I was a big Star Wars fan in high school. Correction, I was obsessed. Like, made my dad rent the movies every weekend, read all the books and comic books multiple times, and wrote horrible fanfic level obsessed. Which made my parents happy because my Dad liked Star Wars too, and my Mom was just glad I was finally interested in something other than dragons.
So, needless to say, I’m a little excited about the new movie.
Since it’s coming out this week, I decided to share a scene from a fanfic I started writing twelve years ago and never got around to finishing (and probably never will). This snippet features a conversation between two X-wing pilots: Derek ‘Hobbie’ Klivian and Anagha Amarande. At one time, both were members of Rogue Squadron. They were also lovers, but Anagha left him and their fellow Rogues when she was offered a Squadron to lead of her own. In this scene, Anagha has crash landed in the middle of a snowstorm. Concerned for her safety, Hobbie landed nearby, but it’s going to be awhile before a larger ship can come to their rescue.
The wind howled around their shelter, the walls bowing inward from the assault. Hobbie glanced up from the first aid kit in his lap, “I haven’t seen a storm this bad since Hoth.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you had this tent then, because we are fresh out of taun tauns.” She grimaced as he applied a bacta patch to a burnon her hand. The wound stung at first, but then it quickly faded to a bubbling sensation as it started to bend her skin.
“Be glad about that – they smell even worse on the inside. Or so I’ve heard.”
“Rancors are worse.”
He reached out and ran his thumb over a cut on her eyebrow. “That could use a patch too, but we’re all out.”
She doubted it or any of her wounds were that bad. And even if they were, as long as a Firrerreo’s head or heart weren’t beyond saving, minor injuries only took minutes to resolve themselves. Having dated for awhile, Hobbie was familiar with this unique faucet of her biology. However, it was clear that patching her up was keeping him busy, and postponing the inevitable awkward conversation, so she had let him go to town with the patches. “There’s still my kit.”
“I’ve used them both.”
“Really?”
“Really.” Anagha watched as he tucked the first aid kit away. “You should be dead after a landing like that.”
“I guess I learned from the best.” Hobbie had been in more crashes than any other pilot she knew.
Her attempt to lighten the mood didn’t have the results she expected. Instead of laughing, he stared at her, his expression even more sour than usual – a feat she hadn’t thought was possible.
“Sorry.”
“You’ve been a bit erratic lately. The old you wouldn’t have taken such a huge risk.”
“It’s been ten years since we’ve last talked. A lot has changed.”
“Obviously.” He finally looked away, choosing to stare at the small heater that had been included in the emergency kit. He ran his hands through his hair, and then rested his forearms on his knees, his hands hanging in between them limply. “What happened, Anagha?”
“When? Up there? Or when I left?” Her question earned her another look and she licked her lips nervously. “Well…”
I don’t mean to leave you all hanging, but that’s honestly where it ends. I never finished this fanfic as I started writing other stories shortly afterwards (like Renegade Weyr). I may go back and finish it someday, but The Descendants is my priority right now, so it’ll be awhile before that happens.
To read more WIPpet Wednesday posts, go here.
The Many Worlds of Christina L Olson 
I smiled all through reading this, even though I am absolutely a Trek girl (if there aren’t any Vulcans….well, it’s just not the same!). But I did the same thingscwith Trek,cexcept that may family was considerably less than supportive of my passion.
I’m 46 now, and I still indulge my fanfic heart…because Trip. And T’Pol!
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I keep telling myself I need to focus on my original stories, but my fanfics keep sneaking up and demanding attention. I think I just need to give up and accept it and write whatever comes to mind when it comes to mind (if the Boyo gives me the chance that is)
I used to be so ashamed of this fic because it was so out there, and a couple of characters are Mary Sues. But after rereading it it’s not that bad – just needs some editing.
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I have notebooks full of fan fic stories that I wrote and shoved in a cupboard, because I was ashamed of them.
It feels so much better to just let T’Pol give me her stories, and share them…I’ve gotten to the point now where I treat my fan fiction the same way I do my more ‘serious’ writing. It’s my sandbox and learning lab and playground. It delights me, and I’ve learned so much from it.
More, people like it. =)
As for your Mary Sues, I agree – edit them some flaws, and share away!
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And as for the Boyo – they do get older. Mine’s 14 now, and I have to look up to talk to him! Strangely, I have all manner of free time these days…usually in bits and pieces, but still far more than I had when they were small.
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LOL! I can honestly relate. I got started by writing fan fiction, though I am absolutely NOT brave enough to post any links to it. Every now and again, I feel the need to indulge in it, but I haven’t had a lot of time now that I’m working on stuff I can actually publish.
I didn’t think the characters seemed much like Mary Sues in your fiction. But I often think we’re our own worst critics.
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One of my all-time favorite scenes. “I thought they smelt bad… on the outside!” LOL I saw the very first Star Wars 8 times in the theatre. Most of them with my dad. I remember the first time, surround sound, the theatre shaking, that big ship flying over…. awesome!
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I remember seeing the rereleases with my Dad and Stepmom in this old theater that was so awesome, but is now gone, and coming out all excited for the next one even though we had it at home 🙂
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Ha! Didn’t mean to leave us hanging. Riiiiiight. I’m sure you’ve got the rest of the story somewhere inside you. Come on , now. Bring it on out. *waits impatiently*
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Maybe after Christmas I’ll try to sit down and continue it 🙂
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Interesting confrontation (direct and indirect) between these two. Sorry you haven’t continued this story, for that “Well . . . ” made me want to ‘turn the page’! Maybe someday?
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This is great! I really enjoy fanfic where it’s set in the world of the movie/book/show but has all original characters (and they don’t just feel like Mary Sues). I liked the banter between these two. I’m torn between “too bad it’s not finished” and “but…but…other projects!” because I get it completely. 🙂
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It’s rough isn’t it?
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