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Topic:
A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 62 Updated 08/31/08
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JediMaster_Jen
Registered:
Jun '02
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Date Posted:
4/2 7:04pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Out in a blaze of glory--that's just like Xan. Great work. 
-----signature-----
"Qui tacet consentit"~~ (silence implies consent) Red Wings Rock!!!!!!! 
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DarkAnakinfan
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
4/5 8:17am
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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I've finally caught up here. Great post! I feel like I need to hang on to my seat because it should be a wild ride now. Poor Xan. So much is being asked of him here as well as of Obi, Anakin & Ben. I can't wait to see how this plays out! Please add me to your pm list!
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
4/8 5:32am
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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I'm worried that this deception may end up being quite costly. 
“The Council, Obi-Wan, you, and I have asked that Ben be told. That’s it. Everyone else must believe I have fallen – your mother and Cliegg and Owen, Bant, Senator Amidala, everyone.”
“It’s not fair!” Anakin snapped heatedly. “You have worked so hard, and now they are asking you to flirt with the dark side again.”
“We never are guaranteed that life will be fair,” Xanatos replied firmly. It was a lesson he had tried to instill in his apprentice since the beginning of his training. “Having worked so hard to resist the dark side is what makes me best suited for this assignment.”
“What if I lose you?” Anakin asked, sounding more like a lost little boy than the young man he was becoming.
“You could lose me on one of these hellholes that they call battlefields,” Xanatos reminded sarcastically.
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Padawan.” Xanatos spoke in the soft voice he had always used to reassure Anakin after a bad dream or when a mission had gone bad, the one that held the wisdom and strength of one who had faced much and always came through. “I gave you my word that I would not fall again – that I would die first. It’s a promise I don’t take lightly. I will remember that you are here holding me to that promise if it gets tough.”
“When do you have to give an answer?” Anakin asked in a near whisper.
“The Council has given me a week to explore the matter.” Xanatos rose to his knees. “I will not accept this assignment if you are not in complete agreement as well. Will you help me, Padawan?”
Anakin too rose to his knees, and both master and padawan sank into the agitated currents of the Force, hoping that together they could make sense of it.
Can't wait for the next update!
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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AngryWarrior
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
4/15 6:56pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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UP!!!!
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Jaira
Title: FanForce Arkansas
PR Officer
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
4/15 8:46pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Brilliant acting that was, gentlemen. Now, it's time to see how Xan handles being up close and personal with the Dark Side again.
-----signature-----
 Where has all the Siriwan gone? Need a fun break? http://z9.invisionfree.com/Jello_Anarchy/
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ratna
Registered:
Mar '07
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Date Posted:
4/18 1:19pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
- Date Edited:
5/6 1:56am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
ratna
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New to your story, just caught up ... just in time to be worried sick about what is coming.
I have been on kind of a Xan jag, ever since stumbling onto EVIL Magier's Threads, and Legacy, and then Itachi Uchiha's ADDICTING Headstrong. Sheesh.
I LOVE your characters and the way that you have portrayed them. Love the way that the events from the trilogy have morphed under your pen (keyboard). Love the great relationships among the characters. Love the idea of lineages within the Jedi. Love this story, period.
Please pm me when you update!
(P.S. Qui-Gon's line. Yes, that is the key in it all. You are playing it through beautifully.)
-----signature-----
Ou n'a tu pas tellement aime quelqu'un que tu avais peur de l'aimer au peur des souvenirs?
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AngryWarrior
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
5/2 7:51pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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UP
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Jedi-Master-Jurron
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
5/9 7:45am
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Moving this up! Great work keep it up!
-----signature-----
"I loved you Anakin, you were my brother, but I couldn't save you"...Obi to Anakin in ROTS
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Jedi-Master-Jurron
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
5/11 3:19pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Bumpity bump
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"I loved you Anakin, you were my brother, but I couldn't save you"...Obi to Anakin in ROTS
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Master_Noi
Registered:
Sep '04
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Date Posted:
5/26 8:21pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Valairy_Scot - I think that Xanatos decking Obi-Wan really helped get the point across. Everyone knows they are close.
BrightFeather - Right now the Dark side could have anyone in its sights.
Bkcbookworm - They really needed Ben to be confused.
LadyLunas - They made it look good then.
LordPullus - I think Anakin is going to feel a little lost, which is probably not good. It is good, however, that Obi-Wan and Ben are there for him.
Itachi-Uchiha - Xanatos has a plan that will hopefully make Dooku think he isn't interested in being in his inner circle.
The_Slilent_One - Hopefully, Xan's role can be adequately addressed after all is said and done.
RevansGhost - Both Xanatos and Anakin are going to obviously feel a certain amount of trepidation about this all.
Redstarred19 - I think this is something Xan knew he couldn't do without Anakin's acceptance of it.
OBI-LOVE - Yes, it starts.
obsessedwithSW - I think that Xanatos is a much more human mentor than Obi-Wan was with Anakin. He allows Anakin to see his weakness along with his strength.
PadawanKitara - And now for the encore.
bek - The fact that Anakin is there waiting for him is something Xanatos will keep very close.
Ocelotl_Nesto - We are hoping for them to fall for it hook, line and sinker.
Jedi_of_Imladris - He is going to feel like keeping to himself for a while I think and when he does go out it is going to be tough for him to not defend Xanatos.
Independence1776 - Oh, I am sure Palpy will be delighted in many ways to hear of Xan's departure.
Broken_Circle - Obi-Wan can't say he wasn't warned.
Cole_Kenobi - Wow, thanks. I am glad you are enjoying this so much. You are right about this version of Xanatos. He would do about anything to protect his family.
Gkilkenny - And Xan likely knows that Obi will forgive him.
dianethx - I think that both Anakin and Ben are highly motivated to play along because they know that they must do so if they want to protect Xanatos.
wolf_kenobi - It either goes downhill or onto being heroes.
Kivas - He is going to be tempted, that is certain.
JediMaster_Jen - No one would believe it if he went quietly.
DarkAnakinfan - They just need to hold on to each other and they should be fine ... unless something tears it all apart.
VaderLVR - Close scrapes with the dark side usually tend to go that way.
AngryWarrior - Thanks for the up.
Jaira - Well, he's not looking forward to it.
ratna - I just find it interesting how so many of the main characters even in canon are connected by their lineage.
Jedi-Master-Jurron - Thanks for bumping this up.
-----signature-----
For Such a Time as This ( 09/21/08)
A Shrouded Path (08/31/08)
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Master_Noi
Registered:
Sep '04
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Date Posted:
5/26 8:41pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - Chapter 59 Updated 03/26/08
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Once again, I am breaking free from RL for a while to bring you a post. I really keep hoping it will slow down soon.
Chapter 60
No one dared challenge the stately Jedi master as he pushed his way through the patrons. He was an intimidating enough presence even if he did look out of place, and none of this sort wanted trouble with the Jedi. His nostrils flared, his patrician nose twitching at the noxious mix of cheap liquor and body odor. If the Force presence wasn’t so mistakable, he would had left long ago. The audacity – a Jedi padawan at a place like this and he was not even bothering to shield.
The crowds finally parted enough, allowing him to catch sight of the object of his search. The young man saw him too, visibly sighing as he whispered something to the lithe Twi’lek draped across his lap.
“Master Dooku,” Xanatos acknowledged with a casual nod of his head. Blatant disrespect – a Jedi padawan always stood when an elder entered the room. He would learn.
Reaching out, Dooku grabbed a fistful of tunics and yanked the young man over the table and to his feet, sending the Twi’lek falling and several empty glasses crashing to the floor.
“I am astonished that you feel this is acceptable behavior for a Jedi padawan,” Dooku rebuked sternly. “Do you have any idea what hour it is?”
“As long as I keep up with my training, my free time is my own,” Xanatos bit back.
“Yes, I am well aware of how Qui-Gon indulges you.” Dooku released his grip and smoothed the shoulders of the young man’s cloak before straightening his braid over one shoulder. “However, my former pupil has left you in my care for the duration of his current assignment.”
“He asked you to oversee my training.” Xanatos pushed the older man’s hands away. “I am hardly a crèchling who needs care.”
“Perhaps.” The Jedi master flashed a stern smile. “But you lack discipline.”
“I rank highly among my peers in training … have excelled in all my studies … have successfully completed two solo missions. I think that speaks for my discipline.”
Xanatos turned and started out of the cantina, slapping the credits to cover his tab down on the bar before leaving. Dooku trailed him out into the alley before grabbing the young man’s shoulder and spinning him around.
“What do you want from me old man?” Xanatos snarled.
“What is your goal in life?”
“To become a Jedi knight.” Xanatos spread his hands to the side and offered a curt bow. “Then, a Jedi master.”
“And beyond that?”
“What? Sit on the Council?” Xanatos let out a chuckle. “I’ll clue you in. That’s never going to happen. They don’t like me, and the feeling is mutual.”
“So, you’ve already given up on anything extraordinary …”
“Look!” Xanatos interrupted. “I’m sorry if you’re bitter that the Council appears to have overlooked your obvious brilliance and that Qui-Gon seems to not feel the Force is leading him to kiss up to the Council,” Xanatos mocked. “And apparently I’m a pretty big disappointment to you also. Better luck with the next …”
The sharp slap left a red mark across one pale cheek. Those midnight blue eyes shifted, anger burning through the half-drunken haze. Dooku had definitely gotten the young man’s attention.”
“My master will hear that you struck me,” Xanatos threatened.
“I am sure there is a lot he will hear about.” Dooku latched onto the young man’s arm and began to drag him toward the waiting speeder. “A little discipline will do you good while your master is away. You only think you have worked hard before now.”
****
Xanatos had chosen the small spaceport. He had remembered it from his days on undercover assignments as an information hub for many of the unsavory sorts in the galaxy. It was likely that Dooku had eyes and ears here. He and the Council had agreed that seeking Dooku out was not an option. It was too obvious. Xanatos had to draw Dooku to him. After speaking with Yoda, they had agreed that the best way was to tempt the old man’s sense of superiority. Now he was beginning to doubt himself.
Xanatos rubbed a hand across tired eyes, dragging it down across a stubbled cheek as he reached into the Force to clear his mind. He reached for the half-empty glass in front of him and finished off the contents. His face twisted into a grimace as he added the empty glass to the small collection in front of him. If nothing happened soon, the Council was going to begin to wonder if he had decided to genuinely drink himself into oblivion instead of just appearing to do so. Hopefully word of the bar fight the previous night hadn’t gotten back to them.
He focused his thoughts and pushed the doubts away. Dooku would come.
{Master, I wish I could ask your advice on how to deal with Dooku. We never really got along.}
Xanatos had no doubt that Qui-Gon could hear what he spoke into the Force and at times got brief flickers of something that passed for communication with the deceased master, but that was all. A slight warming along the former training bond brought a smile to his face.
{If I screw this up and get myself killed, I know Obi-Wan will take care of Anakin. You will have to take care of Obi-Wan.}
The hint of laughter, as though it was something he even had to ask. Then more seriously, a deep sense of reassurance.
“Can I get you something else, Honey?”
Xanatos closed his eyes, once again pushing away the fog that lurked just on the fringes of his consciousness. If he drank anymore, he would officially reach the impaired point and that wasn’t a good thing when dealing with a Sith lord.
“Not thirsty.” He flashed a smile before offering a teasing touch to the young woman’s arm and pulling her into his lap. “Maybe you could just sit here and keep me company.”
“Somehow I think you’d be nothing but trouble,” she flirted back as she ran fingers down his face, her fingertips lingering on the scar that marred his cheek.
He was beginning to come up with a fitting retort when he felt the first ripple in the fabric of the Force, a probe of darkness searching out his presence. It sent an involuntary shudder down his spine.
“Go in the back and find somewhere to hide,” he whispered hurriedly as he pushed the young woman off his lap.
She began to protest, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. Xanatos pressed a finger to her lips and offered a smile. “Just go,” he soothed. “Someone is looking for me, and you may not want to be in here when he finds me.”
She offered him a backwards glance, but complied, disappearing into a back room not a moment too soon.
“Xanatos,” came a refined voice. “I suppose it is only fitting that I come and pick you up off a cantina floor yet again.”
Xanatos pushed the haze from his mind, reaching to the Force for clarity. He quickly stood and turned, knocking glasses to the floor as he pretended to stumble. “Get away from me … Sith,” he spat, raising his saber as he made the appearance of steadying himself with his other hand on the table.
“You were hardly a match for me sober,” Dooku said with a chuckle. “Surely you won’t do much better as a drunk.”
“I’m not a drunk.”
Xanatos braced himself as he felt the Dark side stir right before a powerful Force push sent him flying over the bar. Patrons were already scrambling out the door as he knocked drinks away and landed roughly on a pile of alcohol-soaked broken glass. He cautiously got to his feet, one thought giving him comfort. He sensed no real danger. Dooku was only toying with him.
Xanatos launched himself back over the counter, purposely opening himself up to another attack. It defied all logic, but he was supposed to be drunk and sloppy. He was met with a barstool that shoved him into the wall. He sat for a moment dazed, aware of a trickle of blood streaming down the side of his face. Dooku approached, hovering over him as he stared down that damned aristocratic nose.
“What do you want with me, old man?” Xanatos demanded.
“The same I have always wanted – for you to recognize your own considerable potential.”
“Someone from your line sitting on the Council and you're still not happy,” Xanatos murmured sarcastically.
“I will admit to a certain amount of pride in you, actually. I had never thought you would obtain the rank of Jedi Master or take on the responsibility of an apprentice, but that no longer matters.I have come to realize there is a deeper potential in you, one the Council clearly does not appreciate.”
Dark tendrils of the Force slithered around his mind, serpents ready to raise up and strike. Xanatos slammed down his shields. “The dark side?” he let out a humorless chuckle. “All it has ever done is cost me.”
“Only because you fear it instead of embracing it.”
Dooku yanked Xanatos to his feet by a fistful of tunics before dragging him up the stairs and depositing him roughly onto the sleepcouch in the Jedi master’s rented room.
“Clean yourself up. Tomorrow, when you aren’t so … impaired … we will discuss your future.”
Dooku left, the door sliding shut behind him. The Sith’s presence stayed nearby indicating that escape, even if Xanatos desired it, was not an option. The fact that the Sith had left him armed meant that he expected no threat, that he expected his offer to not be refused.
Xanatos rubbed a hand down his face. He had been successful, which only meant that his situation was about to become more complicated and dangerous. Sliding a portable transmission device from its hiding place, he sent one encoded transmission. “Bait taken.”
Settling down onto his stomach on the sleep couch, Xanatos slid his hands under his pillow, saber clutched firmly within grasp. It was a habit he had grown out of since Anakin had come into his life, but one he knew he needed to quickly learn again.
***
“You had better make your move so you can go check the stew,” Anakin said, tearing his eyes away from the pieces on the Shahmat board to look at Ben.
Brown eyes shifted to meet his after a moment before Ben picked up one of the black pieces and settled it back down a few spaces away. “It's yourtt move and you’re in trouble.”
Anakin whispered a curse under his breath as he surveyed his pieces. Of course he was in trouble. He didn't need precognition to know that before he started. At least he had won their earlier sparring match.
“And I will know if you move any pieces?” Ben called from the small kitchen area.
Personal space had become a bit of a luxury with Anakin staying in the Kenobi/Itires quarters, but all three Jedi were making the most of it. Both Obi-Wan and Ben had completely disregarded the idea of Anakin going to the knights’ barracks.
“And exactly when have I ever cheated?” Anakin protested as he followed Ben into the kitchen. He was hit with the mouth-watering aroma of nerf stew, the recipe that Qui-Gon has passed down to his padawans.
A sudden wave of homesickness washed over Anakin. The stew was a favorite of Xanatos’ and the savory smell made him wish he was back in his quarters with his master. He reached up to where his braid had hung up until the previous evening. It had been severed by Obi-Wan in a mock knighting ceremony.
“Are you okay, Anakin?” Ben asked.
“Yeah.” Anakin shrugged and offered a half-hearted smile. “Obi-Wan better hurry up. I’m starved.”
“I know you’re worried about him. In fact, I would be going mad if I was in your shoes,” Ben offered, resting a hand on his friend’s shoulders. “From what my master tells me, this is what Master Xanatos did before he took you as a padawan. He knows what he’s doing.”
“Thanks,” Anakin said. “I am just running out of distractions.”
“You’re right. We need to get out of the Temple tomorrow,” Ben suggested as he pulled some bowls out of the cabinet.
Obi-Wan was almost to their quarters and both padawans returned to the sitting room to greet him. Ben was the first to notice the serious expression on his master’s face.
“What is it Master?”
“We received a short message from Xanatos?”
“And ..?” Anakin practically interrupted.
“Dooku has taken the bait.”
“That’s good,” Ben said. “At least I think that’s good.”
“It is,” Anakin said. His master had survived his initial meeting with Dooku and was in state of being able to send a transmission. The young man’s momentary relief was tempered with the knowledge that the real danger was now beginning.
-----signature-----
For Such a Time as This ( 09/21/08)
A Shrouded Path (08/31/08)
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Valairy_Scot
Title: PT Rewrite Winner
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
5/26 9:09pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 60 Updated 05/26/08
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Xanatos rubbed a hand across tired eyes, dragging it down across a stubbled cheek as he reached into the Force to clear his mind. He reached for the half-empty glass in front of him and finished off the contents. His face twisted into a grimace as he added the empty glass to the small collection in front of him. If nothing happened soon, the Council was going to begin to wonder if he had decided to genuinely drink himself into oblivion instead of just appearing to do so. Hopefully word of the bar fight the previous night hadn’t gotten back to them.
He focused his thoughts and pushed the doubts away. Dooku would come.
{Master, I wish I could ask your advice on how to deal with Dooku. We never really got along.}
Xanatos had no doubt that Qui-Gon could hear what he spoke into the Force and at times got brief flickers of something that passed for communication with the deceased master, but that was all. A slight warming along the former training bond brought a smile to his face.
{If I screw this up and get myself killed, I know Obi-Wan will take care of Anakin. You will have to take care of Obi-Wan.}
The hint of laughter, as though it was something he even had to ask. Then more seriously, a deep sense of reassurance.
Well, at least Qui-Gon wasn't worried - so all will (eventually) be okay, right?
Dooku was/is a stern and disciplined man all right - harsh. How did Yoda allow that attitude to stay - or has it merely come out since his knighting?
-----signature-----
http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
5/27 9:55am
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 60 Updated 05/26/08
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“What is it Master?”
“We received a short message from Xanatos?”
“And ..?” Anakin practically interrupted.
“Dooku has taken the bait.”
“That’s good,” Ben said. “At least I think that’s good.”
“It is,” Anakin said. His master had survived his initial meeting with Dooku and was in state of being able to send a transmission. The young man’s momentary relief was tempered with the knowledge that the real danger was now beginning.
How true! And I can't wait. 
Great update.
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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Ocelotl_Nesto
Registered:
Oct '04
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Date Posted:
5/27 4:08pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 60 Updated 05/26/08
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This was a tasty post....
It is nice to know that they had a history.
Well done... but will the bait turn into a meal or bring in the big fish.... hmm
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OBI-LOVE
Registered:
Feb '07
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Date Posted:
5/27 4:58pm
Subject:
RE: A Shrouded Path (Obi-Wan, Xanatos, Anakin - Prequels AU) - FINALLY Chapter 60 Updated 05/26/08
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Great suspense. Now the real worry begins. Xanatos will need all the help he can get against Dooku. Maybe Qui-Gon can help through the Force?  Great post, as always.
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