Jedi Council Forums - The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!)

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.

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Author	Topic: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT - Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Mara, OCs and more!) - new post 2/29/08!
Mystic_Ally Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 7/8/03 10:16am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 6/27
	up! -----signature----- Vader's Apprentice - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=10609088&replies=4 Jaina, Daughter f.t. Future - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=11127112&replies=0 Cookie Dough ice cream, "The Simpsons", What more can you ask for?
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Lady_Moonbeam Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/11/03 1:19pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 6/27
	The JC is going to make me start cursing vacations if I keep missing posts while I'm elsewhere during the summer! Stranded without a computer... sigh But what a wonderful sight to see. Luke and Leia's conversation had me at the brink of tears. I can understand and identify with Luke's anger at being passed over for Sith training (my friend once wrote a story about Luke and an OC training as Vader's apprentices, and when Luke started doubting the course, I was all ready to take his place. It would be cool to be Vader's apprentice!), but also with Leia wanting to escape a life that gives her no identity. And so far, Vader has kept his promise of not hurting his children--much to my relief. His dream of Padmé's last few moments was a perfect, poignant nightmare, and it's easy to understand why he made no attempt at trying to fall back to sleep again. Who hasn't tried to ward off a bad dream? Maybe it was an imaginary adversary. Or maybe he was just fighting a dream. That's such beautiful language... it has a stunning point and makes you think about Vader's practice in an entirely new way, flipping the scene around. Beautiful! -----signature----- And Into the Black http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=13881821 Mooné, Handmaiden of the Crest
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/15/03 8:29am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 6/27
	At last, the reader replies! (See...I'm not dead!) TW - Yep, that's definately how they got the names! Mom - The twins will be responsible for the Emperor's death, but will it happen as he saw it? If it happened like in the dream, then there'd be no surprise would there? Hmm... Mystic - I feel bad for making Vader suffer...sniffles Gabi - Wow. [face_shocked] Thanks! Glad to see that you're enjoying it so much! And if I quoted any more of my favorite bits, I'd wind up quoting the whole thing. You're too kind. Moony - What can I say? Thank you! I'm glad you found a computer and got to read the post. Maybe it was an imaginary adversary. Or maybe he was just fighting a dream. That's such beautiful language... it has a stunning point and makes you think about Vader's practice in an entirely new way, flipping the scene around. Beautiful! Again, . You have no idea what these comments mean to me. Thankies! New post hopefully sometime soon! ~Vi~ -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/15/03 6:35pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - reader replies 7/15
	Upsies! -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/16/03 1:52pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - reader replies 7/15 - Date Edited: 4/27 10:33pm (2 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	Chapter Four cont. The stars shone high above the neon haze of Imperial Center as Emperor Palpatine let his gaze wander toward the heavens. He took time to stare at the sky every night, no matter where he was. Somehow, though, it looked best from the surface of the world formerly known as Coruscant. The old man rested both hands on his gnarled cane, more out of habit than an actual need for it. There had been a time when he could only dream of ruling over a galaxy such as the one he now controlled. There had been nights when he had stared at the dark sky alone and nights when he’d shared an inconspicuous balcony with another. He remembered one night in particular, because it had been the night when he realized that his plans had finally begun to fall into place. The Emperor remembered gliding out of his secret apartments that night, along with one of his former apprentices. The man was by no means younger than Palpatine, but he had only in recent years begun his Sith training. His apprentice was preparing to leave for a secret meeting to discuss separation from the Republic. The Sith Master and his protégé discussed which worlds and which senators would be easiest to ensnare first. Then after his apprentice left him alone on the balcony, Palpatine watched the stars in quiet anticipation. The Emperor smirked at the memory. The foolish politicians had had no idea what was truly in store for their precious Republic. He had planned the war from the very beginning, long before any of them realized. When they voted him in as Supreme Chancellor, they had not a clue of his true intensions or of how deep his influence really reached. He allowed himself a quiet laugh. The Jedi had not seen it – not until it was too late. How unfortunate for them. And how very fortunate for him. “Your Excellency?” The Emperor turned his head to the side, spotting the lieutenant out of the corner of his eye. “What is it?” He did not hide the irritation in his voice. The lieutenant hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth to speak. “Excellency, the intelligence reports have come in…and it seems that a copy of the plans for your secret construction project has been stolen.” That was certainly not good news. The Emperor turned fully to face the man. “And who stole them?” “Why…the Rebels, Excellency.” “I see,” he murmured. The Emperor stroked his chin with one bone-white finger. He was angry, to be sure, but then again he had expected something to leak out. Something always did. “Send word to Lord Vader that he is to leave at dawn and track down these Rebel spies.” “As you command, Excellency.” The man offered a stiff military bow, then scampered out of the throne room. The Emperor watched his retreating figure. His apprentice would take care of the matter. And if he did not…well, it wouldn’t matter. The Emperor had powerful methods of persuasion. The weapon was completed – quite before schedule in fact – and it would need to be tested. If the Rebels were determined not to hand over their copy of the plans, then he would simply order that the weapon be tested on several targets, all of which would be very dear to the leaders of the Rebellion. The old man turned back to the viewport and stared up at the stars. No one could stand in his way. He’d proved this over the last nineteen years. No…he’d proved it ever since he first set his plans in motion. It would not change now. There was no being capable of stopping him. That’s not true. He narrowed his eyebrows. Yes, there existed beings with the ability to put an end to his reign. But with proper timing and care, he would make sure they never realized their full power. And hopefully they would never reach full maturity either. Another wicked smirk. He let his dark laughter bubble out of him like a vile liquid. In the void of his throne room he laughed and laughed and laughed. They would never stop him. His reign would be everlasting. It was good to be Emperor. *** “Javan…Javan my boy, you must wake up.” The young diplomat moaned in protest as he came out of his slumber. Above him he could discern the outline of Bail Organa. “Cousin? What is the matter?” He rubbed his bleary eyes. “We don’t have time. I need to ask you a favor.” The older man pulled Javan out of bed. Javan reached for a tunic. “Yes, of course. What is it?” He pulled the tunic over his head and hastily smoothed down his black hair. Bail placed his hands on the younger man’s shoulders. “Javan, I need you to go to Bothawui.” He looked his cousin dead in the eyes. “Tonight.” “Bothawui! Now Bail—” “Javan, please! Just listen. I need you to go and meet with some of the Bothan and Rebel spies that I’ve been working with. They contacted me and told me that it was urgent. I’d go myself, but it would be suspicious. The Empire is most certainly keeping close tabs on me if they weren’t already.” Javan stared at his cousin in disbelief. It was the middle of the night. As if that wouldn’t look suspicious. “Bail…” “Please trust me, Javan.” The look in his cousin’s eyes tore at his heart. The young man sighed. “I’ll go,” he murmured. Bail clasped Javan’s hands between his. “With all my heart and soul, thank you.” He leaned in closer. “I fear that the news will not bode well for the Alliance at all. You must leave now.” Javan nodded. When he decided to join the Rebellion he had never imagined that mere hours later he would be blasting off to do unknown business with alien allies. Force protect me, he thought bleakly. I’m going to need it. *** -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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tatooinewizard Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 7/16/03 5:54pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - new post 7/16
	Ah, it's good to have the Dark Fire Chronicles back in action again.. -----signature----- Dolores Lennox--SMG I (The Murderer) Fics in bio (The Legend of Black Saber--Winner for Best OC Story) lordmaul13's partner in crime "I'm the man in the box"--AIC There is no peace, only emotion
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/17/03 8:23am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - new post 7/16
	Up! -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/17/03 10:08am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - new post 7/16 - Date Edited: 4/27 10:34pm (3 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	Chapter Five: Into the Underbelly Dawn broke over the Imperial Palace as Princess Leia Naberrie crept quietly out into the city. She’d tricked a palace guard into thinking she was one of the departing night shift. As she slid along one of the back entrance security passages, she hugged her dark cloak closer, keeping the hood low over her face. She and Luke were rarely seen in public, and when they were they kept their faces shrouded. Still, she didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks, at least not until she was clear of the palace. Now as she strode out into the lower level walkways, she cringed. The odor was like nothing she’d ever experienced. Not only that, but her mental senses were being bombarded. Somehow being inside the palace or near her father served as a barricade for outside distraction. The awesome Force presence of one such as her father was enough to occupy her senses. Now that she was away from him and from the safety of the palace, she realized how many things lived on Imperial Center. Leia could feel the presences of both humans and aliens lying underneath the garbage piles, trying to shield themselves from dangerous passersby. She was also aware of the hostile atmosphere that permeated this sector of the city. Looking over her shoulder, she realized how far away from home she was. In the distance she could see the sun reflecting off of the metal surface of the palace. It rose high above the level that Leia was now on. The skyscrapers around it did not hold quite the same majesty as the palace. But even the sunlight could do nothing to improve the coldness that seemed to shroud the towering building. Leia shuddered involuntarily. Looking away from her reluctant home, she pressed forward, trying to discern the best course to follow. She really didn’t have any clue as to where the best pilots would frequent. There were cantinas and clubs aplenty on Imperial Center, but there weren’t necessarily many good pilots. Or even credible pilots, for that matter. She was a fair pilot in her own right, and she would have flown herself if she weren’t afraid that the Emperor or her father would find out where she’d gone. The emerging sun revealed several shopkeepers opening their doors to business, while others closed for the day. The nightclubs, naturally. Leia walked by these little stores and turned onto another walkway, spotting a public turbolift. She could stay on this filthy level and hope for the best, or go further up and risk recognition. Biting her lip, Leia turned away from the turbolift. She’d take her chances down here, in the underbelly. The princess trudged forward through the scattered garbage and around the sleeping vagabonds. Somehow she hadn’t thought finding a pilot would be difficult, but now she realized that it might take a while. But she was determined not to turn back. She had to meet Senator Organa, no matter what the costs were. She was her father’s daughter, and she would never give up. *** He’d promised himself that he would never come back here unless he had no other alternative. So much for promises. The young man placed one hand over his holster, checking that his blaster was there. One could never be too careful on Imperial Center. He’d learned that a long time ago, when he’d been on the run. You’re still on the run, you idiot. The Navy doesn’t like you any more now than it did when you got kicked out. That voice in his head – maybe it was his conscience – was always piping in at the worst times. Shut up, he thought to himself. He glanced behind him, watching his ship grow smaller as he stalked off of the landing platform. He’d left his copilot on board, claiming that this was business he needed to attend to alone. Besides…Wookiees weren’t very welcome on the Imp capital. Not unless they had a slave collar around their neck. The man checked his surroundings, then took the turbolift down to one of the lower levels of the city. With any luck, he’d find the slimeball he was looking for with ease and be off of this no good planet before nightfall. And with a little more luck he’d avoid running into any Imp agents. As he continued walking his com beeped, and with mild annoyance, he answered it. “Solo here.” A low rumbling growl met his ears. He nodded. “You’re sure that’s his ship?” Another growl. “Okay, Chewie…if you say so. I’ll check it out.” Tucking the com under his jacket, the young pilot sighed and headed into the filthy slums. *** -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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tatooinewizard Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 7/17/03 10:28am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 7/17
	Han... But what about that other guy, I was just remembering, from a long time ago, an OC. I think he was on the first page, but I can't remember his name. -----signature----- Dolores Lennox--SMG I (The Murderer) Fics in bio (The Legend of Black Saber--Winner for Best OC Story) lordmaul13's partner in crime "I'm the man in the box"--AIC There is no peace, only emotion
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Lady_Moonbeam Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/17/03 10:34am Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 7/17
	Two more posts! This is just the thing I need to help perk me up. I was just wondering when Han was going to make an appearance--and there he is! claps I hope Leia will get to Bail safely... -----signature----- And Into the Black http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=13881821 Mooné, Handmaiden of the Crest
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 7/17/03 5:50pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 7/17 - Date Edited: 7/17/03 8:51pm (1 edits total) Edited By: RebelMom
	so, the Emperor hopes that Luke and Leia don't survive much longer. Leia's almost out of his reach. Luke's still there, but neither is really safe. Luke is safe with Dad around, but if Dad leaves... Can't wait for some Leia/Han arguing, er interaction,well same thing for them. -----signature----- 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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BrownEyes_Blue Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/17/03 8:37pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 7/17
	Wow! I love this story! ViariSkywalker....I love all your stories....they're so wonderfully written and I'm alawys a sucker for Vader/Twins fics! I can't believe I just found this out tonight! This really made my night that's for sure. Keep it up! On with the story.....I loved the Luke and Leia interactions and another bonus is that your Vader isn't hidden behind a mask. -----signature----- "He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." Anakin & Padme....the greatest love story in a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
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ViariSkywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 7/18/03 1:46pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - updated 7/17 - Date Edited: 4/27 10:34pm (8 edits total) Edited By: ViariSkywalker
	Hello lovely readers! TW - I take it you're glad Han has shown up? And about that other guy...new post today Moon - I suppose you wanted to see Han too? Me too...it wouldn't be Star Wars without our beloved scoundrel! Mom - You too?! Goodness...it's a good thing I like Han/Leia. (Oh darn...hope I didn't spoil anything! ) BrownEyes_Blue - Welcome!! Nice to have a new reader. And on behalf of my other fics, thank you. And I thought Vader without a mask would be interesting too. Here's the postie! EDIT: Fixed it! Read on! *** Chapter Five cont. “My lord, the Devastator is ready for you.” Vader lifted his black cloak and wrapped it around his shoulders. He adjusted the black gloves that he wore, paying a bit more attention to the one on the right hand. Turning to the hologram, he nodded. “And my shuttle?” “Also prepared to take you to your ship, my lord.” Vader nodded once more. “Good.” He switched off the hologram and headed for the door. Hardly dawn, and here he was hurrying offworld. Then again, he was used to it. The Emperor often needed him to leave Imperial Center, mostly to engage Rebels or make some show of power. He normally didn’t mind, even though the work was beneath him. He was a warrior, not an errand boy. Still, he realized that things had to be done, so he complied. He only wished he didn’t have to leave his children behind so often. They’d had a nursemaid when they were infants, and they’d been under her care for much of their childhood. But once they reached age ten, Vader had decided that they should be completely under his care. Yes, he’d raised them from infancy, but he hadn’t always been the one teaching them or watching over them. He certainly hadn’t been able to train them like he should have. He blamed Leia’s inability to maintain her anger for extended periods on the fact that she and Luke had been cared for by someone other than their father. Still, he realized that the twins had needed a female influence in their lives. They had no mother – their nursemaid was the closest thing. Vader didn’t even know the woman’s real name. She had called herself Winama Janren, but Vader knew that was only an alias. It still seemed familiar somehow, even if it wasn’t her real name. From the way she cared for the twins, he could tell she had children of her own. Whether they were living or dead, he could not say. Vader knew that Winama had once been a beautiful woman, but when she had come to him it was clear that she had been through much. There were several jagged scars across her left cheek, and her brown hair had begun to gray – more from stress than age. She did her job well, and though Vader never really knew exactly what things she taught the children, he had trusted her. Winama died shortly after the twins’ tenth birthday, probably because she was no longer needed. It was unfortunate, but Vader admitted to himself that since she wasn’t required, it wasn’t much of a loss. And with such thoughts whirling around in his head, Vader made his way to the shuttle that would take him to his flagship. * It was the dead of night on Tatooine when Cal awoke to the sound of howling. In his half-dreamy state he wasn’t sure if it was the wind or some desert creature that was making the awful racket. On the other side of the little house, he could hear someone moving around. Probably his mother. She often had trouble getting to sleep. Cal sighed and leaned back on his pillow. The howling was still going on, and now he was starting to think that it was definitely not the wind. Just as he began to think about what it could be, he felt his eyelids close and his mind fog with sleep. * The diplomatic vessel cruised along through hyperspace with ease while Javan watched the stars streak by. He tapped his fingers absently on the console. There was no escaping that particular nervous habit. The pilot hit a com switch and seemed to be listening to someone speak. He murmured a few words, then switched it off. “Sir, we have some news from the Bothans.” Javan sat up straight, turning to the pilot. “What news?” “The Empire has begun to trace them. They sent the data to a trusted spy on Tatooine.” Javan leaned back in his chair, wondering what he should do. He’d promised Bail that he would go to Bothawui, but now the data was on Tatooine. Couldn’t the Imperials trace the trail to that planet? He tapped the console with maddening intensity. He had little choice. The Empire would find the Rebel on Tatooine…if he didn’t get the data from this spy, then the Alliance would lose the information completely, before it even discovered what it was. “Pilot, hail the Bothans. Tell them to let their spy on Tatooine know that we are coming to get the data.” “Yes, sir.” Javan sighed as he watched the ship come out of hyperspace and prepare to set a new course. Right now it would be daytime on Alderaan. He wished he could be there, but at the same time he knew that he had left his innocence behind the moment he’d spoken to Bail by the fireplace the night before. This was his life now. He had an Empire to fight. *** It was midday and still no sign of the assassin. Cryger’s information had pointed them to this location – an abandoned storehouse – but so far all they’d found was a drunk vagabond, a couple of ugly rodents, and loads of trash. Mara Jade kicked a broken holoproj and one of the nasty rodents scurried out from under it. She eyed it with disgust. This place was filthy and definitely empty. There was no one here. At least no one that she could sense was of any importance. Captain Cryger stepped over the sleeping drunk and approached Mara. “My lady, it appears that the man we are looking for has left this residence.” He made it sound like the assassin had just checked out of a classy hotel. The young woman rolled her eyes. “Are you sure, Captain?” Mara replied, barely concealing her annoyance. As if she hadn’t figured it out already. “He can’t have gone far. We just tracked him here not two hours ago.” “Begging your pardon, my lady, but he could easily have gone far.” Mara cocked her head to the side so she could get a better look at the captain. A retort sprung to her lips and died there before she could let it loose. The captain was right. She might as well bite her tongue and keep searching. Making her way back to the speeder, she glanced at the three soldiers who had accompanied Cryger. They were in civilian clothing, but they were obviously military personnel. They couldn’t even walk without giving it away. They smirked at her, as if they thought it was amusing that a girl had come with them. She returned their stares, satisfied with the knowledge that she could easily dispatch them. Well…maybe not easily, but she could do it. Cryger gunned the engine, and the five Imperials took off through the air. The captain handed Mara a small tracker of some kind. “That shows how far he could have gone since we last traced his position.” He swerved to avoid a wild driver. “Where to first, my lady?” Mara scanned the tracker. If she were a grown-up and fully trained assassin, where would she go? She shut her eyes and tried to let the Force compel her. Opening her eyes again, she looked at the tracker. Would she head further into the slums, where she’d be expected to go but would be hard to follow? Or would she head for the more dangerous surface buildings, where no one would expect her to go? I do love a challenge. Maybe this assassin does too. “Captain, let’s head for the upper levels. I’ve got a feeling that’s where we’ll find our man.” The captain grunted his affirmative and swung the speeder upward, cutting through many layers of traffic before finally breaking into the sunlight. They cruised around the area, looking for the most promising hideouts. Mara let her eyes glide along the buildings. She saw a strip of shops that looked modest enough. There was a diner off to one side of the strip, and she looked over at Cryger. “There. Let’s start at that diner.” The speeder eased onto the landing platform, and Mara jumped out of the vehicle before it even touched the ground. She strode toward the diner, aware of the four men behind her, trying to keep up. As she approached the diner, she felt an odd twinge in the pit of her stomach. Was that him? The holovids had shown the assassin’s ability to use the Force. She should be able to sense him. The girl stepped through the door, noting the light, busy atmosphere. A droid rolled by her, balancing a large plate of drinks on one hand and a dish on the other. “Honey, we got a customer!” The droid had a distinctly feminine voice. Mara liked it, despite herself. Behind the counter appeared a lobster-like alien. He was quite large, with four arms and a slightly menacing face. Something told her that he was not at all dangerous – at least not around honest people. “What can I get for ya, little one?” the alien asked. Mara walked to the counter. “Have you seen a red-haired man wearing black clothes come through here? He’s about this tall, I believe.” She lifted her hand high above her head to indicate the assassin’s height. The alien laughed. “I see a lot of people come in here.” Mara leaned in toward the bulky creature. “Sir, I think you are smarter than you look. Have you seen the man I’m searching for?” The alien’s laugh died down. “The name’s Dex, miss. No need to call me sir. You’re obviously of higher importance than I am.” He eyed the clothes she wore. A dark blue jumpsuit and black boots, along with a holster. The holster. It was made of fine leather. The alien – Dex – must have noticed it. “Dex, I really need to find this man,” Mara felt her voice begin to edge toward whining. She didn’t want to have to beg like a child or threaten the man like a criminal. Dex stroked his chin thoughtfully. “He was here, if it’s the same one you want. He just left right before you came in.” Mara felt her eyes widen. “Thank you, Dex. You’ve been most helpful.” “Anytime, miss.” The girl bolted out the door before Dex could offer her something to eat or drink. She saw Cryger waiting by the corner of the building with his men. “Well?” One of the soldiers asked expectantly. Mara glared at him. “He just left. I think he’s still around.” She could feel something…it was nudging her, pulling at her. Her stomach was still twisting around. “This way, and quietly.” She signaled for the men to follow her around to the back of the diner. The uneasiness grew stronger. It must be him…he must be back there. Reaching out through the Force, she felt someone sitting against the back wall of the diner. He was awake, and… He was waiting. *** The problem with plans was that they sometimes went wrong. Aidan realized that his situation was a perfect example of this. He had emerged from the underbelly of Imperial Center hoping to avoid any other competitors who would be looking for him down there. Not only had this plan failed, but he could now sense five people following him. He’d even gone into a respectable diner – a place he never thought he would enter – in order to throw off his pursuers. That didn’t work either. He was done playing around. Whoever these creeps were, he could handle them. Aidan smirked. Just like he had taken care of that upstart wannabe down near Surna’s joint. The assassin pulled out the blaster that he’d taken from the kid. It was a good weapon, but he still preferred his vibroblade. A blaster would work better on five people, though. He settled himself against the wall behind the diner, waiting for his attackers to come. He could sense each one of them, but one in particular caught his extra attention. It was like a beacon in the midst of a fog.Or maybe it was the food I ate. What was in that stuff? Aidan shook his head. He had to be focused. The first man came around the corner too fast, as though he had missed an order to stay concealed. Before he could even spot what he was looking for, he lay dead on the ground with a blaster wound smoking in his forehead. Aidan crouched close to a garbage can. He’d lost the element of surprise now. They knew he was here. He held his blaster in preparation. Two blaster bolts sizzled overhead. They were trying to spook him out of hiding. Amateurs. “Come out of there, you can’t win!” A man’s voice shouted. Aidan laughed. “You’ll have to come here and get me! We’ll see who wins.” The remaining men muttered around the corner, probably trying to come up with a plan. Aidan waited. They would never get him. More blasts rang through the air, and two more men jumped out and charged the place where Aidan was hiding. Calling on his invisible ally, Aidan ripped the weapons from the hands and fired with his own. They fell to their knees, and Aidan stood up. Taking out his vibroblade, he approached the men. One of the attackers rolled onto his back, dead. The other moaned, his face in the ground. Aidan took the blade and held it near the back of the man’s neck. “Your friend dies if you try to kill me again.” The man who had spoken earlier stepped out from behind the wall with a girl at his side. “We don’t want to kill you.” Aidan frowned, then let his mouth curve into a vicious grin. “Oh sure, right. You’re just here for sport.” He eyed the redheaded girl, wondering what she was doing with these men. Strange. The man, who looked like an army captain or something similar, cleared his throat. “The Emperor wishes to see you, Assassin.” Aidan laughed once more. “The Emperor?” His eyes shot upward. “His Excellency, Emperor Palpatine? Well then, by all means, please take me to him!” He continued to shake with amusement. The girl grew indignant. She stepped past the captain. “You mock your Emperor?” Her voice was cold and threatening. Aidan stopped laughing and stared straight into her eyes. His stomach rolled over, but he ignored it. “He’s not my Emperor, kid. He’ll never be my Emperor.” The young assassin moved his vibroblade and let it slice through the back of his prisoner’s neck. He saw the girl and the captain both flinch. “I’m not going anywhere.” He yanked out the blaster and shot at the captain’s heart. Within half a heartbeat, Aidan felt the blaster being knocked out of his hand by his own blaster bolt. Staring in amazement, he watched as the weapon clattered across the ground. Looking back, he saw the girl was standing in front of the man with a glowing red sword in her hand. A lightsaber. Aidan recovered from his momentary shock in time to grab his vibroblade and get out of the girl’s way. She walked slowly toward him, her lightsaber held over her head like a long dagger. “Give up,” she ordered icily. Aidan refused in his heart to ever admit defeat, but somehow his mind had already done so. He knew he couldn’t win right now, not against that weapon. He backed away toward the wall, looking for an escape, but of course there was none. The girl glared at him. “I don’t have all day. You can make this easy, or you can make it difficult.” “I thought you weren’t going to kill me.” “Kill, no. Maim…that all depends on you.” The girl coiled her body in preparation for attack. Aidan felt the sweat gathering on his forehead. Normally such a threat coming from a mere child would have amused him, but since he was clearly on the defensive, he took her seriously. “What’s in it for me?” “Maybe nothing, maybe everything. At least all your limbs will be intact.” This girl had a sense of humor not unlike his own. He lowered his vibroblade. “All right. I’ll go with you, kid.” She shut off her weapon. “Don’t think that just because I turned it off you can escape. I’m not the Emperor’s Hand for nothing.” She clipped the lightsaber onto her belt. Aidan looked her over. She seemed a little young to be…what was it? Emperor’s Hand? Where did the guy come up with these names? Just call her an assassin or a bodyguard, if that was what she was. Aidan shook his head. How Palpatine had ever come to power was beyond him. He let a dark grin play across his face. “Lead on, kid.” He held out his hands and let the captain – who had seemed stunned until now – put binders on his wrists. “I’m going to regret this.” *** -----signature----- Big Sis of Lady_Rae 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 ANGST!
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tatooinewizard Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 7/18/03 2:51pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - new post 7/18
	A spy on Tatooine? Hmmm... You know this is the second fic I've read today where Dex suddenly appeared. Aidan! You know everytime I ask when someone's going to appear or something's going to happen in a fic, it suddenly does. Weird. -----signature----- Dolores Lennox--SMG I (The Murderer) Fics in bio (The Legend of Black Saber--Winner for Best OC Story) lordmaul13's partner in crime "I'm the man in the box"--AIC There is no peace, only emotion
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 7/18/03 4:28pm Subject: RE: The Dark Fire Chronicles (AU OT) - new post 7/18
	All kinds of stuff happening. Tatooine has suddenly become popular. Nice to see Mara show up. Dex was a surprise. Knowing that the twins had a nursemaid helps partially explain why they still have a lot of good in them. Ready for more. -----signature----- 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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