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Author	Topic: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR - Updated 3/7
Vadey-Indra Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 2/9/06 10:24am Subject: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR - Updated 3/7 - Date Edited: 3/7/06 10:58am (3 edits total) Edited By: Vadey-Indra
	Title: Picking Every Blade of Truth Authors: Indra and VaderLVR64 Characters: Anakin, Obi-Wan, Palpatine, Shmi, Padmé Genre: AU Timeframe: AOTC Summary: How would Anakin’s fate be changed if a single life was spared? Notes: The title comes from a song by Runrig. And oops! Yes, this lovely plot bunny was from Juliet316 and we adopted it from the plot bunny thread! SO sorry we forgot to put that! Picking Every Blade of Truth It seemed to him that the dreams had been going on forever. Sometimes he wondered if there had ever been a time in his life when he had been free of them, when he had been able to just sleep. He knew of course that there had been such a time, but it was a memory he could not feel in his heart. Sleep was no healing balm, merely a place where all of his deepest fears could strike at him when he was the most vulnerable. Obi-Wan did not understand. When Anakin had first told him about the dreams, about his mother crying out for help, reaching for him, waiting for him, Obi-Wan’s only response had been that perfectly serene look and a hollow reply. Dreams pass in time. But this one didn’t. It just kept returning again and again, making him wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and tangled in his sheets, the cry for his mother still on his lips, the image of her tormented, hopeless eyes still fresh in his mind. Jedi platitudes were worthless. It had become clear to him that Obi-Wan, and the Jedi, would be of no help in this matter. Once again, like so many other times in his life, Anakin would have to face this crisis alone with only his own skills and powers to aid him. Anakin Skywalker was striding through the senate building, serene Jedi exterior firmly in place. Inside his mind, he was far away from the politicians surrounding him, from the protocol droids ambling through the long corridors and from the buzz of activity that filled them at every time of the day. He was weaving his way through the masses of beings, not once bumping into anyone or faltering in his fast pace. Finally, he reached his destination and, showing his identification to the guards at the door, entered Chancellor Palpatine’s office, his focus snapping into place instantly and he surveyed his surroundings. The Chancellor was standing at the glassed-in wall at the far side of the room, overlooking the great city planet of Coruscant. The Jedi stopped just inside the door and waited for the older man to acknowledge him. When he turned around a welcoming smile appeared on Palpatine’s face and he approached the young man, one hand outstretched. “Padawan Skywalker. It’s a pleasure to finally see you again.” Anakin smiled back and bowed deeply. “The pleasure is mine, Chancellor.” Palpatine’s smile got a bit wider and he clapped a hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “I trust your studies are going well?” “They’re proceeding to my satisfaction, Chancellor,” Anakin replied calmly. Palpatine looked at him closely and almost sharply for a moment, but then his smile was back and he said in a fatherly voice, “Please sit down and tell me about them. I hope they teach you enough at the Temple these days. The Galaxy is a dangerous place and you need to be prepared to help the Senate in protecting it.” Anakin felt the stress and exhaustion of the last weeks drain out of him as he talked to Palpatine and told him all about his studies. There was something about the older man that made him relax, let down his guard just a bit. He would not be judged here; he could feel it. With Palpatine he could be himself, just be Anakin Skywalker. He did not have to worry that he was not meeting some high ideal of the perfect Jedi Padawan. He did not have to censor the words that slipped from his tongue. He could be a normal young man with normal thoughts and desires, for anger and happiness were equally encouraged. After they had talked for some time and there was a lull in the conversation, Palpatine suddenly asked, “I’ve been meaning to ask you, Anakin, how is your mother? I assume you’re still in contact with her.” Anakin’s head whipped around from where he had been staring out the large window and he looked at Palpatine for a moment before replying. “I haven’t talked to her since I left Tatooine. The Masters think that it will only be a distraction from my training.” He did not quite succeed in keeping the bitterness out of his voice. Palpatine’s eyebrows rose and there was disapproval just barely perceptible in his expression. Anakin found he was grateful for that hint of censure, for it validated his own feelings. “I have to admit that I’m surprised by that decision. I would have thought that they’d see the importance of allowing a young man to have contact with the only family he has left.” Anakin did not answer but returned to looking out the window. He did not know what to say. He agreed with the Chancellor, but could he say so? Would he not betray the Jedi by speaking against them? Palpatine was a considerate man, however. Surely, he would not hold it against Anakin. Before he could make up his mind, the older man spoke again. “Have you never tried contacting her? You’re a Jedi and a highly talented one at that. Surely you can sense something from her.” His voice was warm and encouraging, prompting the young man to let all his fears flow out of him. “I keep having dreams about her.” The words were out of his mouth before he could really think them through and now that he had started, he just plunged on. “She’s suffering and I can’t help her. Obi...Master Kenobi doesn’t allow me to go to her.” He felt the despair rising up in him again. Why didn’t his Master allow him to contact her? Why didn’t Obi-Wan understand him? Suddenly he felt the Chancellor’s hand on his shoulder and the man’s voice was gentle when he spoke. “So you’re having visions of her and she’s in need of your help?” This time, Anakin hesitated only briefly. “Yes, I think so.” They sat in silence for a long moment before the Chancellor suddenly stood up and moved in front of Anakin. “Padawan Skywalker, I will take it upon myself to do something to remedy the situation. I will keep you informed, but rest assured that I will find a way to help you and your mother – and quickly.” Palpatine’s voice was paternal and caring, and Anakin felt something inside of him unknot and release. He took a deep breath and was surprised to find out how good it felt. He had not realized how tense he had been until some of that tension had been bled away by Palpatine’s offer of assistance. Anakin stared up at him. Did this man really have the power to help his mother? If anyone could, it would be this man. He tried to push his hopes down as he rose from his seat. It was better not to expect too much. The Chancellor was looking at him with that fatherly smile on his face. “Do not worry, Anakin. We will find a solution.” He bowed briefly and Anakin mirrored him. “Thank you, Chancellor. I am honoured that you would do this for me.” Palpatine smiled at him once again and Anakin left the office. It was only after he had exited the building that he became aware the Chancellor had never told him the reason for his summons of Anakin. But the Padawan did not let his mind linger on that detail. He would help his mother, no matter what Obi-Wan and the Council said. Once again, the Jedi had failed him, but the Chancellor had not. We hope to update once a week.
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Juliet316 Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 2/9/06 10:36am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	oooooo Your finally starting on one of the plot bunnies I gave you! Very nice start you two. I like how Anakin turns to the Chancellor for help when it seems the Jedi won't. Very nice twist (and one wonders why Ani didn't do that before he took off for Tatoonie on his own?), that is sure to have reprecussions. More! -----signature----- Juliet RIP Eddie Guerrero Tangible Dreams: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/21029022/?10 The Heart of Betrayal: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23822708/p1/?17
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Yodan Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 2/9/06 5:12pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Very nice start. This is not exactly how I expected the story to start, but I still like it! Can't wait for more! -----signature----- My wise and old Master is JadeSolo. (Emphasis on OLD ) Join http://www.JelloAnarchy.com Great Times are had by All! Escape, a Poem: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24665411/p1/?0
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Jazz_Skywalker Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 2/9/06 7:43pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	While it may save Shmi, I have a feeling that Anakin has made a Faust-esque decision with the devil. Oh, but you know me! I just love Anakin and AUs (and anything close to them), so I'll be sure to stick around! -----signature----- currently working on NaNo 2007 (won) 11/24: 50,000+!
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 2/9/06 10:07pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Interesting... much interesting... If you have a PM list, I'd like to be on it, please. -----signature----- http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white Upset about the casting for the Last Airbender movies? Write to Paramount about it. http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1007.html
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 2/10/06 6:44am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Ooohhh, I'm very intrigued. Palpatine offering to help Shmi? I hope he does, but I'm quite suspicious of his motives... Wonderful beginning! -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 32,105
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DarthMousche Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 2/10/06 7:28am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Oooh. Palpatine is going to help Anakin? This isn't going to do much for his relationship with Obi-Wan, is it? But I suspect that's part of the plan. A terrific start - can't wait to see where this goes. -----signature----- Former padawan to the illustrious Jedikma ~ Out to lunch - back soon!
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PadawanKitara Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 2/11/06 5:20pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Sneaky Palpy! -----signature----- Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile! UCLA BRUINS
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Vadey-Indra Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 2/15/06 11:15am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR
	Juliet316 You can't really blame him for turning to someone else, can you? Thanks again for the plot bunny. Yodan I know, we're unpredictable. Glad you still like it. Jazz_Skywalker It does seem rather scary, doesn't it? Thanks for reviewing. leia_naberrie Thanks! KELIA And we all know that he's never what he seems. Thank you. DarthMousche Thanks. Don't want to say too much here. We're only just starting. PadawanKitara Isn't he always? Thanks for reading and reviewing, everyone. If you'd like to receive PMs when we update, let us know. Chapter 2 “Master Yoda, isn’t this rather…unusual?’ Obi-Wan asked, obviously troubled. Anakin could hear his Master’s displeasure in every syllable and braced himself for failure. Even Chancellor Palpatine would find it difficult to dictate to the Jedi Council, and certainly not when it concerned a lowly Padawan, he thought bitterly. It frightened him how much he needed this, and how strongly his mother called out to him. The Jedi sat here discussing the issue and his mother might be dying at this very instant! It was all he could do to keep from screaming at them and rushing back to Palpatine’s office and beg for a ship to take him to Tatooine. He was so caught up in the idea of failure that he almost missed Yoda’s next words. “Maintain good relations with the Chancellor’s office we must,” Yoda said, albeit reluctantly. “Unless goes against the will of the Force this does, then to submit to his request we should.” Yoda’s piercing green gaze flickered from Master to Padawan. “Sense anything about this mission, do you Obi-Wan?” Anakin's Master wanted to object, he wanted to say that he had had a vision telling him all of the reasons this was wrong. But the great Kenobi would never lie or mislead. He would be defeated by his own code of conduct, Anakin thought smugly. He felt a surge of triumph sweep through him when his Master gave a frustrated sigh and slipped his hands into the sleeves of his cloak. Obi-Wan was disengaging from the discussion and conceding defeat. Anakin recognized the signs quite clearly from the many arguments he had had with his Master. He had won! The young man had to repress the cocky grin that threatened, for such an unseemly show of emotion would likely cause a swift change in the outcome. He assumed an expression of polite neutrality, as if any choice the Council made would be accepted without protest. A shrewd glance from Obi-Wan told him that his Master had guessed at his thoughts, but they both knew that a decision had been made, and the older man would accept it. Not for Obi-Wan the rebelliousness of Qui-Gon Jinn, he was the epitome of the proper Jedi. “No, Master Yoda,” Obi-Wan replied at last. “I see no obvious reason why my Padawan should not carry out Chancellor Palpatine’s request.” Anakin bowed low, his serene mask firmly in place. “I shall do my best, Masters.” He turned, expecting his Master to be right beside him. “One moment, Padawan,” Obi-Wan’s voice stopped him and Anakin allowed himself the luxury of a grimace since his face was turned away from both of his companions. When he turned to face them, he was the picture of the obedient Jedi Padawan. “Yes, Master?” “I am quite sure that Chancellor Palpatine would not object to you being accompanied by your Master,” Obi-Wan said smoothly, and Anakin thought he saw a touch of smugness in his Master’s placid expression. Although his Master’s company was the last thing Anakin wanted, or needed for that matter, he smiled calmly and inclined his head. “I would not dare to answer for the Chancellor, Master,” he replied in precisely the right tone of voice. “I would be glad to have you accompany me, but perhaps we should put this matter to the Chancellor?” Let Palpatine refuse him, let the Chancellor of the Republic put the Jedi Master in his place as the Padawan could not do – not yet anyway. Obi-Wan smiled slightly and the sight of it made Anakin uneasy. “I’m afraid that my presence will be a condition of our acceptance of the mission, Anakin.” His hand curled into a fist, safely hidden in the sleeve of his cloak. “Of course, Master,” he agreed smoothly. “If that is the Council’s decision…” “It is,” Yoda replied firmly. “Prepare yourselves for the trip to Tatooine you will.” As one, Master and Padawan bowed before Master Yoda and left the Council Chamber. ******************************* Anakin could not fully suppress the homesickness that welled up inside of him at the sight of the golden sphere of Tatooine hanging in space. Perhaps homesickness wasn't the correct term, he mused, for he didn't truly care if he ever set foot on that dusty ball of misery ever again. It was his mother he longed to see. His mother’s voice called out to him in his dreams and she begged for his help. He could only hope he was not too late. The story Palpatine had concocted for the Jedi was just enough to get Anakin to Tatooine, but he would have to find an excuse to visit Watto – and his mother. If Shmi was there, and safe, Anakin would consider his mission accomplished. And you’ll walk away from her again? a voice inside of him asked. Even as he brought their ship into Tatooine’s orbit, he heard a low moan rise from his throat, an involuntary sound as he contemplated leaving his mother yet again. Could he let his mother remain a slave, knowing she was at the mercy of another being’s every whim? No. He glanced behind him to see Obi-Wan approaching, his eyes locked on the swirling sands of the planet below them. They were close enough now to see the roll and shifting of the dunes. Anakin remembered vividly what those sands felt like when they were whipped by the desert winds, how they cut into his flesh and burned his eyes. The gentle touch of his mother’s hands had always soothed those tiny hurts. Grimly, he concentrated on landing the ship. It was safer to fill his mind up with mundane details, and give his Master nothing to sense about his emotional state. “We’ll secure our lodgings first,” Obi-Wan was saying as they gathered their gear. He glanced at his Padawan. “Is this the city your mother is in?” he asked, his voice almost gentle. Anakin wanted to sneer. We’ve been Master and Padawan for ten years and you still can’t remember what city we left my mother to live out her life as a slave in? “Yes,” was all he answered, biting back the bitter words that sprang to his lips. Obi-Wan bit at his lower lip, an unusual physical sign of emotional turmoil. “You should see her while we’re here,” he said quietly, his gaze sliding away from the stunned expression in Anakin’s eyes. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Anakin nodded. All of the unkind thoughts about his Master swirled around him, lifting up into the Force where he let them go. His Master cared, but did not know how to express those feelings. Anakin felt a rush of affection for the man who had been a father to him. “Thank you, Master,” he said with great feeling. A sad smile lifted the corners of Obi-Wan’s mouth. “I do understand some things, Padawan,” he murmured. “More than you know.” Anakin gave a jerky nod of his head. “I’m sorry, Master,” he whispered. Throwing his pack over his shoulder, Obi-Wan smiled at his apprentice. “Let’s go get a room and then you should visit Watto,” he declared. As Anakin followed him, a warm glow in his heart expanded and grew, for his Master had remembered Watto’s name. He had remembered more of Anakin’s past than he cared to let on, and it gave the young man hope that Obi-Wan would help him if he needed to rescue his mother. Something was threatening her, something unseen but brutal. Anakin Skywalker meant to change her destiny, and he would let nothing stand in his way.
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Kynstar Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 2/15/06 11:38am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	Great!! Loving it you two! Thanks for sharing this lovely tale! I totally enjoyed the bit there toward the 2nd update about Obi actually remembering and gonna let Anakin see his mother! See Anakin? Obi does care for you! Awesome start ladies! -----signature----- Paddy sis to t_s & SarkaVrae/Master to hyperspace_police Member of Rebel Legion and Jedi Assembly (Kynstar Lans) Only thru fear, hatred, and pain will the true power of the Force be revealed. See stories/viggies in bio
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DarthMousche Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 2/15/06 1:19pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	Hooray! Obi-Wan went with him - that was a pleasant surprise. I think you've written Anakin's emotional ups and down very well, with switching from deep bitterness to affection with just a small show of understanding. Looking forward to more. -----signature----- Former padawan to the illustrious Jedikma ~ Out to lunch - back soon!
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PadawanKitara Registered: Dec '01	Date Posted: 2/15/06 8:56pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	Amazing how he could think so little of his master -----signature----- Courtier of the Royal Order of Shambling Dufi We are Dufi...Resistance is Futile! UCLA BRUINS
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Yodan Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 2/17/06 3:41pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	Another great chapter! I loved how Anakin was going to defy his Master, but then his master said he could do it anyways... Wonderful! And I saw your notice about PMs... I tend to remember to read a fic when I am PMed, so If you wouldn't mind, I would love a PM when you update. (I feel long winded tonight for some reason... ) -----signature----- My wise and old Master is JadeSolo. (Emphasis on OLD ) Join http://www.JelloAnarchy.com Great Times are had by All! Escape, a Poem: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24665411/p1/?0
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starwarsfan1000 Registered: Aug '00	Date Posted: 2/17/06 6:02pm Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	Really good. Looking forward to reading this. -----signature----- New Story: To Destroy the Sith (ROTS) AU http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22601037/p1/?0
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 2/20/06 4:13am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	I liked that Ani was planning on defying Obi - only for him to give him permission all the same! Thanks fo rthe PM. I'm really looking ffd to see how all this plays out. -----signature----- http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white Upset about the casting for the Last Airbender movies? Write to Paramount about it. http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1007.html
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sithhappens6 Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 2/20/06 10:45am Subject: RE: Picking Every Blade of Truth - AOTC AU - by Indra and VaderLVR (Updated 2/15)
	I just found this story and I just wanted to say that it is a good one!! Keep up the good work. -----signature----- "No loose wire jokes"
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