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Topic:
When Last I Knew You - Ben, Mara - UPDATED 10/12 - Don't faint. A post.
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 11:58am
Subject:
When Last I Knew You - Ben, Mara - UPDATED 10/12 - Don't faint. A post.
- Date Edited:
10/12/07 10:40am (7 edits total)
Edited By:
VaderLVR64
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Title: When Last I Knew You
Author: VaderLVR64
Characters: Ben Skywalker, Luke, Mara, Karrde
Summary: See below
Notes: Written for the MOD Dare Challenge. There was no way to get this done in one post, so it will be a 3 or 4 part story. And I did not quite meet the requirements of the dare, having Ben end up wtih Karrde simply because of fate. 
The Dare: Okay to set the scene, little Ben Skywalker is 18 – Mara was killed by the Dark Nest and Luke has effectively become a hermit back on Tatooine. Ben, somehow accidentally (or willingly) triggers a time-space disruption (Yes, I know, it’s the old time-travel thing)
He finds himself stuck 4 or so years after the Emperor’s death, just before the events of The Thrawn Trilogy. Instead of lying low, Ben seeks out his mother and joins Karrde’s smuggling organization. He is shocked by how cold and unfeeling Mara seems to be, and decides not to tell her about their connection.
Ben then senses Luke’s X-wing dead in space – and the events of Heir to the Empire unfold as they did before – only with Ben in the mix.
How will Ben react to seeing his now-youthful parents in a completely different light? You can pretty much do whatever you like after this. But if it’s not too difficult, I would like some L/M mush in any way or form you can come up with.
When Last I Knew You
Ben left Tatooine with a heavy heart. He stared down at the dusty planet and then resolutely turned his face toward the stars.
His father had chosen a life of exile; it was his right to do so.
His son, however, did not have to share it with him. Mara Jade Skywalker was gone. His mother was dead; she had been dead for years and it was time for what remained of the family to move on.
He would do so alone if he had to.
Very well then, Ben Skywalker would forge a new life for himself. One day, he would help create a new family of Skywalkers and the name would once again spread through the galaxy, bringing peace and justice to those in need. It was a worthy goal, and Ben felt himself up to the challenge.
He set the hyperdrive settings for Ossus and slipped into the back to catch up on some much needed rest. Whenever he visited his father on Tatooine, Ben slept poorly, besieged by the dreams and visions that battered against his father’s shields, seeping into his own consciousness. Whatever haunted Luke Skywalker sought out his son as well, leaving the young man’s very soul drained at the end of each visit.
Ben was exhausted and needed to sleep.
*********************************************
When he woke, he did not feel the familiar hum of the hyperdrive and frowned in concern. Instead, there was only the low, quiet throb of the sublight engines.
Something was not right.
Perhaps he had been pulled from hyperspace by an interdiction field, a common enough occurrence during the Vong War – he knew that well enough from listening to the stories of the Jedi who had served during that terrible time. The Vong were defeated long ago and the Imperial Remnant had given using them up long ago, after being absorbed into the new galactic government. Simply put, there were really no enemies with the ability to draw a Jedi’s ship from hyperspace, or any reason to do so in the first place.
Peering out at the planet below, he frowned. Checking the hyperdrive, he decided not to risk it and set the coordinates for the planet. He would get the ship checked out before engaging the hyperdrive again.
He was reluctantly given permission to land and when he walked down the ramp, he was not surprised to find half a dozen blasters pointed his way. He lightly touched the lightsaber at his hip, more to remind himself of its comforting presence than to intimidate them, but it served to make them shift restlessly on their feet.
“The boss doesn’t like strangers,” one short man grumbled quietly before jerking his blaster in the direction he wanted Ben to take.
Ben had just begun to follow the fellow when he felt a rough hand at his belt and saw his lightsaber disappear inside a meaty fist. “You won’t be needing that, young ‘un,” a voice drawled.
Still confused, Ben followed along docilely, his hands hanging loose at his sides. His saber was gone, but a Jedi did not need a lightsaber to defend himself or launch an attack.
It would be prudent first to discover where he was and for what reason they seemed so hostile to a Jedi. Such antagonism was rare now.
In his lifetime, the Jedi had become once again revered and respected throughout the galaxy. His mother’s death had been the sacrifice that had caused even the politicians to cease their endless bickering over the governing of the Jedi and leave it those who knew it best – the Jedi.
Luke Skywalker had retired in his rage and grief, but Ben's cousin Jaina had led them well for almost twenty years. Jaina had proven to be fearless, as well as having the shrewd political sense that her mother had passed down to her. Though Jaina did not like politics, she moved through the political arena effortlessly, moving down her opponents quickly. Her predatory nature came to the fore when dealing with the politicians and they had learned to be wary of her.
Putting away those distracting thoughts, Ben opened up his senses. He could feel many lifeforms present, a wide variety of emotions being broadcasted, but none that would indicate any imminent crisis. All seemed normal, for them at least.
Nothing was normal for Ben right now.
They approached a set of doors and Ben was thrust inside as the doors slid open. A human male sat at a desk, observing him closely. A half smile tugged at his lips as the bigger man handed him the lightsaber. His eyes were pale blue, his hair black. It was hard to tell since the man was seated, but Ben would have guessed him to be about his father’s height, and somewhat shorter than Ben.
“You shouldn’t play with toys that don’t belong to you,” he admonished as he turned it over and over, admiring the workmanship. “But I must commend you on the lines,” he said. “Very nice work.”
Then he shrugged and gently placed the weapon. “So, how did you end up with a Jedi’s weapon?”
Ben answered calmly. “Because I am a Jedi.”
All three men laughed and the man behind the desk shook his head. “Now, now, it’s best we don’t start our relationship with a lie right out of the gate.”
His expression still tranquil, Ben smiled slightly. “I am a Jedi,” he said quietly. “You can choose to believe it or not, that is up to you.”
“Hmph,” the man said, leaning back in his chair. “We'll see,” he murmured.
“Shall I show you?” Ben asked in a tone that betrayed his boredom with the conversation.
Shooting a look of amusement at his companions, the man held out his hand as if inviting Ben to convince him.
Holding out his hand, Ben called his saber to him, and allowed himself a smug smile at the incredulous looks on their faces. He simply hooked it back on his belt. “My toy, my rules,” he said with a shrug.
The man stood up and held out his hand. “Name’s Talon Karrde,” he said. “And I guess I’ll just let you keep that since it seems to belong to you anyway.”
Ben quirked one brow and bowed his head briefly. “That might be best,” he agreed sardonically.
The door slid open behind them and Ben turned. A woman approached them, a slim figure that moved with a deadly grace. She got closer and Ben frowned. There was something familiar about her.
He looked at her, really looked at her and…
He met his mother’s eyes - a young Mara. However, she seemed bitter, harder than he remembered her. He had known her as a child though, not as an adult. Who knew what he had missed? In his memory, she was the soft voice that reassured, the warm hands that soothed – a loving, warm place in the Force.
This woman, however, seethed in the Force. Her emotions were a volatile ocean whose waves crashed against his shields, making his knees weak and a cold sweat break out on his brow.
“M-Mara?” He stopped the sacred word from passing his lips just in time.
Her brilliant green eyes widened in confusion just before her slim fist slammed into his face.
Ben did not remember hitting the floor.
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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Healer_Leona
Registered:
Jul '00
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 12:10pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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What an intriuging dare and a delightful start of completeing it. Poor Ben. 
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Any way youll never know
The many ways I've tried
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Artanis
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 1:20pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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This looks to be a great story. What a unique premise! I can't wait to see what happens. 
He met his mother’s eyes - a young Mara. However, she seemed bitter, harder than he remembered her. He had known her as a child though, not as an adult. Who knew what he had missed? In his memory, she was the soft voice that reassured, the warm hands that soothed – a loving, warm place in the Force.
This woman, however, seethed in the Force. Her emotions were a volatile ocean whose waves crashed against his shields, making his knees weak and a cold sweat break out on his brow.
A well-done contrast; it really stood out to me. Excellent start! 
-----signature-----
"What do *you* want?"
"The usual...conversation with a liberal dose of sarcasm."
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Yodan
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 1:46pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Oh! I love this kind of story and it is a really great start. Also it's a very original premise.
And of course, as with all your stories I am left with the feeling of really wanting to know what will happen next...
Great premise you’ve got here and I can’t wait for more!
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My wise and old Master is JadeSolo. (Emphasis on OLD ) Join http://www.JelloAnarchy.com  Great Times are had by All! Escape, a Poem: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24665411/p1/?0
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RedGold
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 2:30pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Awww... motherly love...
can't wait for more!
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Legend... Recluse... Forgotten... Will one day return... http://www.starwarsfanfic.com
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KELIA
Title: Fan Fiction Moderator
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 4:11pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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WOW! What a great beginning.
I can't imagine the shock Ben felt actually looking into Mara's eyes...
Can't wait for more!
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JadeLotus
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 5:01pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Mara punching out Ben? That's great!  Not from Ben's perspective of course, but from a story point of view. I love Ben's inner thoughts and motivations, especially when he remembers that he only knew Mara as a child, and so that view might have been slanted. Can't wait to find out how he deals with Mara the younger.
And I suppose the dare was a little to big to cover in a viggie - i'm happy you're making it a little longer!
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You are the only thing that makes sense
Just ignore all this present tense
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ginchy
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 5:02pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Poor Ben! LOL This looks great--can't wait for more! (How do you write SO much?!)
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
10/17/05 5:20pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Ah yes, I forgot to credit the diabolical JadeLotus for this dare!  Naughty, naughty!
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
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Jedi Trace
Title:
• SouthEast RSA
• Fan Fiction Manager
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
10/18/05 3:59am
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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*whistles* That's one doozy of a dare. I was wondering who had put you up to it. 
Great job with the opening! Can't wait to see how this plays out.
-----signature-----
“Umo ji muna, Cade mojo.   ” ~ Jan Duursema Light, dark - They are just directions. Do not be fooled that you stand on anything other than your own two feet. ~ Shaak Ti, TFU
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VadersMistress
Registered:
Apr '04
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Date Posted:
10/18/05 4:58pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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And I thought YOU were a mean mom! 
-----signature-----
And what it all comes down to is that I haven't got it figured out just yet.
Would I rather be feared or loved? Um... Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.
Persia pwns your face.
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Idrelle_Miocovani
Title: Solar Power loving Scattergories Hostess
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
10/18/05 5:06pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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*shrieks with delight*
Eeeek! I love it!
Oh, and please send the following information to me for the Time Travel Index:
Title: [nice, spiffy title goes here] (please provide the link but DO NOT hyperlink)
Author(s): [your lovely name(s) go here] (please provide the link to your profile(s), but DO NOT hyperlink)
Status: [is your fic complete or are you still working on it? Or have you abandoned it?]
Genre: [lovely genre goes here]
Era the fic starts in: [where your time traveling characters come from]
Era the fic goes to: [where your time traveling characters go to]
Time Travelers: [names of the characters who time travel]
Characters: [all other main characters who do not time travel]
Summary: [lovely summary goes here]
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"Shouldn't we be doing something... constructive?" "What did you have in mind? A short, blunt human pyramid?" NaNoWriMo: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/462992 This Time Around: http://boards.theforce.net/ASP/user.asp?usr=1162416 Ish's Padawan
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mavjade
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
10/18/05 8:27pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Awesome start!
Poor Ben, getting to see his mom again, but not being the same person he remembers...that might be a little tramatic!
Can't wait to see what Ben thinks when Mara holds a blaster to Luke's head
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We don't love the people we love because they are perfect, we love the people we love because they are. http://whiteknot.org -because everyone should be able to tie the knot! . http://theworldaccordingtopooh.blogspot.com <- Come share your opinions!
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Anakins_Force
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
10/18/05 9:28pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
- Date Edited:
10/18/05 9:35pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Force
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Oh wow, and I thought my dare was tough! What a challenge--I hope you keep going.
He met his mother’s eyes - a young Mara. However, she seemed bitter, harder than he remembered her. He had known her as a child though, not as an adult. Who knew what he had missed? In his memory, she was the soft voice that reassured, the warm hands that soothed – a loving, warm place in the Force.
How truly disturbing in an amusing sort of way! Imagine if your grown child could show up at an earlier point in your life...not that any of us are Force sensitive smugglers, but still!
Poor Ben--what a shock. He remembers mommy who took care of him and he's seeing ruthless-at-the-top-of-her-smuggler-game Mara! Really cool.
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AngelQueen
Registered:
Mar '01
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Date Posted:
10/23/05 9:19pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Her brilliant green eyes widened in confusion just before her slim fist slammed into his face.
Ben did not remember hitting the floor.
*winces*  Looks like Ben has found out that his mother packs quite a mean left jab.
This is an awesome start, Vader! I was saddened to hear of Mara's death and how Luke's agony drove him into a hermitage on Tatooine. And now Ben's gotten himself thrown back in time to a time when his mother is more inclined to shoot/punch first and ask questions later.
Impressive.
Can't wait for more!
AQ
-----signature-----
"Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic, to democracy!"
"If you're not with me, then you're my enemy."
"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must."
"You will try."
Obi-Wan and Anakin
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SpiritofEowyn
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
10/23/05 10:21pm
Subject:
RE: When Last I Knew You - Dare Challenge Response
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Shocking! Child Abuse!
:P This may be one of the only situations where the above statement could be funny.
Nice. I wonder who Ben looks like more, if he looks a lot like his dad.. that could lead to some interesting situations. Such as Mara thinking Ben is Luke and trying to kill him. heh heh.
Update!
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Suddenly Single Other Half: Force Twins Index : http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=22314061 "Stop the Skywalker Stupidity Cycle"
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