Empire does attempt something in your absence, I’d like to know I can deploy them at a moment’s notice.” Elara smiled knowingly. “I do believe Lieutenant Jorgan can keep Havoc Squad in shape and ready to move out, as well as lead them in any action, as required.”. Steff said, “He’d better, or I’ll know the reason why, General.” “Knowing how you and the Major can and will work things out with Jorgan, eases my mind on that score.” Elin said. “Secondly, I recommend that you alter your travel plans to include enough time for you to have your impending nuptials after your visit with Major Davion’s family.” She smiled. “I believe it is only fair that you two should be married before you return to active duty.” Nodding, Steff said, “That last point won’t be a problem.” He looked at Elara. “What do you think?” Elara nodded. “We can also plan our ceremony while we are visiting Steff’s family.” “In that case, I’ll begin processing your furlough request at once,” Elin said, “and you can expect it to be formalized before the end of your unit debrief with SpecForce Command.” Elara nodded, then in a brief lapse of her professionalism, she turned and kissed Steff on the cheek. Composing herself, she said, “I shall inform the Leftenant of our impending leave of absence at once.” She nodded to Elin, “Thank you, General Garza. If you’ll excuse me?” she said, before turning to leave the compartment. Steff watched Elara leave the room, sighing as the door closed before he turned to face Elin once more. “I can’t tell you how much this means, for the both of us, General.” “Thanks are not necessary, Major. You’ve done more than enough for the Republic, that I am more than willing to do this for you.” She paused. “I will say this much, I do wish the best for you and Captain Dorne,” Garza said somberly. “I can only tell you from prior experience--.” Steff cut her off with a small gesture. “Your advice is appreciated, General. However . . . I do have one small favor to ask of you.” Elin asked. “Oh? Just a small favor, Major Davion?” “Actually,” Steff said, drawing in a deep breath as he steeled himself. “It is a very large favor, Elin.” Both of Garza’s eyebrows shot upwards in surprise. “If this is forcing you to use my first name, Major Davion, then I have to wonder just what you are wanting me to do?” Steff ducked his head briefly, before he said, “Forgive me, It’s just . . . what I have to ask is so very important. Not for myself, but mostly for Elara.” When Garza said nothing in reply, he forged ahead. “You see, it’s about her parents--.” “Her parents!?” General Garza drew back in shock. “What about them, Major?” Steff squared his stance -- like he was about to confront a full battalion of Imperials -- and said, “Let me explain this fully, then you might understand the full gravity of the situation, General . . . .” * * * * * To be Continued

Just my observations on this thread, reading all the replies and comments and such, but it appears there's two mindsets to the whole adding a new class/race affair: One -- "It would take too much effort to produce, therefore BioWare is better off applying their resources to fixing/fine-tuning things already in game." Two -- "Whatever class/race is suggested, there's either already a precedent in-game, or its not iconic enough to merit becoming an added option for players." With that said, here's my viewpoint. Any form of addition -- be it content, new classes, new races, etc. -- is always WORTH it to pursue. Otherwise this game eventually gets stale and no longer re playable. Sure it's not going to be an easy thing to whip up something new and implement it... but this game cannot grow and continue to provide a viable platform for play without it. Take a look at World of Warcraft. At Launch, they only had four races per faction to play (humans, night elves, gnomes and dwarves for Alliance / orcs, trolls, forsaken and tauren for Horde). Now, Warcraft has a total of Seven playable races (adding draenai and worgen for Alliance / blood elves and goblins for Horde, and the neutral Pandaren). Who is to say that TOR cannot also have this many races in the years ahead? As far as a class needing to be Iconic to be plausible for play, that too is somewhat defeatist in tone to me. After all, in a lot of classic RPGs (table-top and otherwise) a lot of classes have not been so wide spread as some of the mainstays -- Warriors, Archers, Priests, Mages, etc. For TOR, I'm pretty certain a few roles in the SW universe get overlooked because of the notoriety of the Jedi and Sith. Medics, sappers, engineers, scouts, snipers, pilots, saboteurs and the like. There are many viable and usable class archetypes. It only takes the means, the imagination and the attention of the BioWare devs to work on something and bring it to the game. What the Devs SHOULD hear from us, the players is just what we THINK will work, what we WANT to see and from there they can take the proverbial ball and run with it. Being negative over any suggestion isn't going to help. Open minds and viable imaginations are what will provide the stimulus to keep this game vibrant, viable and long-playing for years to come.

You miss-read (if you were referring to my post), the Combat Medic is NOT meant to be a tank. They wear heavy armor for protection, but they aren't meant to grab agro and finish the fight when the tank goes down. Combat Medic is strictly meant to be the ultimate in healing; they can stand in the thick of a fire-fight and keep the group alive, or offer additional buffs, de-buffs or burst DPS to assist the group as needed (depending on whether they chose one or the other of their advanced specialization). This "class" does not provide all three party roles at the same time.

Something I've been thinking about, if there was a fifth class added I'd like to see something like a pure healer class (unlike an advanced-option choice from one of two options). Tell me what you guys think: COMBAT MEDIC -- (Republic & Empire /Non-Force User) Compassionate, Steadfast and Loyal Among the Republic and Imperial forces, a special class of soldier dedicates themselves to medical knowledge and healing their comrades in the field. Highly trained to deliver medical care, even in the most intense combat situations, the Medic is an essential part of any military force. Elara Dorne is a famous combat medic. Able to wear heavy armor, and armed with either blaster pistols or rifles, the Medic is able to give much-needed heals and stand in the thick of intense combat. The advanced classes of the Medic are Surgeon (heals) and EMT (damage/heals). Surgeons are the highest class of healers; able to deliver the best AoE (Area of Effect) heals to an entire party, or a concentrated burst heal to a single target. Unlike Commandos (the healer tree of the Republic Trooper) their heals are the ultimate in maintaining a groups survivability in massive mob and boss fights. EMTs are still viable healers, but they also can deliver DPS (Damage Per Second) as an addition to their primary role. The EMT can cause burst damage to enemies in support of the main tank or group, or provide buffs and de-buffs that will augment the groups strength and exploit the enemies weakness.

Hi all. Looking for some Beta Readers for a story I'm working on, featuring characters from the SWTOR universe. Looking for unbiased, open-minded people who aren't afraid to pull punches. I'm looking to polish and prep this story for publication. Any interested parties please reply here and let's work out the details. Thanks in advance! -- S.

Tampa Player here... Down a block or two outside Macdill AFB. Any other Florida SWTOR players in the near area?