I'm an Aussie living in regional NSW (on broadband, no NBN yet where we are) and I play on Star Forge server. Connectivity is pretty average. I'm usually playing with red dot connectivity. A good day is when there are no dropouts or unexplained and unexpected boots back to server select and when I have 1-2 white bars in the connection box.

A word to the Developers. Subscribers help pay your income. Subscribers are the only ones who are able to access these forums. These forums should be the first port of call for news and announcements to the player-base, and social media should be secondary. Also, it would be appreciated if your interaction with subscribers could be increased on these forums. Perhaps a weekly status report on variously discussed issues. Let us know if you read the Suggestions forum, or whether we are generally talking to brick walls there and elsewhere. Good communication is key. Good communication will assure subscribers that they are at least being listened to and that concerns are being taken on board. All it takes is a simple "We're listening" to threads that spark particular concerns (e.g. players who are concerned that they will lose the Alliance going forward) or "That's a good idea" for particularly good suggestions. It wouldn't take much time out of your day and just think of it as insurance to help promote player goodwill towards the game.

As a soloist who neither roleplays or participates in pvp I don't really mind which server I play on. However, that being said, as a subscriber who plays SWTOR from regional Australia, what would be most useful to me (and I dare say other Aussies, New Zealanders, and gamers from the Pacific region) would be a West Coast USA server. A big reason why I don't participate in group content (and why some boss encounters in flashpoints are difficult to the point of frustration) is because most of the time I'm playing with either red dot connectivity, or on a good day, one or two bar connectivity. My connectivity and gameplay would be improved by having fewer hops from regional Australia to the BioWare servers.

The only content that I would happily skip is the Vaylin dream fight, the Guardian Droid (Chiss Flashpoint) and all the battles where you have to control a Walker or be that Mouse droid-whatever-that-thing-is. Reasons – playing from regional Australia and having to contend with lag spikes = lots of dying in game. Walker game play = really annoying.

Part 11 – Pushing Back ----------------- “You’re just a dirty, filthy slave and a ‘pub to boot, “sneered the boy as he pelted Shee with rocks and pebbles. Cringing, Shee held up her arms and hands to protect her face from her attacker, most of the stones fell harmlessly aside but still, the ones that struck stung and she felt blood dripping down her arm. “Dirty filthy ‘pub,” the boy sang out, encouraged anew by the sight of her blood. Her face impassive, Shee refused to cry out, to let him see how much he hurt her. “Talon! Come here son,” a voice suddenly called out, and the rain of stones ceased as the boy ran back to his father. “Talon, that girl is not worth your time. One day you will be a proper Mandalorian hunter and you will have fit and proper prey. Do not concern yourself with a mere slave.” “But father,” the boy whined, “I do not like how she looks at me.” “Girl! Come here,” the voice was hard and imperious. Turning to her tormentors, Shee steeled her face into submissive impassivity as she walked back to her master. “Yes, Master.” “You are not to look at my son. Your eyes should always turn to the ground.” “Yes, Master.” He grasped her chin cruelly and turned her face up to him, “That tattoo you have been branded with is to remind you that you are now and always ever be a slave, and a slave has no worth. Do you understand girl?” “Yes, Master.” He released her chin and then hit her across the face with a sudden stinging blow. His sharp ring cut her skin cruelly and blood immediately flowed from a wound that had opened up across her cheek. “Remember that!” he laughed. Then his eyes grew hard and he pointed to the metal slave collar about her neck, “One day I will not be so soft on you and you will know the true meaning of pain.” Turning, he put his arm around his son’s shoulders and led him away. “Come Talon, it is time that you returned to your training.” Silently Shee watched them go, then as soon as they were out of sight she ran as fast as she could to the most distant corner of the small estate where a spring bubbled its way out of a rock crevice to form a deep pool. Plunging her face and arms into the cold water, she gasped at the pain, but with her fingers, she scrubbed at the cuts, cleansing them until the blood stopped and clotted. Sitting back on her heels she willed herself not to cry, for that would mean that they had won. Shee knew that the moment that they saw tears they would not stop until she was dead. But doing so was so, so very hard. Quickly, silently she crept away to her hiding place – a cave that she had found hidden in a rocky cliff near the spring and behind a dense thicket. At thirteen she was almost too big to squeeze through the narrow crack, but once she was inside, there was room for her to sit or move about. It was six months to the day that she had awoken alone in a locked and unfamiliar room, her family and twin sister gone. She had been unceremoniously told that her family was dead and that she was now a slave of the Empire, her owners, a cruel family of Mandalorians. She did not know then who these Mandalorians were, but she swiftly learned. Oh, how quickly she learned. The mother and father both doted on the boy they called Talon, and he was the cruellest of the entire family, for he went out of his way to make Shee’s life a misery. At fourteen, Talon was big for his age, and Shee being small, slender and slight, was an easy target for his taunting. At least she comforted herself with the fact that at sixteen he would be sent away for more formal training – however, Shee was uncertain if she would live to see that day. ‘Shee,’ a whispery voice slowly intruded into her thoughts. ‘Shee,’ it came again, a little stronger this time. Shee started to feel a little scared for the voice did not seem to come from outside but somewhere inside her little cave and she was clearly alone in her hiding place. ‘Shee...daughter...’ came the voice again. “Papa?” Shee whispered disbelievingly. ‘Yes, daughter, I am here,’ the voice came again, stronger still. “But you are dead?” ‘That is true, I am dead, but through the Force, I can bridge the chasm of death and come to you,’ the voice said. Shee twisted her head around, but all she saw was darkness and a sliver of fading sunlight that shone through the crack. “I can’t see you,” she cried. ‘Use the Force,’ said the voice of her father, ‘try hard, my daughter. Concentrate on my voice. Search within for the Light.’ “I don’t know how,” cried Shee in frustration. ‘I believe that you have your mother’s sensitivity to the Force,’ the voice said gently, ‘but you also have my strength in the Force, even though for a long time you have been unconsciously suppressing it. You need to use your emotions my daughter, I don’t know how to do it for you, but you must try. Perhaps try using your memories,' he suggested. Closing her eyes, Shee relaxed and allowed her hidden and buried memories to finally seep out. She remembered the new raw grief of losing her papa and mama. Then reaching back in time she remembered the halcyon days on the farm on Alderaan. Of watching Sulis sparring with her papa and uncle, she remembered too tiny Ael feeding at her mama’s breast. Finally, painfully, reluctantly, like tearing a scab off a freshly healed wound, she remembered her twin Sul. At that memory, her tears, for months suppressed, began to freely fall and Shee burying her head in her hands sobbed aloud with grief, hurt, separation and loneliness. As she cried she became aware of a warm presence by her side and she opened her eyes to see the ghostly image of her father smiling sadly at her. “Papa!” she cried out in joy and reached out to embrace him, but her arms touched nothing for he was insubstantial as mist. ‘I am a Force ghost,’ he explained gently, ‘which means that until your own death we must remain physically separate, but remember this, I will always be here with you. You will never again be alone.’ “Is Mama here too?” she asked, searching about in the darkness with her eyes. He shook his head, “your mother has become one with the Force and has Gone On. Before our spirits were parted I promised that I would watch over you girls. I’ve tried so hard to contact you my daughter, but today has been the first time that I’ve been successful.’ “What about the others?” Shee whispered fearfully, almost afraid to ask. ‘All live,’ Aule replied, ‘I’ve watched but not contacted Sulis. She is a young woman now and is training hard to be a Jedi Knight. Soon she will be leaving Tython and will carve her own path across the galaxy.’ “Ael?” ‘Remains in the care of your Aunt, she has not yet been told about what has happened, but when she is older and better able to understand, then she will be told.’ “Sul?” whispered Shee, for the very thought of her lost twin sister was like a dagger to her heart. The voice became grave, ‘She is on Korriban, training under the Sith. She is growing rapidly in the Force, but the way has been hard for her and I’ve not yet been able to contact her...she believes that you are dead, and her heart is growing dead and cold too. I fear that she may fall to the Darkness.’ “Oh, Sul,” sobbed Shee, “I must find her, help her.” Aule Tanamon nodded, ‘what I am about to say to you is probably the most important thing that you will ever hear.’ Shee dried her tears with the back of her hand, leaving grubby smudges across her face, “I am listening, Papa,” she replied quietly, listening hard. ‘You must leave this place, Shee, for your sake and for your sister’s sake too. You must leave and go to Korriban and find your sister and bring her back from the precipice upon which she stands.’ “How will I do that Papa?” she asked, touching first her neck and face, “look at me. I wear the collar of a slave and I am marked as one too. I cannot leave this place.” ‘There is only one way my daughter, you must make these people...these monsters who hold you in servitude, fear you. You must learn to use the Force against them so that they will send you away forever.’ “But Papa, your Jedi code?” ‘Forget it,’ he said abruptly, ‘peace and tranquillity will not save you here. Use your emotions to fuel the Force for if you don’t, then not only will your sister fall to Darkness, you will die here at the hands of that boy Talon. The Force has revealed to me glimpses of two potential futures. One leads to your death here, the other leads to a bright and glorious life-path. Choose the latter, my daughter. But...’ and his voice trailed away for a moment, ‘take care not to also fall to the Darkness. Keep the Light inside you and bring your sister back too. It is a difficult path my daughter, but I have seen a future where it will happen.’ “Yes, Papa.” Aule Tanamon turned his head as if he was listening. ‘Those people...those Mandalorians will be looking for you soon my daughter but I want you to return here in a day or two and I will begin your instruction in the Force. Until then my Shee, give those monsters no hint of what has transpired here. Do exactly what they tell you, but remember, one day soon you will leave here and in time things will get better for you. Keep that knowledge in your heart always.’ “I will Papa, and...I miss you so...I wish I could touch you, hug you.” ‘I wish that too my daughter, but at least we have this small contact...’ Aule turned again, his voice urging her to go, ‘quickly, they are beginning to look for you and you must not be found in this place.’ Shee scrambled to her feet and hurried back to the narrow opening. Turning she smiled and waved goodbye at the ghostly image of her father, then squeezing through, left the cave and ran back to the distant buildings of the estate. ------------- To be continued...

Personally I don’t understand the mindset behind killing off an NPC companion, especially one that can be romanced. If I can’t relate to the companion or dislike them for any reason then I simply don’t engage with them, or limit my engagement with them to the absolute minimum of conversations/uses/encounters. Killing off a companion means removing them from active participation in the story going forward, which not only limits your own story line, but also other players’ story line as well. I think instead of the kill feature, there should have been a banish or gaol feature where the companion is removed either for a time/indefinitely from ‘your’ story line, but not others, with the option to bring them back/forgive them later on if the story permits. Oh well, it’s too late now. The only thing that BioWare can take away from conversations like this is that giving players the option to kill off characters really doesn’t help or move the game forward for everyone else.

I don't think any of my full-light aligned force users would go for Arcann - they'd redeem him because that is what they do, but bed him, nope. His genocidal past would prevent that from ever happening. Sul, my Sith Warrior has eyes only for Major Quinn - however, as a thought experiment it would be interesting if Quinn (as an example) was found to possess latent force affinity that under the Warrior's training, began to manifest. Ditto for Theron (who I plan to hook up with my Sith Inquisitor). My Jedi Knight was romanced by Doc but refused to wed him - so I'm holding out that in the future someone force sensitive (and who is not 300 years old) will be available for her too. Preferably a fellow Jedi. As for Ael, my BH is not force-sensitive and is very happy with her choice of young Torian, she's the youngest of my four sisters so he is a good match for her. As a new inclusion it would be great if at the beginning of the game before you even load in your brand new character you as a player could custom-design your main love interest just as you custom design your own character. You could choose species, gender, whether they were force-sensitive or not, and if they were from the same faction or opposing faction. Then based on your final choices, the game would slot your main interest into one of several pre-written storylines which would appear somewhere in your character's story arc. That level of customisation would be so cool, but I think sadly beyond the limits of the game engine as it currently exists.

It all comes down to BioWare’s bottom line. Returning to Republic vs Empire with the Alliance scrapped means some returning subscribers, but also unfortunately some leaving subscribers = status quo. Having the option of three playable factions (Empire/Republic/Alliance) means some returning subscribers, also new subscribers drawn in with the idea of three playable factions, and existing subscribers remaining with the game = increased income for BioWare. Increased income for BioWare has the potential for more staff allocated back to the game, and more content for players. If BioWare listens to both loud and many voices, then those voices should (for their own self interest) support the idea of three playable factions going forward in the game.

Why is it that hetero female force-attuned player characters can only romance male non-force attuned companions, whilst the majority of hetero male force-attuned player characters can romance female force-attuned companions? Why can’t our female Jedi Knights/Consulars hook up with male Jedi or Sith – or our female Sith Warriors/Inquisitors hook up with male Jedi or sith? ---------------- Sith Warrior – female - Malavai Quinn - non-force attuned Sith Inquisitor – female - Andronikos Revel – non-force attuned Sith Warrior – male - Jaesa Willsaam – force-attuned Sith Inquisitor – male - Ashara Zavros – force-attuned Jedi Knight – female – Doc – non-force attuned Jedi Consular – female – Felix Iresso – non-force attuned Jedi Knight – male - Kira Carsen – force attuned Jedi Consular – male - Nadia Grell – force attuned Female – hetro – Theron Shan (non-force attuned) Male – hetro – Lana Beniko (force attuned) ----------------- Does BioWare think that we force-wielding ladies can’t handle a force-attuned significant other? This enquiring mind would like to know why.

Just wondering if there are any Babylon 5 fans lurking here or if I am the only B5 tragic on these boards. If you do exist - say Hi, and just wondering what your favourite episodes, quotes, characters are? I don't have a favourite episode per se, but I really loved the whole Shadow War story arc and the finding of the First Ones, and also when B5 broke away from the Earth Alliance. My favourite characters would have to be Captain Sheridan and Commander Ivanova. Favourite quotes would have to come from and . It always seemed a shame that a B5 MMO never eventuated.

I was in high school when ‘Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope’ came out in the cinemas so effectively I grew up with the original movies. I didn’t mind Episodes I - III as I felt Ewan Mcgregor was great as Obi Wan, and although I would adore to see him in his own spin-off movie, I’d have to say that going by the latest Star Wars offerings from Disney, well, perhaps it’s better off that it doesn’t happen because I really don’t like all the PC crap that has permeated the recent movies. Movies should be entertainment first; however, the recent movies have focused on virtue signalling; with story, characterisation and entertainment taking a very distant second and third place. I guess it is why I prefer to load up the DVD player with the original Star Wars movies, or sit down to a Babylon 5 marathon where I know I’ll be entertained by excellent good story telling and not be preached to.

My Jedi Knight grew rather fond of the pilot Cole Cantarus and she told me that she would like an opportunity (or three) to hook up with him again in the future - especially if he was a Companion.

This is my response to those who are reading this thread and thinking that I am specifically asking for new and distinct stories for the Alliance. I am not and that assumption is incorrect. Yes, I am asking for a third faction, but I'm not asking for distinct stories relating to a third faction. I am a pragmatist and I know that that would be beyond the financial and staffing capabilities of BioWare. What I am asking for is infrastructure - Republic and the Empire shuttles operating from an expanded base on Odessen with accompanying personnel like trainers, merchants, other npcs etc that would be usually found on Fleet. What I am asking for is unique player housing on Odessen so that Alliance players can properly base themselves there and stay in character. Just like Fleet. What I am asking for is that the Alliance is treated as a smaller third faction that depending on the choices made by each player Alliance Commander, aligns itself to either the Republic or the Empire, effectively piggybacking on their missions, stories and quest lines; OR, the Republic and the Empire keep one or two diplomatic envoys on Odessen through which the player Alliance Commander can choose existing missions from either faction. It wouldn't be a huge thing to do because most of what I am asking for (except Odessen strongholds) already exist in some form in the game, it would just be a matter of transferring them to Odessen and ensuring that everything works. BioWare can ill afford to lose more player subscriptions. It would make sense for all players to get behind my idea and promote it so there is a WIN/WIN for SWTOR gamers and no lost subscriptions over losing the Alliance. That is all - normal programming can now resume.

It is my thread you are referring to and you clearly have misunderstood the premise of my suggested fix. Yes, I am asking for a third faction, but I'm not asking for distinct stories relating to a third faction. I am a pragmatist and I know that that would be beyond the financial capabilities of BioWare. What I am asking for is infrastructure - Republic and the Empire shuttles operating from an expanded base on Odessen with accompanying personnel like trainers, merchants, other npcs etc that would be usually found on Fleet. What I am asking for is unique player housing on Odessen so that Alliance players can properly base themselves there. Just like Fleet. What I am asking for is that the Alliance be treated as a smaller third faction that depending on the choices made by each player Alliance Commander aligns itself to either the Republic or the Empire, effectively piggybacking on their missions, stories and quest lines; OR, the Republic and the Empire keep one or two diplomatic envoys on Odessen through which the player Alliance Commander can choose existing missions from either faction. It wouldn't be a huge thing to do because most of what I am asking for (except Odessen strongholds) already exist in some form in the game, it would just be a matter of transferring them to Odessen. You both understand that BioWare can ill afford to lose more player subscriptions. It would make sense for players like yourselves to get behind my idea and promote it so there is a WIN/WIN for SWTOR gamers and no lost subscriptions over losing the Alliance. I better stop now because I'm just getting stroppy at all the negativity. Surely people can understand that a workable compromise is possible if sufficient fans get behind it.

Part 10 - Darkness and Light ------------------- “My Lord, I think you should come here,” said the Mandalorian captain. “What? Is there a problem?” “You might say that...” was the cryptic reply. The armoured Sith Lord shrugged and followed the Mandalorian to the loading bay of the Mandalorian cruiser. “I wasn’t expecting much when I opened the life pod door,” the Mandalorian captain said in an offhand voice, “I thought perhaps SIS given the fact that the star ship was out in deep space by itself. But I didn’t expect this...” He stood aside so that the Sith Lord could look inside. Darth Marr peered inside the small pod and saw two girl-children secured into the chairs and seemingly both fast asleep. “I tried to rouse them, but I think they were given a sedative,” the captain explained. “I don’t know what to do with them.” The Sith Lord stared at the girls, his enclosed and helmeted face impassive. Finally he spoke, “They appear to be twins, and there is something about them...a memory of someone I saw once. I cannot recall the details of the memory just yet. It’s no matter. I should space them, but let me first check to see if they are force-sensitive.” Leaning over he touched the nearest girl, "I can sense the Force strongly within her. She may be useful. I’ll send her onto Korriban. Put her into my shuttle, Captain.” “Yes Sir! What about the other one?” Darth Marr moved his armoured body around to the other chair and briefly touched the other twin on her forehead. After a moment of silence he shook his head, “I thought...for just a moment that the Force lingered in her too, but if it exists then it will be difficult to rouse and she will fail at the trials. I have no need of her. Feel free to space her or keep her, Captain. It is your call.” “I’ll keep her,” replied the Mandalorian quickly, “my wife on Drumond Kaas has been pestering me to get a new slave for our household. She will be young enough to train.” Darth Marr nodded, “Very well. I’ll take the force-sensitive girl and the other one can go to your household.” “I wonder who their family was?” the Captain mused aloud. “Whoever they were, they are dead now,” Darth Marr replied dismissively. “It is likely that Republic shuttle was headed to Tython to bring these children to the Jedi training grounds there. We do not need more Jedi being trained against us...” then the Sith Lord chuckled, adding, “I’ll take this girl and she will instead become a weapon against the Republic.” ------ “Sulis, you are required immediately at the Grand Master’s chambers called out Initiate Meik as he ran up to her. Sulis turned from the training dummy, sheathed her vibroblade and stared at the young Cathar. “Did you say Grand Master Satele Shan?” “Yes, and I’d not keep her waiting!” Sulis nodded and walked briskly back to the Jedi Academy. As she straightened her clothing all the time Sulis’ mind was churning with questions. Sulis had only met the Grand Master once when her father had brought her to the Academy five years earlier. She knew that she had kept her nose clean during that time and was regularly in the top ten rankings amongst the other initiates so she doubted that she had done anything wrong. Suddenly it occurred to her that the reason for the summons might be that she was to be promoted to be a Padawan under a Jedi Master. Hurrying up the stairs and into the Jedi Temple Sulis paused long enough to smooth her pale hair away from her face. “The Grand Master has sent for me,” Sulis said as she walked up to the cowled and robed Jedi guard outside the Grand Master’s chambers. “Name?” “Initiate Sulis Aurelian,” Sulis replied. “Yes, I have been informed. You are to go right in,” he said as turned and opened the door behind him. Sulis walked down a small corridor and to a closed door. Gently she knocked upon it. A woman’s voice called out, “Come in.” Sulis opened the door and hesitantly stepped inside. The Grand Master was seated behind a large mahogany desk and by her side stood another Jedi, an older man in traditional robes. His cowl had been thrown back to reveal a worn and weathered face. Sulis guessed him to be in his fifties. He was of her father’s generation. “I am Initiate Sulis Aurelian. You wished to see me Grand Master?” The petite dark haired woman looked up and smiled at her, “Yes, come on in Sulis. Please sit down,” she indicated a chair which had been placed in front of the desk. “Now Sulis,” the Grand Master said as soon as the young Jedi Initiate had settled herself. “We’ve just received a rather strange message from Alderaan and we were wondering if you could help us understand it.” “I’ll do my best Grand Master,” Sulis replied. The Grand Master looked searchingly at Sulis’ face, “The message we received came from a woman called Mairi Aurelian. Now, I was of the understanding that Mairi Aurelian was your mother, but she claims to be your Aunt. Perhaps you can tell us what your exact relationship to this woman is – and mind Sulis, I want the truth.” Under Satele Shan’s piercing gaze Sulis could not dissemble. “She’s not my Mother, Grand Master, nor is she my Aunt. She is a friend of my parents, and my mother and father and my sisters lived with her and her partner Dalen Isay for many years. You could in a way say that my family was adopted by Mairi and Dalen.” “Ah,” mused the Grand Master almost to herself, “I then assume that your real father is Aule Tanamon, the ex-Jedi who brought you here for training?” “That is correct Grand Master,” Sulis replied quietly. The Grand Master nodded to the other Jedi, “Yes, Aule was always very strong in the Force, much more so than Dalen. It would make sense that a daughter of his was a proficient.” Satele Shan turned back to the young woman, “How old are you now girl?” “I’m seventeen, almost eighteen, Grand Master.” “Hmm,” the other Jedi spoke for the first time, his voice rough, “do you recollect that almost eighteen years ago we sent Aule Tanamon to Daxia-Two for a duel.” “I remember,” replied the Grand Master. “Do you remember the name of the Sith he was to kill?” the Jedi spoke again. “I remember,” the Grand Master said. “What is your mother’s name?” questioned the Jedi, turning to Sulis abruptly. Sulis glanced back at the Grand Master who nodded. “Her name is Veeta, Master Jedi,” Sulis replied. “Nothing else? No other name?” Sulis shrugged, “I have only ever known her as Veeta...but, occasionally I have overheard father and mother speaking quietly to each other, and sometimes when he thinks no one is listening he calls her Iovita.” The Jedi nodded to Satele Shan, and for a long moment they stared consideringly at Sulis. Sulis stared back in some consternation at the two older Jedi. What was going on? Finally after the pause had grown too long she asked, “Please Grand Master, what was the message from Mairi? Has something happened back home?” The Grand Master cleared her throat, “Initiate Sulis, it seems that a week ago your parents left Alderaan with two of your sisters. Apparently their intent was to bring your sisters here for training...” “Yes, that would make sense, the twins, but a week ago...” her voice trailed off. The Grand Master looked sadly at the young woman sitting in front of her, “I regret to say that your family did not arrive. Mairi Aurelian contacted the Jedi Council to ask what had happened because Aule promised to call her as soon as he arrived on Tython.” Sulis felt blood drain from her face and she struggled hard to retain her composure, to reclaim the peace and tranquillity of the Jedi Code. “Grand Master, please tell me what happened to my family?” The male Jedi spoke and his gruff voice now held a hint of softness, of sympathy, “A week ago a Republic SIS scout ship picked up a distress call from deep space, five hours out from Alderaan. The call was brief in duration, but he was able to ascertain the bearings before the call was unaccountably terminated. He arrived at the location an hour or two after he recorded the call. He said he found nothing except floating debris which he marked on his charts as a navigation hazard. An analysis of the debris indicated that it was from a Republic vessel. He then checked Republic logs of all incoming and outgoing ships. Nothing came up as missing on that day. He then checked all logs of all outgoing ships from Alderaan. Only one left that day, pilot and destination unknown.” Sulis said not a word, but tears began to flow. The Grand Master rose to her feet and walked to where Sulis sat, silently grieving. Gently she placed a hand on Sulis’ shoulder. “Say with me the Jedi Code, Initiate Sulis...” With tears streaming down her face Sulis intoned the familiar words, “There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.” With her fingers, the Grand Master gently wiped away Sulis’ tears, “Remember Initiate Sulis that your mother, your father, and your two sisters are not dead, they are now at one with the Force.” Suddenly Sulis sprang to her feet, “Little Ael, my baby sister. She lives still. She is on Alderaan. Whatever will happen to her?” The other Jedi spoke quickly, “Is she force-sensitive?” Sulis shook her head, “No...” “Then she should remain with Mairi Aurelian,” the Grand Master replied. “However, with the Empire making moves on Alderaan it is best that you remain here until it is safe to return to see your sister. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure that your sister is watched and comes to no harm.” Sulis nodded, serenity again enveloped her. “Go now, you are excused from your duties for twenty-four hours. Take the time to meditate and make your peace with the Universe.” Sulis nodded and turned and left the room. The Grand Master and the other Jedi watched until she had gone, then Satele Shan returned to her seat and sat down with a sigh. “Heavy news indeed Master Orgus Din, Aule Tanamon was a good man and a fine Jedi Knight,” she said, and then she paused and studied the older man’s face. “What are your thoughts about the girl?” “She will bear close watching,” the Jedi Master replied carefully, “In case her mother’s worse instincts manifest.” “She is among the top of her class,” said Satele Shan, “a natural Jedi.” “I am not surprised with two force-sensitive parents. Although, I do not recollect a time that the Jedi Temple was gifted with a child of a Jedi and Sith.” “It has been a long time since you have taken a Padawan, Master Orgus Din,” said Satele Shan suddenly, and a smile was in her voice. “That is true, it has been a long time,” he agreed. “Perhaps you should consider the girl,” mused Satele Shan, “especially given the Voss prophecy about her father and mother.” Master Orgus Din nodded, “Yes, I will consider her, in a year or two when she has completed her training. In the meantime I will watch her, study her progress and see if she strives for the Light or the Dark.” “Yes, we will watch her,” Satele Shan agreed, “for I see in that one great promise and potential.” ---------------- To be continued...

So why should there be a WIN/LOSE when there can be a WIN/WIN? A middle path. That is all I'm suggesting which would result in players returning and not losing existing subscriptions. We already know that the Republic and Empire are returning, we just want the Alliance to continue as well. It's a compromise - something that surely everyone can get behind and support. Anyway, I hope BioWare are following this debate. It's the not knowing that is rather irksome so I wish they'd say something to give us Alliance-people hope.

Pragmatically, ANY lost subscriptions will be bad for the game, for other players, and for BioWare's financial bottom line. If they dump the Alliance then a number of subscribers will likely quit. I think the best way forward is for those who actively promoted a return of a Empire vs Republic story line to agitate also for the Alliance to be a third player Faction. Win/Win. I'm cool with Empire and Republic returning, but I also know that many people like myself have invested time and emotion into the Alliance, so it would grossly unfair for BioWare to just throw away that level of player involvement and dedication. I have already proposed a workable solution. It just needs more people from both sides of the divide to make it happen and not undermine it, and everyone will be happy.

I have to disagree with you. The writers of Star Wars/SWTOR are (as far as we are aware) firmly earth-based humans and it is clear that they have taken their inspiration from earth history (which is replete in war). Besides, if you want an earth analogy for the Force, then look at certain religions and/or political ideologies which have spanned lengthy periods of time and have prompted territorial conquest and ongoing ideological wars. However, the longest ideological war has been 1400 years here on Earth, and even that war has ebbed and flowed at times with the aggressor fading back for awhile.

I agree, and it better reflects real-world history here on Earth too. I'm a university-trained ancient historian and the idea of just two factions slugging it out against one another for 3000+ years is (from a historical viewpoint) absurd. Look at real world ancient history to give you examples. Rome vs the Italic tribes. Rome vs the Greek States. Rome vs Parthia. Rome vs Carthage (multiple wars there). Rome vs the Gauls. Rome vs Egypt. Rome vs the Celts. Rome vs the Jewish Revolts (all three of them). Rome vs the Germans. Rome vs the Boudicca Revolt. Egypt vs whoever else they wanted to invade/raid/get resources/slaves. Egypt vs the Sea People. The Sea People vs everyone else. Egypt vs various City States in the Fertile Crescent. Various City States in the Fertile Crescent vs other City States in the Fertile Crescent. In the Mediterranean region alone there has for the last few thousand years been ongoing warfare/invasions/conquests as each 'faction' tried for dominance and then declined, only to rise again later under another leader. The region of is a classic example. So no, I don't accept the premise of Empire vs Republic ad infinitum, because in the real world it simply doesn't work that way. As I have stated in the past - BioWare, all we want are choices and not to be shoe-horned back into either Empire or Republic. It makes sense to have a third player-faction. Please let it be so.

We really don't know if the Devs pay attention to the Suggestion Box forum so my advice is for you to reprise what you wrote in an ingame ticket that someone somewhere in BW will ultimately read and pass on to the powers that be. Let them know that people do enjoy playing Alliance and want to have the option of playing Alliance into future expansions.

Brilliant post, agree with every word. Totally agree here. Besides, why can't the Alliance build another flagship, surely there should be sufficient shipbuilding infrastructure on Zakuul left to construct one? The idea of just two factions slugging it out against one another for 3000+ years is (from a historical viewpoint) absurd. Look at real world ancient history to give you examples. Rome vs the Italic states. Rome vs the Greek States. Rome vs Parthia. Rome vs Carthage. Rome vs the Gauls. Rome vs the Celts. Rome vs the Germans. Egypt vs whoever else they wanted to invade/raid/get resources/slaves. Egypt vs the Sea People. Egypt vs various City States in the Fertile Crescent. Various City States in the Fertile Crescent vs other City States in the Fertile Crescent. In the Mediterranean region alone there has for the last few thousand years been ongoing warfare/invasions/conquests as each 'faction' tried for dominance and then declined, only to rise again later under another leader. The region of is a classic example. So no, I don't accept the premise of Empire vs Republic ad infinitum, because in the real world it simply doesn't work that way.

Part 9 – Endings and Beginnings -------------------- “Mama, what’s happening?” asked Shee as she hurriedly stuffed clothing into a bag. “Are we going on a trip?” Veeta looked up and gave her a worried smile, “Yes darling, we’re sending you both to Tython, but we need to leave now. Your father wants us to board his ship as soon as possible. Make sure Sul has her clothes packed too.” “I’m already packed,” replied Sul as she appeared at the homestead door. “Papa sent me to help you.” “Oh my clever girl,” said Veeta, gathering Sul to her breast for a quick hug. “If you can help your sister with her packing we’ll be able to get away in no time.” Veeta watched the twins quietly work together, and then steadying herself, walked quickly into the other room where Mairi was waiting by the banked fire. Veeta’s gaze immediately dropped to her youngest daughter Ael who was sitting on the floor playing quietly with her toys. “It’s all arranged then?” she asked the other woman. Mairi nodded, “yes, I’ll look after Ael while you and Aule get the girls to Tython. The Empire is beginning to make moves on Alderaan and for the moment it’s no longer safe for you force sensitives to remain here." “I wish Dalen was here to look after you both,” worried Veeta. Mairi gazed out of the window at the garden in full spring bloom and at the white gravestone nestled amongst the bright flowers, “I wish that too,” she replied, “sadly he went before his time, but we’ll look after each other won’t we Ael?” The young girl looked up and tears filled her eyes, “yes Aun...Mama.” “She remembers,” said Veeta proudly, bending to lift her youngest daughter and hug her tight. “I promise you Ael,” she said quietly, gazing into her deep blue eyes, “your papa and I will be back soon to collect you, but right now we need to take your sisters to a safe place where the enemy can’t reach them.” “I wish I could come with you,” the girl sobbed, “I shall be so lonely.” “I know my darling Ael, but Aunt Mairi will look after you and perhaps you can help her with the spring planting.” Ael nodded and turned back to her toys. “Don’t worry,” Mairi said, hugging the other woman, “she’ll be safe. There is nothing here that will interest the Empire.” “I know, otherwise we’d be taking her with us too,” Veeta kissed Mairi on her weathered cheek. “Aule will be fretting to get away. I must see if the twins are ready.” “Go,” Mairi said, “we’ll come out to see you off. Return when it’s safe to do so.” “Believe me, we will,” replied Veeta fervently, “it may take a few weeks or perhaps a few months, but we will return! The Empire will eventually move on and turn their attention elsewhere and then Aule and I will come back and help you with the farm.” Veeta walked outside and watched as Aule help the twins load their gear onto the star ship. It seemed like only yesterday that they had arrived on Alderaan, but in fact seventeen years had passed, and it was five years since they had sent their eldest daughter to Tython for training. Sulis had visited the family six months before and Veeta had marvelled at how quickly she had grown into a beautiful young woman. She had watched Sulis sparring with Aule, showing off her Jedi training to her parents. Sulis possessed an intensity of focus now, a steely determination that brooked no opposition. Veeta guessed that Sulis’ career would take her well beyond Jedi Knight – maybe one day she would even earn the title Master. As for the twins, their training in the force had only recently begun and of the two Sul showed the most promise. During Sulis’ visit Sul had hung off her older sister, listening to everything she said and watching everything she did. Perhaps Sul would one day walk in her father’s footsteps and be a Knight too. Shee, on the other hand, found it difficult to access the Force. For awhile Veeta had doubted her earlier appraisal that she was force sensitive, but occasionally the Force did manifest, but it appeared in a way that Aule or Veeta did not understand. Veeta hoped that the trainers on Tython would steer Shee into her right and proper path. Going back into the homestead Veeta collected the remainder of the bags and walked out to the small star ship. Aule turned to her and smiled tightly, “Ready?” She nodded and passed him their bags. He looked up and saw Mairi walking towards the ship, little Ael’s hand in hers. “Time to say our goodbyes,” he said, his voice rough with unshed tears, if we leave it too late then the Empire might track our flight back to the farm.” “That would be a disaster,” Veeta agreed. “Come on, let’s do this. The sooner we’re gone the sooner we can return.” Aule walked over to Mairi and gave her a tight and wordless hug, then bending down, he kissed his youngest daughter on her forehead, “be good” he instructed her, “and help your Aunt. We’ll be back before you know it.” “Yes papa.” Aule took from his neck a medallion pendant that he habitually wore and gently hung it around Ael’s own small neck. “If you get sad, just hold my medallion in your hands and the memories will come. When we return you can give me back my pendant. Deal?” Ael nodded her bright head and clasped the pendant in both her hands, “like this papa?” Aule nodded proudly, “like that my daughter.” Then the twins walked over and with tears streaming down their cheeks they briefly embraced their little sister and then Mairi, and then ran back into to the star ship. Finally Veeta gathered Ael in her arms and held her close, humming quietly into her hair as she had done when Ael was a tiny baby. “Veeta,” Aule said quietly, “we need to go.” “I know...are you sure we can’t take her with us?” “No, she will be well protected here.” Veeta straightened and placed her daughter’s hand in Mairi’s, “look for us as soon as it is safe to return.” Then waving goodbye, she and Aule entered the star ship and within moments the small ship had lifted off and climbed rapidly into the cloudless blue sky. Mairi turned to the little girl, lifted her up and kissed away the falling tears, “come my child, how about we organise supper for ourselves?” ----- Alderaan’s sun was barely a speck among a host of other stars when Veeta returned to Aule. “They’re sleeping now?” he asked his wife. “Yes,” Veeta replied, “I gave them both a mild sedative as they were still very upset about leaving. They’ll sleep for a few hours and will feel better when they awake.” He looked about him and smiled briefly, “you and I here...this certainly brings back memories...” Veeta glanced up at the ceiling hatch and smiled softly as she remembered hiding there. “I was so young back then,” she mused, settling herself into the co-pilot’s chair. “I truly believed that my life was ending when in fact it was actually beginning. Now it’s time for the twins to start on their own life path and be trained in the Force.” “I did not message ahead to Tython,” Aule said quietly, “with the Imperial forces so close I did not dare advertise our presence. When we are closer to Tython I’ll send a message to the Jedi Council.” Veeta nodded and closed her eyes, “I feel tired too, I might sleep for awhile too, it was...difficult leaving Ael behind.” Aule leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips, “It was the right thing to do. Go on, you sleep, I’ll rouse you when the twins are awake.” ---- Veeta woke suddenly as the ship shook under her, she looked around, disorientated. “What’s happening?!” “We’re under attack,” Aule said tightly, “they just came out of nowhere. The ships must have been cloaked or something because nothing showed up on the scanner and I sensed nothing. One moment nothing, the next moment they were here.” Veeta’s heart sank, “Imperials?” “I don’t know. I don’t recognise the design of the ships. They could be Mandalorians, could be raiders, they could be Imperials.” “How far are we from Tython?” “Three hours,” was Aule’s terse reply, “we’re too far away to call for help.” “Can we get away?” He shook his head, “we’ve no hope, there are at least five ships bearing down on us”. The star ship rocked again and Veeta could smell the acrid scent of smoke and suddenly lights started flickering on the main control panel. “We’re hit,” Aule said bleakly. “That last burst shorted out the electrics to navigation and life support, and there is a fire somewhere on the ship.” Veeta stared aghast at her husband. “We’ll get the girls,” Aule told her, “and put them into the life pod. Then I’ll set the main engine to overload.” Veeta nodded grimly, immediately understanding his intent. Hurrying back to the sleeping quarters they lifted the sleeping children and carried them into the tiny life pod. There was room only for two in the compartment, and Veeta and Aule buckled the children securely into the sturdy chairs. Working quickly, Aule set the life pod beacon to the republic frequency and activated it. Gently they bent down and kissed their children goodbye. “May the Force protect them – their lives are now out of our hands,” said Aule softly as he led a sobbing Veeta out of the pod and turned the heavy handle on the door to securely lock it. Veeta, coughing from the dense smoke and with tears streaming down her face walked back with Aule through the darkened ship to the engine room. “Ready?” he asked her quietly. “No...but there’s no other choice is there?” she sobbed. He shook his head sadly, “we had a good life together you and I. Just remember what the Voss mystic told us. The girls will live and love and have full lives. We just have to hold onto that knowledge in the minutes that remain to us and pray that the Force will keep them safe.” Turning, he set the engine to overload, and then pulled another lever. “The timer is set, the engine will overload in three minutes and the life-pod will release in one minute. Come, my love,” Aule said with a loving smile while leading Iovita back to the sleeping quarters. “For three minutes let us imagine we are on Daxia-Two and it is again our first night together...” ---- “The Republic star ship is on fire, my Lord,” said the Mandalorian captain, “shall I send another burst to finish it off?” The Sith Lord standing by his side shook his head, “no, the fire will do the job. Look, over there, a life pod has released from the ship.” The two men watched as the tiny engine on the life pod flared briefly into life, sending the pod spinning out and away from the dying star ship. Minutes later the star ship exploded in a flash of brilliant white-hot light. “Did you want me to pick up the survivors, Sir,” asked the Mandalorian captain. The Sith Lord nodded, “yes, I would like to question the occupants. Pick the pod up directly and bring any survivors to me.” Darth Marr stared at the dark wreckage of the republic ship and the distant life pod, there was a mystery here and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. ---------------------- To be continued...

I have a post up on the Suggestion Box forum dealing with the future Faction problem. Feel free to add to it with suggestions/improvements etc. Supposedly Devs visit the Suggestion Box forum so there is a good place as any to indicate that we would like the Alliance to continue to be a playable third faction

I agree, he makes my habitually uptight and too-serious Jedi Knight laugh - and Doc's massages help work out the kinks in her muscles after particularly difficult fights and missions. Doesn't mean that she'll marry him though. Friends with benefits is the best way to describe their relationship.

The general impression gained from the Autumn roadmap is that players are going to be shoehorned back into the Republic or the Empire (even though many of us are perfectly happy playing Alliance). A win/win scenario is to give players a choice about their faction. This is my solution to fix what will be a potential mess with many players unhappy about being forced away from the Alliance, and thus the potential loss of subscribers (which frankly the game can ill afford.) Three Player Factions Imperial Republic Alliance The Alliance faction is smaller and depending on the decision made by the player-character Alliance Commander the Alliance either allies with the Empire or the Republic - or possibly is truly independent, taking on missions from both factions that provide the most benefit to the Alliance, or align closer to the Alliance Commanders light/dark choices. The two main factions operate as normal. The Alliance faction operates from Odessen (not Fleet) with shuttles that players can use to transport them to either Imperial or Republic fleets for missions - or as another idea, there is a diplomatic section on Odessen where both Republic and the Empire have their ambassadors who give out missions/quests. Odessen is enlarged to include trainers, more merchants, a bigger spaceport etc., effectively a larger base than what currently exists, but not quite as large as the Empire/Republic Fleet. Odessen also has unique player housing accessible only from Odessen. New players starting in the game begin by choosing either Empire or Republic, then after Nathema (and working their way through all the previous content), decide what their path should be - Alliance, Empire or Republic, after that, they are locked in.