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Topic:
When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj) Thanks to readers!
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Jennifer_Lyn
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 7:43am
Subject:
When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj) Thanks to readers!
- Date Edited:
10/6/06 10:11am (27 edits total)
Edited By:
Jennifer_Lyn
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Title: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted
Author(s): Jennifer_Lyn
Timeframe: Interology
Characters: Obi-Wan, Asajj Ventress and evil OCs
Genre: Drama
Summary: Asajj Ventress appears on Tatooine looking for Obi-Wan's help.
Notes: The galaxy's largest thank you to my awesome Evil Master oqidaun for getting this thing going! Be sure to let me know if you want pm reminders!
Disclaimer: Hi Uncle George! This is not the author you're looking for, move along!
Eek! Story of the month for October 2006!
Cover art! Click for full view:
When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted
Obi-Wan Kenobi left the small cantina and although he was unsure of his destination, began walking briskly through waning light of the two setting suns. All his senses were sharply attuned to his surroundings as he made his way down the street. After walking a few blocks he ducked into an alley between two of the town’s retail establishments. The detritus of hurried shoppers that lined the passage’s edges gave proof that the short cut was well known and well traveled. With darkness falling, the customers had made their way to the safety of their homes leaving the passage empty but for the Jedi Master. Obi-Wan had walked a good way toward the street at the opposite end when he stopped suddenly, as if coming to some decision and, setting his shoulders, turned around and spoke into the dim light.
“You have been following me for quite some time now. Why don’t you show yourself so we can both get on with our business?”
After a few moments a grey-cloaked figure appeared from around the corner, barely distinguishable in the fading light. At last Obi-Wan had a visual confirmation of the being that had been relentlessly tracking his movements for the last two weeks. The Force was strong with this being and its shields were locked down tight, preventing him from fathoming its intentions and identity.
Obi-Wan had come to Mos Espa in an effort to ensure the safety of his mission on Tatooine. The Lars family was important to the future of the galaxy and it was his duty to watch over them. He had been relieved when, like the jaja bird from its nest, he had been able to draw the predator’s attentions away from those he was charged to protect. He was not concerned with any dangers to himself, he had been in similar situations his entire life, but Luke was still very young and had much living to do before he faced such trials. Obi-Wan’s attention returned to the slowly approaching figure and he tried again to probe for answers. He could sense that the being within the dark hood was weary. Cracks were beginning to show in its mental armor.
“Your shields have been slipping a bit the last two days.” He informed the figure. “So, you are a Grey One. I had thought you an agent of the Dark side, but I see there is much Light in you as well.”
There was no response from the figure. It simply walked toward him. Obi-Wan placed a hand on his lightsaber and stood at the ready although he was otherwise still and confident in the calm of the Force. In the whole time it had been on planet, the being had yet to confront him itself. Here lay the largest question in Obi-Wan’s mind. If it was after him, as he suspected, then why didn’t it attack?
“Come forward then, what is your purpose here?”
The figure continued toward him at a slow, but steady, pace. He sensed that it was not concern for its own physical well being that made its steps so leaden, but the possibility that Obi-Wan would reject its presence. He noted that it was tainted, too, with a sense of lost hope and lingering anger.
“Come, come now. I’m a busy man. Can’t be standing here all night waiting for you to get your courage up.” He taunted the figure a bit, anxious to solve this plaguing mystery.
The being was directly in front of him now and slowly pulled back its hood. Shoulder-length, black tresses framed a pale face and tattoos shown at the edges of the hairline. Obi-Wan was struck by the loveliness of her features before recognition set in causing a scowl to form on his face.
“Ventress.” He said, his voice neutral despite his inner turmoil.
“Please, Kenobi.” Her voice was a hiss in the night. “I do not come to bring you harm.”
“Then why, by the suns, are you here?” the volume of his voice rose slightly in the fading light.
“I come to speak with you and seek your forgiveness and your blessing.” She bowed her head deferentially toward him.
“My forgiveness? My forgiveness?” his voice was sharp as cut glass. “Why, after all this time, would you want or need that?”
“Please, Kenobi,” her voice was pleading and she looked around the alley nervously. “May we speak somewhere else? Somewhere other ears won’t hear?”
It was the note of desperation in her voice and a sincerity in her he did not remember hearing before that finally caused him to lead her quickly and quietly to his small room above the cantina. When he spoke his words were polite but his voice continued to carry a biting tone.
“Alright, Ventress. You have my full attention and there are no prying ears so please tell me, why would you want my forgiveness now?”
A look of pain passed over her features and she hesitated slightly. He felt the Force move around her and felt her struggle between frustration and calm. The turmoil stilled somewhat as she called on the Living Force. Then she began to speak softly, not trusting her own voice.
“You may not believe me when I tell you, but I’ve come to realize what a fool I was. A true and utter fool. After I healed from our last encounter, I left everything behind. The Dark side, the Light side, even the Force itself for a time. When the Republic fell and the Empire rose, I saw the error of my ways. I should have stayed. I should have helped the Jedi instead of working against them. I began to think about how my first Master would have reacted to the atrocities being committed by the Empire and I know he would not have let them pass without retribution.”
Obi-Wan’s patience with the situation hung by a thread, but her reference to her original Jedi Master had him intrigued. He softened his tone slightly, but still remained neutral. He needed more information before he decided how to deal with this new development.
"While I am glad to hear of your change of heart, it does not reveal what this has to do with me.”
“You remind me of him, of Ky Narec. He had a similar force of will and I haven’t seen anything like it before or since.” She continued. “When the Emperor took control, I knew what I had to do, how I can begin to pay for my errors.”
She looked down at her hands now, unable to meet his formidable glare. “First though, I had to find you and seek your forgiveness and blessing on behalf of the Jedi Order. I knew if anyone had survived, it would be you and no other. I’ve spent the last three years searching for you, Kenobi. It was not easy, but I am even more determined in my mission now then when I started.”
Reaching for strength she did not feel confident she could wield, she met his gaze now. “I… I feel the Force working through me. I don’t think I could have found you if I didn’t.”
“I see.” He nodded his understanding, but remained non-committal in his responses. “You spoke, too, of a blessing. What plan are you forming that would need a Jedi’s blessing?”
“I wish to eliminate as many agents of the Dark side as I may before I am taken down. The Force has allowed me to foresee my own death and don’t wish to let it come upon me without balancing the scales. I wish to act in the name of the Jedi.”
Her voice had not wavered with this statement, though she spoke of her own doom. She had accepted the consequences of this vision and gave every indication she intended to meet it with a brave face. Obi-Wan sat for a long moment before answering her.
‘Qui-Gon’ he thought. ‘It seems I am bound to learn of the Living Force the hard way, aren’t I?’
His instincts were telling him to get rid of her here and now before any further danger befell Luke’s safety. But Obi-Wan Kenobi did not act on instinct alone. A lifetime of training allowed him to easily reach into the Force for guidance and he was surprised to find that the proddings of the Living Force were quite insistent that he trust her immediately. He took a deep breath to center himself and solidify this difficult decision in his mind.
“If you are to earn my forgiveness and this blessing you speak of, then you must complete your Jedi training. I must see that you are truthful in your efforts. I do not doubt your skills with the saber, but you need to ally yourself more fully with the Light side. You cannot defeat enemies of the Light with anger or fear. It is not the Jedi way.” He sighed audibly and she wondered what his next words had cost him to speak. “We cannot accomplish all of that in this little hive of scum and villainy. We shall go to my home and begin our work there. I urge you to think deeply on this tonight. It is not a course of action to be undertaken lightly and I will not be easy on you.”
She did not speak, but smiled a little and nodded her head in humble acceptance. He noted that her response was calm from within. There was a slight lessening of her inner turmoil. Yet the weight of a thousand worlds still sat heavily upon her presence. Obi-Wan knew there was a long journey ahead of them if they were to make her into the warrior she wished to become.
~.~
Across the galaxy from the dusty world of Tatooine, a small, unnamed planet circled a bright, blue star. Having no native sentient species of its own, it was long ago established as a spaceport called Teran Flac. Many places such as this thrived below the radar of the New Galactic Empire. The regime had gained much control over the galaxy in the preceding three years, but had yet to tighten its iron grip around outlying spaceports such as this. Here spicers and smugglers, gamblers and thieves still all found a haven and a place to practice their trades. Unwary refugees were known to lose the last vestiges of their former lives to ruthless gambling lords. Unfortunates and runaways often made their first underworld contacts here, dooming themselves to short lives lived in fear and powerlessness. It was a proving ground for those who were cunning enough to survive the experience and for the few that did so the rewards were legendary. For the others it became a purgatory, though they usually wouldn’t live long enough for their suffering to matter much to anyone.
The inns and cantinas that thrived here were overrun with species from all over the galaxy, creating a cacophony of sound that encroached on even the most isolated corners of the large port. The combined stench of a thousand worlds oozed and crept its way through the throngs crushed into the small market areas as the combined body heat of thousands of beings mingled with the odors of the meager wares of the food stalls. Dirt encrusted every surface, stuck to a greasy film that seemed to get everywhere, no matter how often the vendors tried to clean it off.
It was here, among the darkest society had to offer, that three hooded figures slipped quietly through the crowded streets. The way parted for them, creatures stepping into each other to avoid contact with the dark beings. They were here as part of their trial, their test. None of them had thought it would take more than a few months, but they had learned patience in the ensuing two years of their mission. Their quarry moved frequently, almost constantly. They were still able to follow the trail with preternatural persistence, though they always remained a few frustrating steps behind.
The three, black robed and solidly built, approached a small freighter one of the spaceport’s hangar bays. The pilot of the craft was hard at work on a panel of wiring on the underside of the ship when a shadow fell across his feet. He looked up, pulling his goggles onto his head. He hesitated slightly before speaking; he had a bad feeling about these shadowy figures.
“Hey fellas. Uh. What can I do for ya?” he ventured. He watched as the few beings that had been loitering about the entrance stood up and walked out, leaving the hangar empty, but for these new visitors.
“You carry passengers?” the voice was like an oil slick, its tone unreadable.
“Yeah, sure. All the time. You guys need a lift somewhere?” He reflected that this would most probably not be his favorite job, but credits were credits and a man needs to eat.
“We will not needing, a lift, as you say. We need to know about one of your previous passengers.” The second figure spoke with a similarly eerie voice and ran his hand down the side of the ship.
The pilot watched the motion out of the corner of his eye. “I don’t know much about any of them. I’m not dumb enough to ask questions. I just drop ‘em and go, if I can help it.” His answer was honest, but he knew it wasn’t what they were looking for. “I do that kind of job so often, I don’t remember one from the other.”
“But you will give us the information we seek.” The third voice was uncompromising and the pilot took a step backward.
“Sorry, guys. Wish I could help, but unless it was yesterday I don’t really remember much.” His heart rate increased as the three figures began to crowd his personal space.
“I was not asking you. I was telling you. You will give us the information.” The third voice spoke as his two companions stepped to either side of the pilot, grabbing his arms firmly.
“I told you, I don’t know anything. Got a memory problem from a hit in the head during the wars. Get it? I don’t remember nuthin’ from anything past yesterday about people and places and such.” His voice rose and tightened in fear and he looked about the otherwise empty hangar for someone who might help.
He tried to pull away from his captors, but their grips were like iron bands around his upper arms. When he started to struggle more violently the third figure moved forward and grasped his body quickly in multiple places using small, gentle tweaks. With a growing sense of horror, the pilot realized he could no longer move. His entire nervous system had been hijacked and he was moved to his knees before the terrifying figure.
“Now, that’s better.” The voice came from beneath the hood. “You will reveal what you know, and trust me, you have the knowledge we require. It just may take a little more work than we had expected.”
Hands were placed on the pilot’s head just before a searing pain ripped through his mind like a harrow through hard soil. Memories flooded through his brain, overwhelming his senses before he finally blacked out.
A little while later three cloaked figures boarded the small freighter and prepared it for takeoff, the underbelly wiring neatly and efficiently patched. As the ship rose through the hangar's open ceiling toward space the engine roared, scouring the interior of the structure clean of every flammable or organic object still remaining within.
-----signature-----
Forever in search of the perfect Obi-Wan quote but it remains something... elsewhere. Elusive. Secret agent in the OC revolution Proud Master to Kestrel_Kenobi A Stirring in the Bones - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/24526219/p5 - updated 8/30
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Zonoma
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 8:07am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Well, I'm hooked. I've always been a closet Asajj fan, anyway. You were able to put me inside the story and I love the way you manipulate words to make me feel what you want me to.
Great start!  Please feel free to PM me with updates.
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Stella_Ripple
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 8:14am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Yay! You finally posted!
And what a post- definately worth the wait! The conversation between ObiWan and Ventress was perfect- and now that I'm not completely overwhelmed with the strangeness of the pairing- I can appreciate it even more, especially Ventress's desperate need for forgiveness- very well done.
The inns and cantinas that thrived here were overrun with species from all over the galaxy, creating a cacophony of sound that encroached on even the most isolated corners of the large port. The combined stench of a thousand worlds oozed and crept its way through the throngs crushed into the small market areas as the combined body heat of thousands of beings mingled with the odors of the meager wares of the food stalls. Dirt encrusted every surface, stuck to a greasy film that seemed to get everywhere, no matter how often the vendors tried to clean it off.
How do you do it master? The atmosphere was so well captured, I really feel you've managed to transplant part of me into your fic, I can hear, see and feel it all so clearly!
Very sinister goings on- I wonder what the pilot knew? Great Master, you've just fed fat my curiosity even more now! Oh well, its on your own head, since I'll be even more pestering from tomorrow (you're excused for today, since you did get this up) 
-----signature-----
Obi-Wan offered himself as a highly responsible role model in “Episode II.” He didn’t like reckless driving;
he disapproved of being chained to a big pillar as large animals with pincers approached;
he just said no to deathsticks.
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Kynstar
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 8:54am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Oh boy oh boy!! Yay!!  I'm so excited that you posted this! Can't wait for more!
Well done on Asajj! Poor thing...perhaps she can work out her past with Obi's help 
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Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police
Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans)
Long live fanfiction...for in these tales do our heroes still exist.
See stories/viggies in bio
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JediMindTrick000
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 8:58am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
- Date Edited:
9/29/05 9:00am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
JediMindTrick000
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 You said Asajj.
I don't have time to read this at this exact moment, but you're writing my favorite characters from the Clone Wars, so you can believe I will! And I'll definitely take PM updates!
Good luck with this story and MTFBWY.
Edit: And if you are oqidaun's padawan, I DEFINITELY can't wait to read this! 
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 9:06am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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I'm so happy to see a new story by my former Padawan! You know I'm a big Obi fan, so it's nice to see him here!
Looking forward to more! 
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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Jennifer_Lyn
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 9:23am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Z: Yes! My evil plot to manipulate the minds of my readers is working! *cackles evilly* Thanks for reading!
Stella: Ah, Padawan. You shall not pester me for you shall be writing your butt off! Glad you liked it, there will be more next Thursday!
Kynstar: So glad you liked it! Don't know if I'd totally call Asajj a poor thing now that I've gotten to know her better, but we shall see.
JediMindTrick000: I can't wait to see what you think of this. Yes, oqidaun's been a huge help as you shall soon find out.
VaderLVR64: Yes, it took a little longer than I'd hoped, but I'm back up and running! Our poor Obi. He's got such a rough time in life.
-----signature-----
Forever in search of the perfect Obi-Wan quote but it remains something... elsewhere. Elusive. Secret agent in the OC revolution Proud Master to Kestrel_Kenobi A Stirring in the Bones - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/24526219/p5 - updated 8/30
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KELIA
Title: Moderator: Fan Fiction
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 10:42am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Wonderful beginning.
It'll be interesting to see how Obi-Wan and Asajj work *gasp* together and who she targets to go after first.
Well done,
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lindemacil
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 1:46pm
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Yay, it's back! An excellent start; it sets up the situation nicely. Nice interaction between Obi and Asajj, very fluid and believable. Can't wait for more!
Oh, and I would love to get PM reminders. 
-----signature-----
- Lindy - "What I say is not half as important as what I don't say." A Year and A Day, a Dear Diary Challenge: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/26653402/p1/?2
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Kestrel_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
9/29/05 2:31pm
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Master, beautiful writing, you've drawn me well and truly in. It's all very mysterious. And fantastic attention to detail. Looking forward to reading more of this!
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I had a baby girl! July '08! Proud Padawan to the elusive Jennifer_Lyn! Together again... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443701/
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stormqueen874
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
9/30/05 12:30am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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*watches figures fly off in J_L's story* ... *begin impending doom music* Great start, J_L; that's one heck of a cliffie you've got going, and I am most certainly hooked! *settles down with a bowl of popcorn* I have the worst feeling that they're after Ventress, though I have no idea why, but I just can't wait to see where this goes!
Hope you update soon, and please PM me! *grins again*
Stormqueen
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Master to kenobiwanobi Shadows of the Future: TPM timetravel AU, Obi/Ani/Qui bonding http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24413082/p1/?0
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Jennifer_Lyn
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/30/05 7:45am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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KELIA: Thank you muchly! Glad you like it!
lindemacil: I'm beginning to be able to wrap my head around Ventress, she's a toughie. Obi's got his hands full with her.
Kestrel_Kenobi: My padawan! So glad you liked it, m'dear!
SQ: Howdy! *passes cup of soda to go with the popcorn* Glad I've got some suspense built up already and piqued your interest!
Just a reminder that updates will be on Thursdays barring big influxes of inspiration or impatience!
-----signature-----
Forever in search of the perfect Obi-Wan quote but it remains something... elsewhere. Elusive. Secret agent in the OC revolution Proud Master to Kestrel_Kenobi A Stirring in the Bones - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/24526219/p5 - updated 8/30
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oqidaun
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
9/30/05 12:01pm
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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Great to see this on the boards and getting the response it deserves.
You know I love it.
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Lovely-in-Orange
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
9/30/05 7:38pm
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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I like how Obi-Wan recognizes that she is probably still trouble (for him and for Luke) but he trusts his instincts that helping her is still the right thing. I liked the description of the spaceport too. I really look forward to reading more.
-----signature-----
Ties of Loyalty: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23926858/ - Imperials/OCs/Quinlan/Khaleen A Boy and His Droids: http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=20555406 Proud master to Rogue_Pilot_2347! 1st Runner-up - Ms. Star Wars 2007
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Jennifer_Lyn
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
9/30/05 8:56pm
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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oqidaun: *bows humbly in her striped socks before her evil master* Thanks! I just can't wait 'til the get a load of the rest of this thing! 
Lovely-in-Orange: You found it! Yay! Thanks for reading! More next week!
-----signature-----
Forever in search of the perfect Obi-Wan quote but it remains something... elsewhere. Elusive. Secret agent in the OC revolution Proud Master to Kestrel_Kenobi A Stirring in the Bones - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/24526219/p5 - updated 8/30
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JOINME
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
10/2/05 4:09am
Subject:
RE: When The Hunter Becomes The Hunted (Obi, Asajj - post-RotS) chap 1 up 9/29
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I didn't comment on this???
No way, I could have sworn I did! 
Anyway, this was an excellent beginning, Asajj and Obi, sheesh, this is gonna be good!
Can't wait for the next chap!
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President of the Sal Vinz Club Proud Master of Padmay_Skywalker   Sith Padawan of the supreme JMT, He's taking over the galaxy and I'm gonna inherit all
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