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Author	Topic: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
Jade_Max Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 6/9/06 1:01am Subject: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	July 2006 Disclaimer: It all belongs to George – I’m just playing in his sandbox. Title: The Webs We Weave Author: Jade_Max Timeframe: Pre NJO/ROTS Characters: Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade, Anakin Skywalker Summary: Luke and Mara try to save Anakin Skywalker from himself. Notes: Too late for an Entry in the Awesome Challenge Center’s Ultimate Challenge – but written and posted anyway. Only because no one did one with Luke and Mara. I don’t normally write them so please be gentle: Write a 3 paragraph or more vignette starring any of these pairings: -Han Solo & Leia Organa -Luke Skywalker & Mara Jade -Anakin Solo & Tahiri Veila -Jacen Solo & Tenel Ka -Jaina Solo & Zekk of Ennth, Jagged Fel or Kyp Durron The Conflict must be: [The pairing of your choice] has a mission to accomplish. They must travel back in time, and prevent Anakin Skywalker from joining the Dark Side. You may choose how the conflict starts, and ends, however... The piece of work must begin and end with these sentences: The Work Must begin with: The two lovers were as happy as they could be, basking in each other’s warmth and embrace, enjoying the immense pleasure that only they could, when... ...And Must End With: And they all lived happily ever after, to the end of their days. Phrases You Must Use Are: Kriff it! How could you? What now!? I hate you! I love you! Challenge words in bold. The Webs We Weave The two lovers were as happy as they could be, basking in each other’s warmth and embrace, enjoying the immense pleasure that only they could, when the sparks flew between their blades and they pushed apart, their lips parting with a loud snapping sound. Laughter echoed through the training salle. “Only you, Skywalker, would dare a kiss in the middle of combat.” His breathing even, sweat glistening on his chest from their work out, he flashed her a heart-stopping smile. “I have to keep expanding my bag of tricks, or you’ll get the better of me.” “That’s one trick you better never use on anyone but me!” She lunged back in, their blades clashing again, sparks flying as their lightsabers blurred together in a dance that was far more athletic than dangerous. Masters of their craft, trusting each other absolutely, they moved with speed and grace as they clashed. Sweat slid down Mara’s cheek as she barred her teeth in a joyful grimace, keeping time with Luke. “You know, I love you because you can keep up with me.” He laughed, sucking in his chest and back flipping away as she lunged in at that moment. “That’s the only reason?” Their lightsabers met again and hers flew from her grasp, skittering, still ignited, across the floor. Luke hauled her up against him, his gaze on hers, enjoying the way her eyes widened in surprise, but not at all surprised to find his world tilting as she took the opportunity to send them both to the mat, Mara coming down atop him with a grin. “I win. Do you concede?” “Never! I- What now?!” Sparks flew from a conduit in the wall as Mara’s lightsaber embedded itself in the durasteel. A jet of plasma fountained from the side and Luke rolled, shielding Mara from the blast as the lights in the salle dimmed and flickered, suddenly going out. “Nice work, Skywalker.” Her tone was amused. “If you wanted to get me alone, all you had to do was ask.” “Funny lady.” He dropped a daring kiss on the tip of her nose in the darkness and rolled away. “Something isn’t right.” He could hear Mara pushing herself into a sitting position, her pants rustling in the darkness. “Of course something isn’t right.” She still sounded amused, smug. “The power’s off.” “Something beyond that. Something... beyond us.” He felt her stretching out with the Force, feeling her sudden unease. “You can feel it, don’t you?” “Yeah. You know. I hate you sometimes. Especially when you’re right.” Her lightsaber twitched from its position on the floor and arced smoothly back into her palm. “Let’s check it out.” They exited the salle to find the lights were off throughout the complex. Mara paused, stretching her hand against one of the activation plates before yanking her hand back as if burned. “These are old Republic switches. I thought the government got rid of them all.” “So did I.” Luke checked his surroundings. They had been in one of the old training salles from the Republic’s days of glory, from before the rise of the Empire, in the basement that housed the main Senatorial offices. The area was secluded, access restricted to only Jedi Luke knew, and difficult to get to. It had been the main appeal of the training room. “These stones aren’t cracked anymore.” Mara said nothing, simply nodded, and motioned for him to follow. Their steps were silent and Luke could feel Mara’s growing unease. “What is it?” She slanted a look at him. “There’s more than something wrong here. Can’t you feel it? Can’t you feel him?” Luke caught the edge to her voice, and finally identified the presence he hadn’t been able to before. Elusive, faint, but there none the less. Emperor Palpatine. “It can’t be.” “I’d know that signature anywhere.” Her tone was grim. “Come on, let’s see if we can’t get some answers out of him.” They continued forward, Mara keying open one of the secret turbo lift doors that had been around since before the Empire, her expression tight in the dim glow of emergency rings. She didn’t look at him, but Luke could feel her apprehension as the doors slid shut and she keyed it for the top floor. “Where are we?” “Same place we were before, Luke.” She paused. “I think the better question is when are we?” “When?” He echoed her unconsciously. His mind struggled to wrap itself around the concept. Mara’s nod was grim. “Pull yourself together, farmboy. This isn’t going to be easy.” Luke took a deep breath, centering himself just as the lift doors opened on the top floor. The hallway was deserted, but they could hear the scream of someone dying a moment before the echo of lightsabers clashing in a furious fight drifted to them. As one they took off at a run. “Where are we?” Mara led the way around one corner, headed straight for an area she knew exceedingly well. “These were the Emperor’s offices. The Chancellor of the Republic’s before him.” She didn’t spare him a glance as they turned one corner and came up short by a closed door. She slapped the activation switch and they both froze in the doorway. A dark skinned man neither had seen before was wielding a purple bladed lightsaber in an aggressive form against Palpatine. He wasn’t yet disfigured, scarred by his powers, and they each had to check his force signature to be certain. Mara’s lightsaber leapt into her hand, but Luke caught her wrist as she made to join the dark skinned Jedi. “Don’t. We don’t know what’s happening yet!” The sound of running feet could be heard behind them and Luke turned to look as the Jedi at the window sent the Sith Lord’s lightsaber flying. He heard the unmistakable sound of Sith lightning as a young man, dressed in a black, hooded cloak came tearing around the corner as if his life depended on it. “Move aside! I need to get to the Chancellor!” Luke felt Mara slip into a defensive stance at his back, could sense the confrontation in the next room shifting from Jedi to Sith, and answered honestly, wondering when exactly they were. He did as asked, and the young man stepped by them as Luke could feel Mara’s tension levels rising with each passing moment. She grasped his hand, squeezing, as the young man stopped beside the unknown Jedi and Palpatine. Palpatine’s voice was soft, more normal than either had ever heard it, but the words were unmistakable. Words that threatened Luke’s balance as he realized what he was watching. “Anakin! I told you it would come to this! I was right, the Jedi are taking over!” The unknown Jedi with the violet blade responded, even though Palpatine’s words hadn’t been directed at him. “The oppression of the Sith will never return. You have lost.” Palpatine’s voice changed. “No. No. No! You will die!” Lightning arcs from his fingers, engulfing the unknown Jedi’s lightsaber. Luke didn’t think twice, having felt the burn of that lighting, and jumped in, moving to assist the Jedi. Palpatine was still against the window sil, the unknown Jedi’s words not registering as he moved to help. Luke’s lightsaber ignited, sweeping in to intercept the bolts of lightning and giving the Unknown Jedi a reprieve. “I have the power to save the one you love!” Palpatine’s words barely registered as he centered himself, using his powers to brace himself against the onslaught that was as powerful as he remembered it. Mara’s voice rang, clear as a bell, echoing through the room, the anger. “Liar! How could you!” Palpatine’s onslaught stopped, his face slightly deformed, his gaze taking in the new voice, the new people in the room where he had previously only been focused on getting Anakin’s help. “Who are you?” “I served you for years, years! You were like a father to me. You told me Vader fell willingly!” She advanced, her eyes spitting green fire. “You lied!” Luke lunged in, intercepting the bolts meant for Mara as Palpatine focused on her. “Your pithy accusations mean nothing to me, woman!” Mara ignited her blade, bringing it up to the en-guarde position, her gaze beyond Palpatine to the tortured expression on Anakin Skywalker’s face. “My pithy accusations are based on years of facts. Your facts. You never intended to help Anakin Skywalker save his wife! You never knew how, had no intention of trying. You told me so yourself; you let her die! And now you dare to say otherwise?” A second jet of lighting arced at her but before she moved to intercept it, the violet blade of the unknown Jedi swept in to help, blocking it. Palpatine’s gaze moved back to Anakin’s even as his visage began deteriorating into the familiar scarred look Luke remembered so well. “Don’t listen to her, Anakin. I’m the only one who can help you save Padmé!” “Kriff it!” Mara lunged forward, between Luke and the unknown Jedi, her lightsaber stabbing forward and down. She was brought up short by a blue blade; a very familiar blue blade. “NO!” Anakin Skywalker’s shout echoed through the room. “I need him!” Mara parried, lunging at him in turn. “You’re fooling yourself, Skywalker!” Their blades clashed, ringing through the room as Anakin came at her hard. Mara was prepared, immersing herself in the Force, drawing on her bond with Luke for strength and stamina as she met each of his powerful sweeps. Their blades worked each other not dissimilar as to how Mara had been sparring with Luke when this whole strange situation had occurred. Only this time she fought for her life. Focused, intent, she brought all of her formidable skills to bear on the man who would become Darth Vader. “Do you enjoy murdering innocents?” He barely paused in his attack, but she saw a flicker in his eyes and continued. “Because that’s what he’s going to have you do! Palpatine is a scheming, devious, craft old man. He doesn’t intend to help you save your wife!” Their lightsabers clashed several more times before Anakin pushed her away. She rolled, coming to her feet across the room just shy of hitting the wall, her lightsaber at the ready in front of her. “There’s no way you can know the things you know. Just who are you?” “Mara Jade Skywalker – former Emperor’s Hand. I married your son.” She nodded to where Luke and the unknown Jedi were still dealing with Palpatine. Anakin’s gaze followed hers, and she saw him soften. Mara lowered her weapon. “Go home, Anakin. Don’t follow the path he’s laid down for you. Don’t be the one to cause the death of everyone you love. Don’t let your son... don’t let Luke grow up without his parents.” “Padmé would never-” “She’ll be dead before the end of the week if you don’t heed my words. Let this end here.” “I don’t believe you.” “Then believe the Force. That man is Luke Skywalker.” She felt his distrust, saw him darting a look at where Palpatine was holding his own against the Jedi. He reached out, and she saw his eyes widened as he recognized the familiar signature. It was the same as the one he could feel within Padmé. His lightsaber shut off. “Master Windu, what do you intend to do with the Chancellor?” He phrased the question at the unknown Jedi, but his gaze never left Mara’s. “He’s too dangerous Anakin.” Master Windu’s voice was strained. “He has control of everything. He’d never be convicted in a court.” “Anakin!” Palpatine’s voice was softening again, turning back into that of the helpless old man; cajoling, pleading for help. Luke spun as Palpatine’s distraction worked to his advantage and lunged, taking the Sith Lord’s head in one swift stroke before he could voice any more lies. The world spun, turning off kilter. The lights flashed once, twice, and then everything went dark. “Luke?” He stirred, feeling her soft breath teasing across his cheek. He groaned, opening his eyes slowly. “Mara?” “Who else would it be?” Her smile was easy, relaxed as she crouched above him. “You hit your head pretty hard; how’s it feel?” He rubbed the lump on the back of his skull. “I had the weirdest dream-“ “Luke!” They both spun guiltily at the accusatory tone. “What are you doing in your mother’s office with Mara?” “Nothing, dad.” He pushed himself off the floor. “I think I was showing Mara the view...” he trailed off, looking at his father, feeling as if something had happened, something momentous, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “Mom did say it was alright.” Padmé stepped up beside Anakin, sliding an arm around his waist, her hair now almost completely gray. “Anakin, stop treating them like errant teenagers; don’t you remember being newlyweds?” Anakin’s gaze softened as he looked at his wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and then turned his look on his son and daughter-in-law. “Don’t you two have a honeymoon flight to catch?” Luke and Mara didn’t stop to do more than collect their things on their way out. And they all lived happily ever after, to the end of their days Fin -----signature----- You'll Like me when I'm Dead - V/P Dark Drama - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29236355 Don't think, write. And have faith that your subconscious mind is smarter than you.- lazy RIP my babies; Nibbler, Boo & Mister Magoo
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RedGold Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 6/9/06 4:35am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	hehehe... mara went off on Palpy... bet she's been wanting to do that for a loooooong time... -----signature----- Legend... Recluse... Forgotten... Will one day return... http://www.starwarsfanfic.com
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Star_Angel Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 6/9/06 5:03am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Now that was just wonderful, I loved the ending and I’m so glad that Mara manage to stop Anakin, yay for L/M and A/P. -----signature----- “It’s not our abilities that shows us what we truly are, it is our choices” – Albus Dumbledor (CoS) <- fanfics/fanart + a funny video in bio SWEDEN HOCKEY forever
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Jedi-2B Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 6/9/06 5:20am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Great story! I just wish it had been a longer story instead of a vignette. -----signature----- It was on her fifteenth day in the darkness of the Nirauan cave when Mara Jade awoke to discover a rescuer had finally arrived. It was not, however, any of the potential rescuers she would have expected. It was Luke. ~~And the rest is history~~
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Flowerlady Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 6/9/06 5:27am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	That was wonderful.. I loved that Mara finally got to tell the Emperor just what she thought of him... FL -----signature----- Master to DanaeMariSkywalker, JediMasterArmada and PHGS_Weyr All WIP's on hiatus.... website: http://www.authorswe.webs.com/ Thank you to all that believe in me...Love ya!
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 6/9/06 5:46am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Oh, how wonderful! I really loved that! Time-travel fics are so hard to write and you did a wonderful job with it! Loved the whole thing, but especially the confrontation, and the ending... Well, and the beginning... Great job! -----signature----- Positivity. ** Okay, seriously. It’s a Rebel Alliance t-shirt. It is NOT a fleur-de-lis.
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Healer_Leona Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jul '00	Date Posted: 6/9/06 7:01am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	“Only you, Skywalker, would dare a kiss in the middle of combat.” Ha! I love this. Superb use of the lines, nice way to make them work for your fic. I was terribly worried as to what the present would be for them once Luke and Mara returned to it. I'm so happy it seems to be a happly ever after one. Delightful response to the challenge Jade_Max. -----signature----- Feel so good, but I'm old 2000 years of chasing's taking it's toll
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ZebulaNebula Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 6/9/06 7:13am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	I love your characterization of L/M - you captured the dynamic perfectly. Loved how Mara saved Anakin ... with knowledge only she had. This is, as always, wonderful. -----signature----- I Jedi mind-trick pushy salespeople ... "You do not want to sell me jewelry/beauy products/shades/whatever." They can take our lives, but they will never take our FREEDOM! Feeling down? Have a mint.
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 6/9/06 8:37am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	The lightsaber duels were The beginning scene with sharing a kiss while dueling was yummylicious. Mara confronting Palpy & persuading Anakin was past terrific!!!! Love time travel fics! Too bad this missed the deadline: it would've won in my book--but I'm a L&M nut anyway. -----signature----- Spock/Nyota, woven forever together in gorgeous bonds of Nyota's "Cherished Moments" diary's gonna be hawt, hawt, melty! Squggles! [face_melting into 10 buckets!]
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Blue_Milkshake Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 6/9/06 8:44am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	I loved this! I was wondering how anyone might use Luke & Mara in this challenge. I think it would be well nigh impossible to get Luke to willingly travel back in time to change this. Leia maybe, since she never got to meet their father like Luke did (however brief). But you didn't even give him a choice. Very cool. Very Twilight Zone. Your characters were right on the nose. I could so see Mara reacting like this. Loved how alternate future Luke and Mara, not quite used to being married yet still felt guilty being "caught" by Dad. I bet he had a twinkle in his eye and had to hide a smirk when they jumped at his voice. This whole challenge has been an interesting means for the Chosen One to bring balance to the Force... One life lived as the Dark Lord we all know and love. One life lived out as Anakin Skywalker. -----signature----- Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer. --Dave Barry
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master_jade Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 6/9/06 9:14am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Great story! I loved Mara being mad at Palpy! -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/23795435/p1/?0 - "Rescue Mission"- Kyp and Mara forced to work together. "Now I am the Lord of the Sith" - Kyp Durron
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desertgirl Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 6/9/06 9:56am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	All the possibilities you bring up in this really make a reader think. Mara telling off Palpatine, Luke's dream are just a couple of things I loved. Thanks for making this lurker, delurk.
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jackyyy17 Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 6/9/06 7:22pm Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Good job I liked it. -----signature----- Padawan to DaenaBenjen42
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MirandaFair Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 6/9/06 7:28pm Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	Great work with this challenge, Jade_Max! All around this was intriguing and very entertaining. I liked the path that this took, blending canon with the AU. The opening kiss was sooo swashbuckler, I think you'd make Uncle George proud! Loved it! -----signature----- May the Muse be with you.
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Jedi_Liz Title: Former CR Lincoln NE, USA Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 6/9/06 9:38pm Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	this was beautiful! I would say it won the challenge had it been finished in time. -----signature----- Current Fic: Lightswords of Fury: Special Edition - L/M Romance http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/24270936/ Chapter 19 posted on 7/21/08 Coming SOON: Mara Jade of Chandrila Grove Coming SOON to SAGA Fanfic
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 6/11/06 7:05am Subject: RE: The Webs We Weave - L/M (Ultimate Challenge Fic - not finished by deadline)
	This was terrific. The opening was perfect -- just what I love about L/M: they're sexy and dangerous at the same time. (I bet I know where that sparring match was heading before they got time-shifted ) A wonderful job! Everything fit perfectly. -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. UConn: Huskies forever! RIP Jasper Howard, #6 "Focus on what matters. It's about the GAME, not each other. Dumb humans."
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