Jedi Council Forums - What if the Empire: Missing Moments (Update!-4/15)

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Author	Topic: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (Update!-4/15)
Darth Pipes Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/5/03 3:40pm Subject: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (Update!-4/15) - Date Edited: 4/15/03 7:12pm (9 edits total) Edited By: Darth Pipes
	Hey all! ami-padme and I would like to welcome you to our new story. For those of you not familiar with The What if the Empire Series, three years ago I found a thread entitled "What if the Empire (Ep 4-6) Went Back in Time to Ep 1." Intrigued, I picked it up and began the story. Shortly thereafter, ami-padme joined me and we turned this idea into a full-fledged story. In this post-ESB AU, the Emperor plans to send his agent (Mara Jade) back in time to kill Amidala while she is pregnant, thus erasing Luke's existence. Not only is he opposed by Luke and Leia but by Darth Vader as well. In the end, Anakin Skywalker returns to the light and helps his children save Amidala's life. They return to the present, determined to destroy the Empire. Thus, the first story ends. ami and I wrote the sequel starting in the summer of 2000. "The What if the Empire Sequel" told of the reunited Skywalkers fighting with the Rebellion to destroy the Empire. Anakin, healed of his injuries and freed from the armor of Darth Vader, confronts Palpatine on the new Death Star, as Leia, Luke, and Amidala help him out. Han leads the attack against the Death Star over Coruscant. In the end Anakin, with some help from Luke, destroys Palpatine and brings balance to the Force. The Rebels are successful in destroying the Death Star and the Empire falls. The What if threads can still be found on the JC but they are also available in a completed and edited form on fanfiction.net. The first story is now called "In the Hands of Time" and the second story is now called "In the Hands of the Force." Here is the link to our author page on FanFiction.net where you'll find both of our stories... As explained in the title of the thread, this story is a Missing Moments series for the two What Ifs. Not only does it fill in the blanks for the stories but gives an account of the "lost years" in-between the stories themselves. There will be three sections. The first will be on Amidala, the second on the Kenobi’s and the third on the Skywalkers. An epilogue will cap it all off. The sections will start with a post-sequel opening, then work from the past to the present. ami and I intended to post on a Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday timeframe and the first part will be up tomorrow. One thing to note for first time readers. The first two stories were written well before AOTC came out. Elements of AOTC were added in later edits of the story but there will still be some elements in this story that will contradict the films. Not a lot but they are noticeable. But it's an Alternate Universe story after all and we hope you will still enjoy it. ami and I hope that you all will be able to enjoy this new story! What if the Empire: Missing Moments By Darth Pipes and ami-padme -----signature----- New story! - What if the Empire: Missing Moments http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10437137
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starwarsfan1000 Registered: Aug '00	Date Posted: 2/5/03 5:04pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments
	Looking forward to it. -----signature----- New Story: To Destroy the Sith (ROTS) AU http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22601037/p1/?0
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ami-padme Registered: Sep '99	Date Posted: 2/5/03 9:05pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments
	It's good to be getting back to this story...can't wait for things to get going tomorrow! -----signature----- The Anakin Skywalker Home Page: http://anakinskywalker1.homestead.com/home.html Forums Spotlight Thread: Anakin/Vader Comics http://www.aimoo.com/forum/postview.cfm?id=314579&CategoryID=278904&startcat=1&ThreadID=666233
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JediArwen Registered: Dec '02	Date Posted: 2/5/03 11:19pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments
	I have read both "In the Hands of Time" and "In the Hands of the Force" in Vadersmask and I enjoyed every moment. So I am waiting for more. Lena
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Darth_Tim Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 2/6/03 11:18am Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments
	wohoo! I still have to read the old one (though I read fast... ), but, a-p, as I said before, I'm not going to lurk on this one...LOL. -Tim -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/12765057/p1 New, improved DOTF - "Yeah, it's got a Hemi" August 13...The Action Guy gets hitched... aka Darth Lothi's Unrelated Younger Opposite Twin
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KnightWriter Title: Administrator Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 2/6/03 4:37pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments - Date Edited: 2/6/03 4:37pm (1 edits total) Edited By: KnightWriter
	I'm so very fortunate to have been able to read much of the stories as they were written. Here we go again..." -----signature----- "Nothing but the rain."
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Darth Pipes Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/6/03 7:00pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments - Date Edited: 2/10/03 1:03pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Darth Pipes
	Part 1: Amidala Coruscant The Old Senate Building stood quietly under the watchful eyes of the stars. On the inside, Amidala Skywalker watched as events transpired with great interest. For a moment, she felt young again. She remembered the woman she was when she was first elected to the Senate all those years ago. At only twenty-two years of age, she was one of the youngest senators in history. After eight years as Queen of Naboo, she had come to the Senate hoping to make a difference for the better in the Republic. Sadly, it had not turned out as she had hoped. The Republic had been falling apart, with numerous worlds leaving to join a Separatist movement. Amidala had hoped that war could be avoided and that the Republic could be preserved. However, she became a pawn in a madman’s plot for power and as a result, the Republic was destroyed and the Empire was born. But now, things were different. No longer was she a young woman. She was now in middle age. Strips of gray lined her long, dark hair. At times, she felt very tired, as if she had lived the trials and difficulties of two lifetimes. To an extent, it was true. If time and space had had its way, she would not even exist today. Still, none of this diminished her. She was still a beautiful, powerful woman who carried herself with a grace and dignity that few in the Galaxy could hope to achieve. The fire within her burned brightly, extinguishing any darkness that had tried to overtake her. She was Amidala Skywalker, former Queen of Naboo and now a founder of a New Republic. Once again in this republic, Amidala found herself in the Senate but this time under a very different set of circumstances. The corruption that had plagued it for so long was fading away, replaced by a new spirit of service and dedication. At the center of it all was a woman whom Amidala cared about deeply. Amidala watched her daughter, Leia Organa with a strong mix of love and pride in her heart. Leia was a leader the likes of which the Galaxy had not seen in many years. She was not plagued by accusations of corruption. She was not a ruthless despot deceiving everyone in order to solidify her power. She was a strong leader, a brave leader who had dedicated her life to helping the Galaxy. It was Leia who was succeeding where Amidala and her predecessors had failed. To Amidala, there was no better feeling. Amidala watched as Leia stood calmly in the center podium of the Senate Chamber. Beside her stood the Senate speaker Akk Dask and her aide, Yves Mothma. More than a thousand delegates representing millions of worlds and star systems surrounded them. The issue before them was one of most important to face this body in a generation…ratification of the constitution of the New Republic. Amidala shook her head, still amazed that this moment was at hand. It had been more than six months since the Battle of Coruscant and the fall of the Empire. With the death of the Emperor Palpatine, the iron hand that had held the Galaxy in its’ grasp for so long had finally cracked. A powerful wave of freedom had erupted throughout the Galaxy. Star systems began overthrowing their Imperial-backed regimes. Without their leader, the Empire’s vast military found that it was no longer capable of oppressing its citizens. They fell swiftly to the Rebel forces. Planets, and the beings who inhabited them, human and alien alike now found themselves in control of their own destiny. It was Leia, who had made the transition from Leader of the Rebel Alliance to President of the Provisional Government for the New Republic who seized the initiative. She took to the Galactic airwaves and offered a public invitation to the newly free beings of the Galaxy to send representatives from their government to Coruscant. Together, for the first time since in more then millennia, a Constitutional Convention would take place. It was here, Leia said in the once hallow halls of the Senate that the future of the Galaxy would be built. Only by coming together could they lay the seeds for a new beginning. Amidala had anticipated a large response but both her and Leia had not expected the sheer magnitude of it. Within minutes of Leia’s address, the communications line to Coruscant, both official and unofficial, were flooded with inquires from newly freed governments. Even worlds that had not been supporters of the Rebellion were eager to join this new government. It took several weeks to answer all inquires and decide who would take part in the Convention. When it was at last complete, over a thousands delegates had converged on Coruscant. They came from all over the Galaxy. Founding members of the Old Republic such as Corellia, Denon, Malastare, Sullust and Mon Cal were present. Worlds that had been enemies of the Republic such as Nemoidia and Geonosis had come as well. Worlds destroyed or devastated by the Empire were also given a seat. Leia represented the survivors of Alderaan and Amidala represented the survivors of Naboo, human and Gungan alike. Amidala recognized a few of the faces, having served with them in the Senate more than two decades earlier. Some of the delegates had reputation that preceded them, both good and bad. Many of the delegates, however were young and very eager to express their ideas for making this new government work. With the delegates all packed into the Senate, President Leia took her place in the center podium and for since the Emperor had disbanded it four years ago, the Senate was once again in session. The first week of the Constitutional Convention went off smoothly. Most of the delegates shared her and Leia’s determination to form a new government for all the people and were more than willing to talk. Void of any tedious, archaic Senate procedure, the youthful delegates had taken to the floor with a passion, proposing many new and inventive ideas for the new constitution. The older delegates stuck to the basics, proposing a Bill of Rights similar to the one drafted into the Old Republic constitution. Despite their reserved manner, even these older delegates whom had served in the Senate years earlier had a fire in their eyes. More than two decades after the Empire had drowned their voices out, they reveled in the opportunity to be heard once more. It had turned out to be a very exciting opening week. Still, even the best of intentions can get sidetracked. By the beginning of the second week of the Convention, old rivalries began to renew. Long-standing disputes that had been debated in the Old Republic were once again brought back to the floor of the Senate. Neighboring worlds started accusing each other of exploitation during the Empire’s rule. Long-time enemies were eager to spill each other’s blood again now that the Empire could no longer stop them. All this might have overwhelmed a weaker leader but Leia was not so easily shaken. She stood her ground as Leader of the Senate, navigating through a delicate path of diplomacy. She settled all of the disputes, even if it took an entire Senate session. Leia was determined to see that the new government wouldn’t go the way of the old one, no matter what it took. For her part, Amidala fulfilled her duties as a delegate. She took the floor when she had to and was eager to back worthy proposals made by other delegates. She was steadfast in her support for her daughter and gave her whatever advice she could. For the most part, Amidala was content to watch from the sidelines and let the new generation lead. Still…there were times when the old guard was needed. There had been one amendment proposed that invoked a considerable amount of opposition. It was an amendment to the constitution dealing with Republic policy towards Interplanetary Commerce. The bill itself was nothing new, having been a part of the Old Republic Constitution. However, the amendment contained an article regarding the regulation of trade guilds. Unlike the final days of the Old Republic, the New Republic would have the authority to swiftly punish any guild that violated the rule of law. Just as important, the amendment would forbid trade guilds or any other private industry from possessing an army. It was this section in particular that provoked a furious opposition from several of the delegates. They had come from several former guild-associated and they were eager to resume business as usual. Lead by the Neimoidian delegate, they had taken to the floor with a vengeance. The Nemoidian denounced the amendment, calling it an attack on planetary sovereignty and free trade. He accused the New Republic of being no better than the Empire. Finally, in a bold display, the Nemoidin delegate and his colleagues threatened to leave the Senate and pull their support of the new government if the amendment was passed. In an instant, the Senate was engulfed in conflict. Arguments flared up once again and both sides of the debate denounced the other. It was then that Amidala had felt the old fire flare anew. She could remember numerous incidents like this in the past when corrupt senators would protest reform, afraid that it would destroy their own power. Time and again, the Senate would back down and give into the demands of these senators. No more. She had seen too much of this in her lifetime and she would not see anymore. She would not see this new government fall back down under the barrage of these old tactics. She rose from her Senate chair, a rock of determination. In an instant, her center pod detached and took off for the center of the Senate chamber, ready to meet this corruption head-on. Even without the Force, Leia could sense the determination that was now running through her mother. Standing aside, she recognized her mother, Amidala Skywalker of Naboo and yielded the floor. A hush silence immediately took over the Senate as Amidala made her speech. “My fellow delegates,” Amidala had said, assuming her most regal stance. “Some of you know who I am. Some of you do not. Let me just say that I was once known simply as Amidala, Queen of Naboo. More than thirty years ago, the military forces of the Trade Federation invaded my homeworld. The Federation was ultimately pawns in a madmen’s quest for power. But it was the corruption that they represented that helped give birth to the Empire. “By not subjecting future trade guilds to regulation and allowing them to run amok through the Galaxy, violating one law after another in pursuit of their own good, you will be upholding the status quo that crippled the Old Republic. Worlds with suffer, as mine once did and still has to this day. If you are all truly committed to a better government, then you will ensure that this amendment is past.” Amidala eyes feell on the Nemoidian delegate, who shifted nervously under her piercing gaze. She then turned and surveyed the other delegates in the Senate chamber. “We are all here to create a better government. We should never forget the past, but we must not repeat the same mistakes. The future is an untold story. Let us strive to write the greatest story of all, a Galaxy in which our children and all those who come after them can live in peace and harmony. We must not allow the greed and short-sightedness of others to stand in the way of that future.” The Senate, which had remained silent for Amidala’s speech, broke out in cheers. Delegates rose from their seats and cried out their support for Amidala. More than that, they shouted out their support for the New Republic and that untold story that was the future. The amendment would pass. Amidala smiled, and took particular satisfaction when the Nemoidian delegate returned to his pod station, clearly defeated. After that, business in the Senate went smoothly. Ideas were discussed, amendments were past, and little conflict had emerged. The former guild worlds continued to grumble but did not attempt another display again. All the while, Amidala watched as Leia remained steadfast in her role as leader of the Senate. She could appreciate how difficult this job was for Leia but her daughter was emerging from it stronger than ever. Amidala knew that Leia would be a great Supreme Chancellor for the New Republic. Finally, after weeks of debate, the constitution was drafted via special committee. Leia announced that a vote on ratification would commence at once. There was silence in the Senate but no one rose from his or her seat to object. The future of the New Republic would be decided now. Amidala had cast her vote early and now sat quietly in her Senate pod, waiting patiently for the other delegates to finish their vote. She was as calm as ever but still; there was a nervousness that crept up inside her. She knew this vote to ratify the constitution would pass, of that she had no doubt. But the final vote would send a powerful signal to the Galaxy as to the strength of this new government. An overwhelming vote of support would be crucial in legitimizing the New Republic. Any dissent, particularly from the former guild-worlds, might work to undermine the process. As she waited, she looked up near the balcony and saw a sight that immediately warmed her heart. Anakin Skywalker, her husband and Leia’s father stood in a nearby Senate box, watching her closely. He was present with their son, Luke, and Leia’s fiancé, Han Solo. They had not been present for most of the convention. Various responsibilities had kept them away. Besides, politics was not the arena for any of these men, especially for Anakin and Han. Luke showed no annoyance for the process but then again, Amidala chuckled, Luke was much better as hiding his feeling than either Anakin or Han. Whatever their feelings toward the political process, all three men had been present in the final days, determined to be there to support Leia and Amidala. Anakin was now leaning against the glass window of the Senate box, a wide smile stretched across his face. Even approaching middle-age, there was a youthfulness and an energy abound in Anakin that always reminded Amidala of that young man the Jedi Council had assigned for protect her all those years ago. The smile still stretched across his face, Anakin gave Amidala one of his classic, knowing looks. Amidala couldn’t help but smile in response. Anakin always knew the right response for anything, no matter what the situation was. Amidala’s hand slipped to her breastbone and she felt the familiar presence of her japor snippet hanging from her neck. She closed her eyes and spoke a singe sentence in her mind. I love you. She looked up and knew Anakin had heard that which she silently said. He leaned forward, his head resting on the glass. His mouth didn’t move but Amidala clearly heard his response in her mind. I love you too, angel. All Amidala did was gripped the piece of japor tighter. The chatter among the delegates in the Senate continued until the sound of a gravel cracked loudly. The chatter quickly began to die down as the delegates turned their attention back to the Senate podium. “The Senate will come to order!” The voice had come from the current Speaker of the Senate, Akk Dask. A middle-aged Gran from Malastare, he stood prominently in his chair next to Leia. He regarded the delegates fiercely with all three of his eyes before speaking again. “The vote before us, on ratification of the constitution of the New Republic is now over. The delegates will please rise as the President announces the results.” In a matter of moments, every delegate in the Senate was now on his or her feet, or in some cases flying above their Senate podiums facing Leia. The look on Akk Dask’s face softened as he turned to Leia, who stood in the middle of the Senate Chamber. His expression was now one of the highest respect and reverence. “Madame President.” Leia nodded as she turned to face Dask. “Thank you, Speaker Dask.” The Gran bowed his head and turned to face the Senate. A moment later, Leia turned and stood tall in front of the entire Senate. Her face was calm and passive, betraying nothing of her true feelings. “First, I would like to thank you all for answering this great call. Your very presence at this historic convention is proof of your good intentions for this new government. In the weeks that have followed, we have managed to overcome all of our personal differences and craft a constitution that will benefit all of the people. We have shown the Galaxy that even after years of oppression by the Empire, and years of decaying democracy in the Old Republic, it is possible to come together for a greater good. As we move forward, let us never forget this spirit of cooperation. For it we do, we risk losing once more what we fought so hard to achieve. Freedom.” The Senate broke out in the first applause of the evening as the delegates saluted Leia. Amidala knew how much they had appreciated her leadership, not just through this convention but through all the years she served in the Rebellion. It was through her will and strength as a person that they could all be here today. “And now, the results of the vote…” This is it, Amidala thought. She continued to grip the japor snippet as she watched with anticipation. For the first time, Amidala saw a crack in Leia’s mask. The calm, expressionless look on her face began to melt as her lips curled into a beautiful smile. Amidala could feel her heart leap. “The Senate has voted unanimously for ratification. The Constitution of the New Republic has been agreed to.” Barely a second after Leia had uttered those words, the entire Senate exploded in a wave of cheers. A large rumble blew through, and one could actually feel the mammoth chamber begin to shake. It was a loud chorus of cheers and howls that could be heard first, followed by the sound of clapping. Soon, a chant of freedom, similar to the one sung by those at the liberation of Coruscant rang out. If the ghost of Palpatine had still been lingering in the Senate, it had just been vanquished. The halls of the Galactic Senate were once again hallowed ones. Amidala eagerly joined them. She was still amazed at the outcome of the vote. A unanimous vote! Even the former enemies of the Old Republic and the Rebel Alliance had joined in. There hadn’t been a unanimous vote since…well; it had been much before her time. Once again, Amidala looked down at her daughter Leia, her eyes teary with joy. At that moment, Leia turned and faced her mother. From across the Senate chamber, they locked eyes and Leia smiled at Amidala for the first time today. Amidala smiled back. She was so proud of her. What had been done today was historic. The fate of the Galaxy had changed forever. Freedom was now truly restored to the Galaxy and the New Republic ruled. And to think, it almost hadn’t been that way… -----signature----- New story! - What if the Empire: Missing Moments http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10437137
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ami-padme Registered: Sep '99	Date Posted: 2/6/03 10:57pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	A great post to start things off! Nice job, Pipes! -----signature----- The Anakin Skywalker Home Page: http://anakinskywalker1.homestead.com/home.html Forums Spotlight Thread: Anakin/Vader Comics http://www.aimoo.com/forum/postview.cfm?id=314579&CategoryID=278904&startcat=1&ThreadID=666233
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KnightWriter Title: Administrator Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 2/6/03 11:36pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Way to get things started . -----signature----- "Nothing but the rain."
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Darth Pipes Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/6/03 11:56pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Thanks, ami and KW! -----signature----- New story! - What if the Empire: Missing Moments http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10437137
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Darth Pipes Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/7/03 10:56am Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Top! -----signature----- New story! - What if the Empire: Missing Moments http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10437137
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KnightWriter Title: Administrator Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 2/7/03 7:33pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Up we go . -----signature----- "Nothing but the rain."
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JediArwen Registered: Dec '02	Date Posted: 2/7/03 11:09pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Very good begining. Waiting for the next post.
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Darth Pipes Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 2/8/03 8:09am Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!)
	Thanks! -----signature----- New story! - What if the Empire: Missing Moments http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10437137
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ami-padme Registered: Sep '99	Date Posted: 2/8/03 9:53am Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!) - Date Edited: 2/8/03 11:13am (1 edits total) Edited By: ami-padme
	I'll be putting up the next post tomorrow night... -----signature----- The Anakin Skywalker Home Page: http://anakinskywalker1.homestead.com/home.html Forums Spotlight Thread: Anakin/Vader Comics http://www.aimoo.com/forum/postview.cfm?id=314579&CategoryID=278904&startcat=1&ThreadID=666233
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kithana Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/8/03 1:09pm Subject: RE: What if the Empire: Missing Moments (2/6 1st post!) - Date Edited: 2/8/03 1:10pm (1 edits total) Edited By: kithana
	I'm glad i found this its sounds good i read the other two stories a while back and enjoyed them....thats all i know and the fact is i don't remember everything but I'm in for this ride anyways. So theres a post for 2morrow yay. Waiting for the next post Kithana -----signature----- hmmm i talk to myself quite often, i find that i have quite intelligent conversations with myself.
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