Project Boussh: Musing On Events
by Nick Coghlan

Nick smirked quietly to himself, as he watched Josh's approaching figure
and Brad's departing one. It appeared Brad still wasn't one to let
military reality interfere with his personal fantasy world. And Josh
hadn't even mentioned the mysterious excursions and clandestine meetings
that had prompted Piggy's action in Brisbane. Still, maybe _something_
had sunk into that dense mass of bone Brad had for a skull.

Shrugging, Nick turned to walk in companionable silence with Josh. Nick
had found himself vaguely bemused by many of the events at the cabin.
Brad trying to act as though he'd never had a B-Wing at all.
Jedi-wannabes crawling out of the woodwork like there was a firesale
going on. A shadowy ship recorded on Piggy's console as every Force-user
in the place freaked out.

At least Cubber had a theory on that last one - he thought the Imps were
using a
cloak similar to the one he had set up on the Red Home. It allowed
sufficient sensor data through to keep the pilot from plowing into any
inconsiderately placed obstacles, but still maintained the full cloak
most of the time. As far as Nick could tell, the only reason it was at
all effective was because the Terran sensor nets were so archaic -
judging by the way Cubber referred to them, anyway.

Nick's musings brought him back to Brad's parting comment, and he
grinned to himself. Brad should learn to pay attention a little more,
instead of staying wrapped up in his own little microcosm. The long trip
across the Pacific had given Nick a chance to sit down with Piggy and
Yarg and explain the new organisation of the Ewok farm. Piggy still
wasn't completely happy, but with both Yarg and Nick supporting the
arrangement, there wasn't a great deal the Gamorrean could do. Most of
the Ewoks at the cabin had picked up on Yarg's attitude and treated Nick
with cordiality and respect, making any accusations nonsensical.
Although, even he'd been surprised when Yarg came up with the whole
"Brethren of Nick" idea. When Kolot had mentioned that, Nick had been
almost shocked that Yarg had actually gone through with it. Nick shook
his head. Yarg had taken to politics like a duck to water, and the
results were rather impressive. Although it had been amusing to have
Vickie explain to him that he'd been adopted into the Ewok tribe. After
all, he only spoke the critter's language and had been looking after
them for a good few years[1]. Of course he'd need it explained to him
that Yarg had adopted him into the tribe. Nick shrugged. He supposed it
was better for Vickie to be condescending than for her to recognise the
bold step Yarg had taken in the surreptitious public relations campaign
he was waging on Nick's behalf.

Thoughts of Vickie inevitably intertwined themselves with consideration
of her strange relationship with Brad, and the events which had lead to
Brad's current precarious position. The only Wraith ever to be as
egocentric as Brad was Castin Donn - and look what that cost him. Nick's
eyes hardened again. And what it cost Dia and the rest.

Nick hissed quietly through his teeth. "No, Brad Corletti, you may have
been granted your parole, but you aren't out of the woods yet. Not by a
long shot."