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The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): COMPLETE
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obsessedwithSW
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
3/6/07 10:13pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
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In light of the events and characterizations in the book, I’ve decided to continue with The Making of an Emperor as canon speculation through the events of the novel.
Just finished Exile myself and am very interested in how the dnyamics reveal themselves in your plotline. I will say this, I came away from exile admiring Jag all the more- he holds his own surrounded by Jedi!
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IceFire27
Registered:
Jan '07
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Date Posted:
3/7/07 4:44pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
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I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling under the weather Lex.  Take as much time as you need. I'll be here waiting as patiently as I can. 
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YodaKenobi
Title: TFN EU Staff
Registered:
May '03
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Date Posted:
3/8/07 2:24pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
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Chapter 7:
At least it hadn’t been bugs
Just about everything on Tenupe is scary though 
The Chiss bioweapon was gone, and their deranged plot had failed.
Deranged? It's the Chiss way 
No, the Empire of the Hand did not engage in speciecide.
Interesting 
He wondered if the Solos had any idea just how dangerous Jacen was. Leia’s insistent questions to Baltke had made more than clear she had no idea it was her own son who had sold out to the Chiss – to Jag personally – her presence and intentions at Tenupe. He should have been a suspect, of course, since he was one of only a small number of people who knew the mission details. But like her twin brother, Leia could be too trusting for her own good. She presumably thought her son was incapable of such a despicable act.
Unfortunately 
Jag was over Jaina, long over her. He’d let her go a long time ago. And he certainly wasn’t obsessing about her.
Sure, sure
Proudly the trooper tapped a finger to his spotless chestplate. “The Five-Oh-First doesn’t need to hide, sir. We’re the –”
“– Fist of the Empire. Yes, yes, I know,” Jag said, chuckling. “Just get me out of here.”
LOL
So much for the two years stranded on Tenupe, I guess
“During the battle, I was prepared to deploy Galactic Alliance assets to assist the Chiss. Master Skywalker, however, argued that we should not. He believed it would be better for the Chiss to suffer heavier losses in the battle, so that by being weakened they might become less isolationist after the peace, and rely more heavily on their friends.”
“I have little doubt the Ascendancy will need its allies more than ever after this. But Skywalker has no idea who their real friends are, does he?”
“Not a clue.”
Jag grinned. “Someday, when the Chiss are chastened and the Alliance is humbled, I’ll have to thank him on behalf of the Empire.”
Interesting retconn
Another cool post, Lex  Lots of great theories on what was going on behind the scenes and I like the idea of Jag working in secret with Pellaeon. Will be interesting to see what you come up with for Jag tracking Alema.
Great work 
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Darth_Lex
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/8/07 7:17pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
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TKL: He fibs...he finished Exile and couldn't stop speculating.
Thanks for backing me up there, EP.
Only teasing!
obsessedwithSW: Just finished Exile myself and am very interested in how the dynamics reveal themselves in your plotline.
Considering much Exile could have messed with my grand scheme  I was actually rather surprised how little it actually affected. I’ve made some minor revisions on the outline of the Betrayal, Bloodlines, and Tempest chapters of TMOAE, but other that that it’s full speed ahead. 
I will say this, I came away from exile admiring Jag all the more - he holds his own surrounded by Jedi!
Definitely. And I expect we’ll see even more of that in Sacrifice now that Jag’s teamed up with Jaina again. 
IceFire27: Fortunately I’m not testing your patience any longer.
Yobi: Deranged? It's the Chiss way
Yeah. Alpha Red, parasite bombs… You don’t want to end up on their hit list. 
So much for the two years stranded on Tenupe, I guess
Yep. Of course, that means I have to explain why his story seems so convincing to the Solos and Skywalkers when they hear it… 
I like the idea of Jag working in secret with Pellaeon.
Well, serving with Thrawn all those years had to make Pellaeon a sneaky little devil. It only makes sense he’s got his own hidden agenda going on in LOTF… 
Will be interesting to see what you come up with for Jag tracking Alema.
Let’s just say, Jag doesn’t like loose ends. 
Thanks for all the great feedback, everyone! And thanks for your patience in waiting for the new post. I think the delay to account for Exile will prove to be worth it.
Posting momentarily! 
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The Good News (LOTF: Invincible missing scenes) http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28505708/p1 "Jag's cool. It's not arrogant if you can back it up." - Troy Denning "Just remember who you are." - Jag to Jaina
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Darth_Lex
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/8/07 7:20pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post Feb 20th!!
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SPOILER NOTICE
The following post takes place just after the events of Legacy of the Force: Betrayal. It contains no major plot spoilers for the recently released Exile. It does, however, allude to several small details presented in the Jag scenes in the novel, as setup for upcoming chapters of TMOAE when the events of Exile are directly involved. If you haven’t read Exile, you probably wouldn’t even realize there was a reference to the book in this post. But in the interest of full disclosure, I’m posting this notice in case you’re a real stickler on spoilers. 
CHAPTER NINE
40 ABY, two days after the Battle of Tralus
Imperial Embassy, Coruscant
“The beard,” the old man said. “It suits you.”
Jag ran a hand over the short scruff covering the lower half of his face. “I’m still not sure what I think of it,” he admitted, “but it does seem rather effective at concealing my identity.”
Pellaeon grinned. “Not to anyone who knows your father. You look more like him than ever.”
“I’ll choose to take that as a compliment.” Jag ran the hand over his beard again. “Fortunately my father hasn’t made an appearance in the Core in my lifetime. The list of people who might recognize him – or me – is quite short.”
“Indeed.” Pellaeon motioned to the pair of plush chairs arrayed at the wide window overlooking the sunlit cityscape of Coruscant. “How goes the hunt?”
Jag waited for the Galactic Alliance Supreme Commander to sit, then took the other chair. “Slow, but I am making progress. It is proving incredibly difficult to track the movements of someone so skilled at moving in the shadows – and who seems to erase herself from the short-term memories of those who encounter her.”
“That does sound like a problematic combination.”
“Yes. Recently, though, I’ve had bit of good luck. I managed to acquire several brief holocam recordings of her movements in open promenades. A technician on my Intelligence staff was able to customize an old ISB program for tracking Rebel agents to identify her unique gait, as well as her face and posture. The difficulty, naturally, is gaining access to the relevant surveillance networks to deploy it.”
Pellaeon nodded. “Understandable. You can’t exactly approach the GA authorities and request installation of Imperial technology on their systems.”
Jag chuckled. “No, I can’t. Although the matter may be moot. My primary search method has been close observation of her likely targets. Even Alema Rar is not stupid enough to move against anyone at the Jedi Temple, and the Skywalkers are spending nearly all their non-operational time there.”
“And now the Solos are offplanet more often than not, either serving the Galactic Alliance – or defecting to the Corellians.”
“Yes.”
“Except,” Pellaeon said, gazing out over the city, “that nearly the entire family was gathered in one place for the summit at Toryaz Station. If she intends to kill them all, why didn’t she strike when she had a perfect opportunity?”
“I’ve wondered that myself.” Jag blew out a long breath. “But I believe it relates to the nature of her quest for revenge. In her mind, it is not enough that Leia Solo’s family dies at her hand. They must know they are being killed, and by whom, and why.”
Pellaeon shook his head, and looked back to Jag. “The dark side of the Force did this to her?”
“Perhaps. Although I suspect simple madness is just as responsible.”
“Although she did not move against the Solos, do you think she could have been involved in the assassination plot against Saxan and myself?”
Jag furrowed his brow. “I don’t see any motive. Why do you ask?”
“In the early hours after the incident, I coordinated the investigation by all parties. It did not take Luke Skywalker long to conclude that some powerful manipulation of minds with the Force had been used to accomplish the security breaches necessary to carry out the attack.”
“Erasing minds, certainly. But I have found no evidence that Alema Rar has ever used mind control powers to any effect.”
“Still, she is a former Jedi Knight, and may have gained considerable knowledge of the dark side since then. It is a power she is capable of exercising, yes?”
“Presumably.” Jag shook his head. “If she had devised such a scheme to undercut security and deploy assassins, however, she would have used it sooner – against the Solos directly. She has no interest in politics, only vengeance.”
“Perhaps she was a mercenary? Hiring out her skills to someone who was willing to pay for a particularly effective infiltration technique?”
“It’s possible, I suppose. But it seems unlikely.”
Pellaeon sighed deeply. “I was afraid you would say that.”
Before Jag could ask why, he knew the answer. “Because of the alternative.”
“Exactly. Either a rogue Corellian Jedi has taken up on Thrackan Sal-Solo’s side, or there is a previously unknown – and quite powerful – Dark Jedi at large in the galaxy. Frankly, I’m not sure which is worse.”
“If it is a Jedi gone to the dark side, we will learn of it soon enough. Luke Skywalker would never conceal the existence of such a threat from the Chief of State or the Supreme Commander.”
“I agree.”
Jag placed his hands on the armrests. An uncomfortable knot was forming in his gut. “When a Jedi falls to the dark side, there are always signs. It is a process of descent, not a momentary decision to embrace evil.”
Pellaeon peered at him. “You seem to know a great deal about this topic.”
“I learned much about the Jedi,” Jag said quietly, “during the Yuuzhan Vong war.”
The old man nodded. “So you do not think our threat is a Corellian.”
“No. It is a Dark Jedi.” Outwardly Jag frowned, but inside his clenched gut began to ease. “One, it would seem, who has managed to grow powerful without attracting any notice.”
“Or,” Pellaeon continued, leaning forward in his chair, “one who has been powerful for many years, but has remained in hiding.”
Jag leaned forward, too. “You think it could be an agent of the Emperor’s? After all this time?”
“I don’t know,” Pellaeon said. “But it is possible. Between the Rebellion and Isard, there is no small amount of disinformation in the files that purport to account for all of them.”
“An agent,” Jag said, thinking aloud, “who is now serving his own agenda, rather than the Empire’s. Or perhaps following his own twisted vision of fulfilling Palpatine’s legacy.”
“Yes. Over the years, a number of deep cover agents have revealed themselves to the government on Bastion. Some of them returned to Imperial space or retired from service, others have remained in place as covert operatives. None of them fits the profile of this assassin.”
“Thrawn maintained his own deep cover network, as well. A few of them still serve the Empire of the Hand, but my father released most of them from their obligations years ago.”
“And given how Thrawn handled Joruus C’boath,” Pellaeon said, grinning, “I can safely presume none of those were Dark Jedi.”
Jag nodded. “Whoever this new threat may be, we must assume there is a significant continuing threat to your personal safety. If he tried to kill you once, he will probably try again.”
“In that case, he’s probably a Moff.” Pellaeon chuckled. “Of all the events at Toryaz Station, losing my shirt to Han Solo at sabacc was more disconcerting than someone trying to kill me. Mortal danger I can handle; it’s losing that bothers me.”
“I’m serious, sir.”
“I know you are, and I appreciate it.” Pellaeon smiled warmly. “Do not fear, Jagged. My security is tighter than it has ever been.”
“Good. The Empire is not ready to lose you.”
“The Empire of the Hand does not need me,” Pellaeon said, holding Jag’s gaze. “And the Moffs on Bastion cannot rally to an Empire without an Emperor.”
“If you claimed the title, who would dare oppose you?”
“You underestimate some of the Moffs,” the old man replied, his voice weary. “There is too much attention to personal power, and not enough on loyalty to the Empire. Certain parties are already positioning themselves for the inevitable succession crisis when there is no longer a Grand Admiral to keep all the Moffs in line. If the stakes were the Imperial throne, the situation would be far worse.”
“Then you should install an Emperor before you retire –”
“Or die.”
Jag scowled. “Your backing would be enough to solidify a claim to power. Surely there must be at least one suitable candidate?”
“I do have someone in mind, yes,” Pellaeon said, a smile rising to his face again. “But the time is not yet right to make such a dramatic move within the Empire.”
“And while you are still Supreme Commander of the Galactic Alliance, at that.”
“Indeed. Although if this crisis with Corellia escalates much further, my tenure in this post will end shortly. I will not be party to a war that will rip the Galactic Alliance apart from the inside – no matter how valid some of the claims made by the respective sides may be.”
“I had no idea,” Jag said, “that you were so committed to the idea of the Alliance.”
“A commitment of convenience,” Pellaeon said with a sly, conspiratorial grin. “My loyalty has been, and is, to the Empire. We will rise again – of that I have no doubt. Someday the Galactic Alliance will implode upon itself, just as the Old and New Republics before it. When it does, the Empire will be waiting. Until then, it is in our interest to take measures to ensure that there is a galaxy worth ruling when our time arrives.”
Jag sat back in his chair. The explanation shouldn’t have come as a surprise – but it did anyway. “Which is why,” he finally said, “the Empire should not take sides in this crisis.”
“Precisely. The Empire can afford to be patient. It is individuals, such as the Moffs, who seek immediate results. That is why it is so important that we have leaders who are able to subvert the desire for short-run personal glory in favor of the long term glory of the Empire.”
“Like my father,” Jag said under his breath.
“Yes.” Pellaeon reached over to pat Jag’s knee. “And he has trained you well, my boy. Far better than you realize.”
********
Chapter Ten (post-Bloodlines) next week…
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The Good News (LOTF: Invincible missing scenes) http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28505708/p1 "Jag's cool. It's not arrogant if you can back it up." - Troy Denning "Just remember who you are." - Jag to Jaina
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oldjedinurse
Registered:
Oct '03
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Date Posted:
3/8/07 8:40pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
- Date Edited:
3/8/07 8:41pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
oldjedinurse
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Lex, you impress me more with every chapter. And I'm very glad to know you're feeling better!
I became truly engrossed in your analysis of the situation, as presented in a not-very-innocent conversation between a cunning old warhorse and a "well-trained" young man.  You amaze me with your ability to quite coolly speak to the heart of the issues while offering hints about the future or raising fascinating questions. Those hints and questions raise emotional responses -- for me, at least. Some are ominous, others are hopeful.
Regardless, this story is always entertaining!
I would speculate on several comments by Gilad, but you'll probably fool me anyway and I think I'd rather be surprised. I have to laugh at Jag, though: he is so smart and capable--yet on at least one level--so naïve where Gilad is concerned!
You're a proficcer in disguise... right?
oldj
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obsessedwithSW
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
3/8/07 10:26pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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Ditto on everything oldjednurse said!
I do have someone in mind, yes,” Pellaeon said, a smile rising to his face again. “But the time is not yet right to make such a dramatic move within the Empire.”
Boy, you got quite alot out of exile as far as tech details. Also I noticed the line about when a jedi goes bad is a reference to our budding Darth-wanna-be.
I did find it interesting that Jag has pinpointed Lumiya's influence although not by name but identified the catalyst of the crisis, Leia and Luke didnt put it together until later. Guess that shows the Empire's network is better connected than The GA or jedi.
Jag sure is showing Jacen up as far as political analysis and positioning. Jacen gets led right along by Lumiya while Jag is making the correct assumptions.
Cant wait till next week!
Do we have Jaina in the next post? IS Jag shirtless? 
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jedi_princess18
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 3:16am
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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I think this may have been the best chapter yet.
I loved everything about it- the way you tied together details from the books (different books) and then made them work together was amazing.
Although I was a little disappointed in Jag that he couldn't figure out who Pellaeon had in mind for Emperor...
Great work!
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Solo_and_Fel
Registered:
Apr '04
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 5:59am
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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At first I was sad that they seemed to piece together the whole dark jedi thing a lot quicker than the jedi did.
But then I thought about it a bit and I guess it is a case of the jedi being too close to the situation to see the whole picture. Jag, on the other hand has a bunch more perspective and distance.
Another good post, Lex. Looking forward to next week!
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"Hurling black lightning is one thing, but quoting Kyp Durron puts me lower than I ever expected to get." To Suffer & Be Strong: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28435487&brd=10477 Check profile for more fics.
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Flowerlady
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 9:38am
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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WOW!!!
I agree with the others...This was probably the best chapter yet.
I loved your analysis of the situation of what happened between Betrayal and Bloodlines concerning the Imperials and Pelleaon and how and why Jag shows up in Tempest...And yet it all still fits with everything you've come up with before...that is simply wonderful writing.
What's more....It all makes more sense than any hints of explanation we got from the books. 
Great job...I can't wait for the next chapter.
FL 
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I used to dream of Kyp or Jag, now it's Edward Cullen...I blame Cyn and Saber.. Master to DanaeMariSkywalker, JediMasterArmada and PHGS_Weyr
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RedGold
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Nov '04
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 10:00am
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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ooo... i see where you're going here... coolies
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TahiriSoloFan
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May '03
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 12:49pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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Pellaeon & Jag!
Wonder if Jag knows who is on the Admiral's short list for Emperor?
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IceFire27
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Jan '07
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Date Posted:
3/9/07 1:44pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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You dug down to the heart of the problem for the GFFA. It's amazing that as you read the books everyone was so blinded to what was going on. At least here, some one knew there was more to the situation then meets the eye.
Also I loved the interaction between Jag and Pellaeon. How can Jag not have a clue as to who Pellaeon wants for the next Emperor?
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lurker2209
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Jan '05
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Date Posted:
3/10/07 8:09pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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Great post. It's fun to see Paelleon and Jag putting pieces together that none of the other characters have quite yet, and at the same time be able to put pieces together that even Jag does see. When I think about it, it doesn't strike me as so strange that Jag wouldn't see himself as candidate for Emperor. It's a pretty heady title, and I think he sees himself as more of a military guy. Supporting and even manipulating the Emperor, but not actually being him. But I think he'll eventually be convinced!
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Jedi_Vai
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Mar '02
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Date Posted:
3/11/07 1:35pm
Subject:
RE: The Making of an Emperor (canon speculation NJO-LOTF: Jag & J/J): New Post March 8th!!
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Great read and an interesting perspective on the character makeup of one Jagged Fel.
Can't wait to read more!
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He's a walking contradiction,
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Taking every wrong direction
On his lonely way back home.
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