Poof has a love-hate relationship with the Saga. On the one hand, it’s where he has his shinning moments as a Jedi Knight on the Jedi Council. On the other hand, he dies during the Saga era, and that wasn’t much fun at all.
Author Topic: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/08!
DarthVaderette 
Registered: May '04
19942_A New Hope
Date Posted: 2/24 5:19am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - updated 4/2!!
Please PM me on this story, thanks grin

 

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ViariSkywalker 
Registered: Aug '02
40102_Anakin
Date Posted: 2/29 12:01pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - updated 4/2!!
DarthVaderette - You are added! happy

 

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ViariSkywalker 
Registered: Aug '02
40102_Anakin
Date Posted: 2/29 3:52pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - updated 4/2!! - Date Edited: 3/10 2:03pm (1 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
Well, as promised, here is the beginning of the next chapter! It's been almost eleven months, but I've finally got the ball rolling again. Enjoy!


***
Chapter Eighteen: Revelations


She was alone in the dark cabin, watching the starlines as the Millennium Falcon rocketed through hyperspace. The argument in the ship’s commons had disturbed her; even though some of the others had expressed a willingness to accept her, she couldn’t help feeling isolated. As she mulled over recent events, Leia removed her mother’s necklace and flipped on a dim light to study it.

She wondered if her mother had worn it every day. She hoped so. Besides the droids, this little charm was the only link she had to the woman she so desperately wanted to know. Leia turned the japor snippet over and noticed that there were two tiny words, probably the name of the pendant’s creator, carved in cramped script on the bottom. She held the pendant up to the light and read the words.

‘Anakin Skywalker’

She inhaled sharply. The necklace that had been precious enough for Bail Organa to keep all these years, that had infuriated Darth Vader, had been given to her mother by someone named Anakin Skywalker. Maybe this man had loved Padmé, and Vader was jealous. That would explain his outburst on the Death Star. Or maybe… maybe…

Of course.

Her breaths came quickly, and her eyes began to swim as she clutched the japor snippet to her heart. “Skywalker,” she whispered, and around her the Force seemed to sigh, as if welcoming back an old friend who had been gone too long.

This is who I am.

Leia wiped her eyes before the tears could completely spill over. “I’m a Skywalker.”

She slipped the necklace back around her neck and tucked it under her tunic. It seemed like a long shot to guess that the name on the pendant was her father’s birth name, but she felt the rightness of it, the sense of coming closer to completeness than she had ever been before. That had to mean something.

The cabin door opened, and Captain Solo entered, followed by Javan Madai and Chewbacca, who had to duck to avoid hitting his head and shoulders on the door frame. Leia stood up abruptly and relocated to one of the rear seats.

Han smiled suggestively as he took his seat. “You can stay here; I don’t bite.”

Leia glared at him icily and lifted her chin. “I’m perfectly comfortable where I am, captain.”

“Whatever you say, Your Worshipfulness.” Han grinned at Chewie. “Okay, let’s bring her down from lightspeed.” He glanced back at Leia and mumbled, “Before the cabin freezes over.”

The starlines shortened to pinpricks of light as the Falcon dropped out of hyperspace. Leia craned her neck to see what was beginning to fill the cockpit’s main viewport.

The gas giant Yavin hung in space like a Muran fire gem, a smooth ball of swirling red and orange particles. Hidden in its shadow was Yavin 4, the lush, habitable moon that the Rebel Alliance had seen fit to use as its base. As the Millennium Falcon passed Yavin and approached the jungle moon, the former Princess of the Empire stood up and peered out the viewport, her expression a mixture of awe and sadness. She could feel life radiating off of Yavin 4. Life and optimism, and a hint of exhilaration.

Though she had spent much of her heavily sheltered existence on Imperial Center – considered by most to be the center of all things progressive – Leia knew with certainty that the vivacity of the city-world was nothing compared to what awaited on the surface of Yavin 4. As on Alderaan, she felt a crispness in the Force, a refreshing mental breeze that filled her senses and left her just a little curious.

Maybe this is the light side, she thought. Pure and unadulterated.

It wasn’t addicting, like her experience on the Death Star. Remnants of her heavy use of the dark side still resonated inside her, haunting her with the fear that she might not be able to attain it again. All her life, she had valued decisiveness: there had hardly ever been a time in her lessons when she had hesitated to act once her mind was made up. The problem now, though, was that she couldn’t get past the initial decision. She wasn’t sure which side she wanted. She’d told Vader that neither side mattered, that only the Force itself was important. But standing in the Falcon’s cockpit, drawing nearer to the beacon of light that was the Rebel base, she began to doubt whether she could continue sampling the two extremes.

Even if she embraced the light, once the Rebels learned her true identity, she doubted they would see her as an ally. Imperial officers could defect by the dozens, but the daughter of Vader was a different matter entirely.

In front of her, Han and Chewbacca moved quickly across the controls as they began their approach. To her left, Javan Madai took a steadying breath and leaned over Han’s shoulder.

“Broadcast this signal,” the politician said softly, handing Han a small slip of flimsiplast.

Han eyeballed the flimsi and shrugged his shoulders. “Whatever you say, Your Grace.”

Leia thought she saw the Alderaanian role his eyes at the title. It was good to know she wasn’t the only one who found the captain’s sarcasm annoying. As if reading her thoughts, Javan looked over and caught her eye. She tried to probe his presence in the Force but found it strangely muted.

Someone has taught him how to shield himself from Force-users.

How interesting.


“Unidentified vessel,” the comm unit suddenly blared. Han winced and turned down the volume, muttering curses at the “blasted Imps” who must have tampered with his controls. The voice on the comm continued. “You have the code; please identify its carrier.”

Javan dragged his gaze away from Leia and focused on the control panel as Han flipped a switch. “This is Javan Madai of Alderaan aboard the Millennium Falcon. I’m carrying information of the utmost importance.”

There was a slight pause and then an acknowledging grunt. “We have a match. You are clear to proceed. We’re sending coordinates now.”

“Copy that.” Javan looked over at Han and shrugged. “I didn’t even know they had a voice recording to match me to.”

“Surprise.” Han quirked his mouth in a manner that suggested he was anything but impressed.

As the Falcon descended, Leia spotted a massive stone structure that looked to be thousands of years old. She felt a coldness race through her blood. “That’s not it, is it?” she asked, pointing at the pyramidal temple.

Javan nodded. “The base was established inside of the Great Massassi Temple, yes.”

“Massassi?” The name triggered memories of Sith history lessons, of sitting in cold rooms with her father, of strange Sith alchemy and never quite understanding why those unnatural abilities had not been grasped by other sects of Dark Jedi. If the Rebels had known of the atrocities committed in that temple in the name of the dark side, she doubted they would have built their base there.

“You know the name?” Javan was watching her carefully, as if waiting for a sign of betrayal. Was he looking for the deranged, evil offspring that Darth Vader should have produced? Was that what he expected to see unleashed?

So sorry to disappoint you, but I’m no psychopath. Not yet, anyway. Leia let her breath out slowly and smiled, hiding the uneasiness that had crept up on her so suddenly. “It sounds familiar, but I can’t say where I’ve heard it.”

“Both of you quit your gabbing and let me land this thing,” Han snapped.

Leia shot him a venomous glare and snorted in a most unladylike fashion. She turned to Javan and motioned for him to follow her out of the cockpit. To her surprise, he complied. The door closed behind them, and satisfied that they were alone, Leia spoke in a hushed tone.

“Who trained you to do that?”

Javan looked a little startled. “To do what?”

“Shield your presence in the Force.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Was it a Jedi? Someone close to you?”

“No!” Javan took a step backward. “I’ve never known anyone who used the Force! What’s this all about?”

Leia looked into his dark eyes and thought back to the events on the Death Star just before their escape. “It was you, wasn’t it? You shot the blast door controls.”

“Yes, but I don’t see what that has to do with the Force.”

“Did you hear it?”

The young man’s face darkened as if he’d just realized something distasteful. “The words in my head, the idea to shoot…that was your voice?”

Leia crossed her arms. “I tried to send it strong enough to affect those without sensitivity to the Force. I guess it worked, but…” She couldn’t be absolutely certain of the conclusion she’d come to, not without a blood test, but if she was right…

Javan, though, had clearly had enough of the conversation. “I have to go,” he said curtly, turning to walk away.

Frustration shot through her, and she wrenched him backward with a quick tug of the Force. “Not yet you don’t.”

“Stop this at once!”

Leia stepped forward and grabbed him by the arm. Though he was more than a good head taller than her, she held him firm. “You could have been a Jedi,” she whispered harshly.

“That’s absurd.” But she could see in his eyes that he was considering the idea. “My only talent is in the political arena.”

“Be that as it may, I’ve sensed something in you. Something more than just a strong mind. You have some ability.”

“If I did, the Empire would have killed me long ago.”

There was a tired and aching sadness in his voice that humbled Leia just a little. She let go of his arm. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been wrong. But only time will tell.” She felt her shoulders sag. The question she’d been mulling over since the argument in the ship’s commons nudged its way to the surface. “What are your plans for me once we land?”

Javan stared down at her, his composure restored. “I’m a member of the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the last heir of a noble house that was destroyed by the Empire your served. What would you do in my position?”

Leia knew that the cool veneer she was trying to maintain had turned into a grimace. “I would probably lock you up until such point that your presence was no longer a threat. Given my abilities, that would be a very long time from now.” She thought of Alderaan’s destruction, of the pain that had echoed inside her, of the voices which had been suddenly and violently silenced. Tears pricked at her eyes, and she tried to force them away. “I never served the Empire. My allegiance was to my father, and now that allegiance is dead.”

Javan nodded his head, a hint of understanding in his otherwise impassive features. “I won’t divulge your identity,” he said at last. “For the sake of the person you might have been under different circumstances.”

Instead of relief, a dark sense of emptiness filled Leia. She could only imagine what that person might have been like. Loved and trusted, maybe. And free.

“Thank you,” she finally answered, swallowing her brief sorrow. “I know you still don’t trust me, but I won’t jeopardize the Alliance.”

The Alderaanian pursed his lips and nodded his head. “As you said, only time will tell.”

***


Was it worth the wait? wink

 

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The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028
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Iverna 
Registered: Feb '08
41074_Leia
Date Posted: 3/1 6:59am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Interesting... I wonder how the Rebels will receive her.
I like this, actually. I like how you're writing Leia especially - somehow true to her character despite a radically different upbringing. Very very good. I look forward to reading more!

 

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"Agent Winter, you've got ice water running through your veins." - Tycho Celchu
***
Han WANTS the Falcon fixed! Right? http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28125675/p1/?5
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RebelMom 
Title: TFF Secretary
Registered: Apr '00
44413_Luke Skywalker
Date Posted: 3/1 7:41am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
At least we know Javan isn't her twin brother. tongue I do hope that she finds some peace and a balance. It will be hard since her father and her brother won't stop searching for her.

 

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Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7
Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been.
TFF: Cheryl
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canadianjedimama 
Registered: Jan '08
43871_Stormtrooper Loser
Date Posted: 3/1 8:55am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
I just read this story in a marathon read the other day, courtesy of the Index. I loved it.

And here it is updated. dancing

This post was wonderful. So, a Skywalker has joined the rebellion. I'm interested in just how much this will paralell ANH and ESB. Commmander Leia Skywalker of Rogue Squadron, anyone?

Keep up the good work.

If you doing PM's (I can't remember) please add me.

 

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JediNat 
Registered: Jan '08
42362_Han and Leia
Date Posted: 3/2 11:47am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Nice update, applause applause applause applause applause wonder how the Rebels will take Leia's presence? (This might not be pretty) beatup Please add me to the PM list!
peace
-JediNat-

 

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May the Force be with you!
I'm a little teapot short and stout here is my handle and here's a note from my shrink he says I'm getting better. Last week I thought I was a toaster oven *crazy laughter* -Dot
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ViariSkywalker 
Registered: Aug '02
40102_Anakin
Date Posted: 3/2 2:04pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Iverna - I like how you're writing Leia especially - somehow true to her character despite a radically different upbringing.

--That is exactly what I was trying to accomplish, so it's good to know I'm succeeding! happy

Mom - At least we know Javan isn't her twin brother.

--Are you sure? batting Okay, okay, just kidding! tongue

I do hope that she finds some peace and a balance. It will be hard since her father and her brother won't stop searching for her.

--Yes, it will definitely be an interesting journey. wink

canadianjedimama - I just read this story in a marathon read the other day, courtesy of the Index. I loved it.

--I'm so happy to read that! happy Marathon reads are always fun.

And here it is updated.

-- laugh I'll bet I've lost some readers in the past due to my long absences, so it's a good thing you came along when you did.

This post was wonderful. So, a Skywalker has joined the rebellion. I'm interested in just how much this will paralell ANH and ESB. Commmander Leia Skywalker of Rogue Squadron, anyone?

--Hmm, I don't know... I guess you'll have to keep reading, mwahaha! devil

If you doing PM's (I can't remember) please add me.

--Added!

JediNat - Nice update, wonder how the Rebels will take Leia's presence? (This might not be pretty)

--As long as Javan keeps his word, they may not have to know. grin

Please add me to the PM list!

--Added!

 

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Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417
The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028
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ViariSkywalker 
Registered: Aug '02
40102_Anakin
Date Posted: 8/15 3:52pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Eek! I think this is coming dangerously close to being locked!

To all my readers, if any are still hanging in there tongue : Thank you for all your support and replies. I am not abandoning this story, but as you can no doubt tell, I've taken a hiatus from it for the time being. I've been working on a few other projects, and I'd like to get some serious work done on this before I post more. Sorry that it has taken so long, and if anyone would like a reminder PM when I start posting again (a one-time post, not a recurring one), I would be happy to oblige. Thanks! happy

~Vi~

 

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Big Sis of Lady_Rae cool
Veil of Shadows (OT AU, L/M) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/28500417
The Dark Fire Chronicles (OT AU) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/11960028
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Darthme1011 
Registered: Mar '06
23715_Mara Jade
Date Posted: 8/22 8:55pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
up good to hear its not dead

 

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angry_bendu1 
Registered: Apr '07
43245_Jarael
Date Posted: 9/10 5:25am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Up! And if you get around to updating, please let me know! hugs

 

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Ramblings of a Jedi (snarky Jesika's diary- filled w/ romance, sarcasm, etc.):
http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28753761/p1/?0
I was staring at the orange juice because it said "concentrate".
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DarthVaderette 
Registered: May '04
19942_A New Hope
Date Posted: 9/11 9:11am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
Let me know when you update too grin

 

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Ryorin 
Registered: Nov '08
7558_Mirax Terrik
Date Posted: 11/15 3:40pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/0
I just read through this story, and I have to say I love it! love Your characters are just so... well written! I would comment more, but I really should be studying...

Please add me to your PM list if you have one! wink

 

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