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Author	Topic: To Gather Stones Together--Qualified for Best Canon Female and Best Series
Lanta Registered: Oct '07	Date Posted: 4/10 4:39pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	I've just done a marathon read of both fics, and very much enjoyed them I've read a few SW timetravel fics, and this was an interesting slant on the concept. Do you have a PM list? If so, could you add me please?
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ccp Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 4/11 9:42am Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Wow! -----signature----- Padwan to Big Fatty If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 4/19 5:52pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Within an hour of the decision to evacuate, transport assignments were sent out. For many, it was the first indication that anything was wrong other than the mysterious request for all command personnel to report to the command center. There was no real indication of how long they had left. The probe droid might have been dispatched from the next system over or it could have been a long-range disbursal. There were no experts on the base who could determine how far that sort of probe could travel. Generally speaking, the answer would be "not far enough." The simple fact of the matter was that they had to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. There was no time to mourn the fact that they were on the run again or wonder what would go wrong with this evacuation. They could only pack their gear, finish "Empire-proofing" their work stations and hope that their transport wouldn't leave without them. Luke's main concern was with getting Rogue Squadron airborne. The other squadrons on-base would be charged with the duty of escorting most of the cruisers off-world. With any luck, the Rogues wouldn't have to stay around to hold off the Empire, but if they did, they would be the ones to fly escort for the last transports of command center personnel. He should have been in the hangar by now, but instead he hurried along the corridor that would take him to Leia. He only had to talk to her for maybe a minute and then he could get on with the evacuation with a clear head. She wasn't hard to find--Leia was always either the center of attention or helping the person who was. Today, she was at console, working with Toryn Farr to schedule the transport launches. As if she had sensed him coming, she looked up as soon as he reached the station. "I'll be right back," she murmured to Lieutenant Farr. She didn't ask for an explanation, but led him to one of the conference rooms off the command center. He waited until the door closed before speaking. "I'm heading out to the hangar soon, but I wanted to see you first." She smiled without bothering to hide her tension. "Thank you," she said genuinely. "I meant to do the same, but now that Rieekan and I are on speaking terms again, he is keeping me busy." Of course, she liked it that way. It kept her from worrying about what might go wrong. "I won't keep you too long," he assured her, "but mostly I wanted to give you something." He unhooked the lightsaber from its position on his belt and extended it to her. She sucked in a sharp breath as she took it, but when she activated the blade, it was the unfamiliar amber that she had not yet seen. "What is this?" she breathed. "The blade that I used against Darth Vader," he said. "I..." It was the first time in a long while that he had seen her speechless. She stared, transfixed at the blade as if recognizing something familiar from a surreal dream. "I don't have any use for it," she said at last. "You may someday," he said gravely. "But not between here and the rendezvous," she protested, shutting the blade off. "I can't..." She shook her head, but did not give the saber back. Instead, she gripped it until her knuckles turned white and looked away. "I have to organize an evacuation, deal with the aftermath of running again and the fact that I don't know what will happen after we meet up with the others," she said shrilly. "I don't have time to think about why I might need this." Hoping to calm her or at least reassure her, Luke simply lay his hand on top of hers and met her eyes. "You might not need this," he pointed out. "It was at least a year before I really needed it for anything but practice." "That was before we knew who Vader was and is," Leia protested. "I may not have a year to get over my nerves." So that was the core of it. He suspected that if he reached into her thoughts right now, he would find the stuff of nightmares. It wasn't that uncommon for either of them these days. "I don't want to give you another burden," he said quietly. "I want to give you a defense." Finally, her expression softened and some of the darkness left her eyes. "Thank you." -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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RK_Striker_JK_5 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 4/19 7:10pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Sorry it took me so long to get caught up, Ish. Anyway, nice and tightly-paced, here. And Luke... you think Leia might need some training before you just up and give her a lightsaber? Just a thought... Can't wait for more! -----signature----- E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
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Laine_Snowtrekker Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 4/19 9:56pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Great last two posts. I love this story. I'm on the PM list, right? -----signature----- Stealth and subtlety work well, but for making lasting impressions, a blaster does just fine. -Han Room full of gold and jewels, and Dr. Daniel Jackson finds the one book. -Cam Palso's #1 Fan JO: RS1, Admiral Fanfic link in bio (esp. 08 Diary Challenge)
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 4/19 10:29pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Yes, you are and I posted this just before leaving work, whereupon I got home, went to the grocery store, ate a pint of ice cream and forgot to PM. Thanks for the reminder! -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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Golden_Jedi Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 4/20 7:42am Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--NEW POST 3/6
	Sweet update! (You may need to update the header, I almost missed it over until I saw you were the last one to post, Ish) -----signature----- The country is that place where chickens walk around uncooked - Julio Cortázar Unexpected Blossom http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28693266 Sailing Little Boats http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28747916
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 4/20 9:34am Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	I'm glad to see more of this. I really hope that Leia at least tries to go to Dagobah. -----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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ccp Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 4/20 7:51pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	Great Chapter! -----signature----- Padwan to Big Fatty If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
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dm1 Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 4/22 1:54pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	I didn't get a PM either, I guess a pint of ice cream will do that to a person. Seems kind of dangerous to give Leia a lightsaber if she hasn't trained with it, and a red blade? I don't know.... -----signature----- Internet Mom to HSG! Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 4/22 3:22pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	Here's the main issue with PMs right now. I can't send any more because I send two and then it notifies me that no one reads my PMs so I can't send any more. -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 4/22 5:15pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	I read PMs... I will just have to bookmark this and check it once in a while... I would rather have the author writing than sending PMs.
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 4/22 6:35pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	I will send PMs when I can and hopefully the people who ignore me will sign on someday. -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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Blue_Milkshake Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 4/23 12:56pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	"I don't want to give you another burden," he said quietly. "I want to give you a defense." I'm with Striker; training is good. I hope Leia doesn't accidentally lop off anything important. I just love how the events of Empire are unfolding with your own special twist! -----signature----- Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer. --Dave Barry
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 6/7 1:47pm Subject: RE: To Gather Stones Together--Sequel to To Cast Away Stones--Updated 4/19
	There was no place to really hide a lightsaber on an Alliance uniform. Trying to keep it out of sight would only draw attention to her. She had no intention of trying to conceal it behind a piece of equipment. Instead, Leia found a hook on her utility belt against her left hip. It was usually where mechanics kept spare tools and where infantry tended to keep a spare power pack for their blasters. She was not one to keep a holstered blaster on her hip, so it felt strange to have something resting against her thigh there, but halfway across the command center, it no longer felt unfamiliar. Toryn spared it a passing glance, but did not comment. She instead pointed at the screen, where a ship's hangar record was displayed. "While you were gone, I checked with the deck officer. The Justice Call is supposed to lift off seventh, but it's got some problems." "I thought it was supposed to be fit to fly by last week," Leia muttered. "It was until it got called to duty after Green Squadron got ambushed," Toryn pointed out. "Now the hyperdrive's been giving them problems." "How many can it fit?" "Two hundred," she reported. "It can get off-world, but after that we don't know what will happen." "Which is something that we can't afford," Leia surmised. "Push it back so that it's near the end of the list and plan for extra passengers on the last five ships. If we need to, we can always make room on one of the cargo ships." Before Leia could respond, a controller bolted from his chair at sensors and headed straight for Rieekan. Leia straightened up and turned to listen. "General," he said, "a fleet of Star Destroyers are coming out of hyperspace in Sector Four." Rieekan nodded in understanding, since they had all expected this moment to come sooner than later. "Reroute all power to the energy shield," he ordered the officer to his left. "We've got to hold them until all transports are away." And then his eyes went to Leia and glanced at the lightsaber at her belt. He grimaced almost imperceptibly at the sign that she was ready for battle in more ways than one. After a long moment, he nodded and turned to face the command center staff at large. "Prepare for ground assault." Immediately, the staff that usually conducted its business with quiet dignity or at least efficiency became a riot of movement. Leia waited until the crowd had cleared and then stepped up to Rieekan. "Where do you need me?" "Briefing the pilots," he said brusquely, shoving a datapad into her hands. "We need the first transport to clear the atmosphere as soon as possible and there's not much time." "And then?" she pressed. "On a transport," he answered. "We don't need you here." "Of course you do," Leia replied, irritation grating at her stomach. "I can be of more use directing things here..." "You misunderstand me," he interrupted. "We have more need of you at the rendezvous point. "I've ordered Solo to be ready to leave in ten minutes. For once, he seems to be willing to take orders." She highly doubted that he was willing to do anything but protect her, but it might be a good tihng. For all her loyalty to the Alliance, there was a certain terror in the possibility that she might still be here when the defenses failed and Vader came to call. "I'll see you at the rendezvous," she said quietly. He managed a small smile and clapped her on the shoulder. "May the Force be with you." He could not understand that half of her fears stemmed from the fact that the Force was. ***** "We've spotted...kers. Repeat, we've spotted Imperial walkers on the horizon, closing on our position. ETA..." The comm crackled and Rieekan's voice sounded. "Commander," he called, "did you copy?" Luke fastened his harness with one hand and slapped the transmit switch with the other. "Loud and clear," he answered. "We're on our way." "And here I thought this would be a boring day," Dack joked. "I try to keep my pilots happy," Luke rejoined. "All clear back there?" "Everything's good to go," his gunner confirmed. Luke turned to signal that they were ready for liftoff and was about to close the hatch when a small figure clambered up the service ladder. Leia's grin wasn't quite convincing, but she had to have a reason for coming here. This wasn't the same person who had calmly given the briefing only a few minutes ago. She leaned across the edge of the speeder and wrapped her arms around him for a quick, hard hug. "I needed to..." She shook her head, never finishing the sentence. "I didn't want to leave until I'd wished you good luck properly." He grinned and returned the hug. "The rumors are true, then?" he teased. "You're not going to be the last person off-base?" "The Falcon is third in line," she confirmed. "I was so shocked that Han took orders that I agreed to go and see for myself." It went without saying that maybe her sudden sense of self-preservation had more to do with what they had gone through on Coruscant than anything else. It was also the first time in years that she had worried about him so much before a battle and it was the first battle that they'd faced since finding out that they were brother and sister. "Good," he said. "I won't be far behind you." She pulled back and kissed his cheek before heading down the ladder. Luke raised a hand to wave farewell and closed the hatch just as Dack made his only protest. "Hey! Where's my kiss?" ***** It was not a comforting thing that the Falcon smelled strongly of smoke right now. It meant that there had been repairs done too recently for her tastes, but then again, there was no guarantee that the repair efforts had been successful. At least nothing seemed to be currently on fire. She entered the cockpit to find pilot and Wookiee arguing over something as usual. More specifically, Chewie was roaring about something and pointing at the navcomputer. "Well, of course I don't like it," Han snapped, "but it works fine and we didn't really need the game board anyway." Chewie growled in response. "Well, fine, go put it back. I'll make sure you and Vader have time for a nice game of dejarik." They turned as she stepped into the cockpit and Chewie rumbled something that sounded more irritated than angry. One of these days, she'd actually have to learn how to take the guesswork out of Wookiee-speak. For now, she settled for having a slightly sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Trouble?" Leia asked, setting her bag at her feet before taking her seat behind Chewie. He muttered a greeting, but didn't say anything that she would have understood. "We had to cannibalize a couple of things to get the hyperdrive working again," Han grumbled, "and the big fuzzball isn't too happy about it." "Well, I appreciate the ability to get past Vader," she said flatly. "Me, too," Han agreed. "We ready to go?" "If the ship's in one piece, yes," Leia replied. "Close enough," he said, toggling the switch that would close the hatch. "We've got another minute before they'll let us out." His explanation was unnecessary--she'd put the Falcon on the schedule herself. He glanced at her waist and lifted one eyebrow. "That Luke's?" "No," she said. "He wanted me to have one just in case..." "And he just happened to have one lying around?" he challenged. "What 'just in case' does he have in mind?" "It's the one he brought back from the Temple," she said pointedly. That would at least let him know the last time it had been used, but it was not a particularly comforting thought for either of them. He shrugged and turned back to the viewport. "It looks good on you." The comm sounded a moment later and he activated it. "Solo here," he identified himself. "Give me some good news." "An exit vector is coming your way," Varsch informed him. "Green Two and Three will take you out." "Thanks," Han grunted. "Falcon out." They were airborne less than a minute later, but their exit vector took them over the battlefield. She could not identify Luke's speeder, since it was virtually identical to the others even at close range. Her stomach twisted sharply as one of the speeders went down with a well-placed shot from a walker, but she could still feel Luke through whatever bond they had. She turned her gaze away just in time for Han to change course and head straight for the atmosphere. The blue of the energy shield faded moments before they passed through and the wind whistling past the hull fell silent. A shudder went through the ship as a turbolaser shot grazed them. Leia's hands rested on the armrests of the chair, but things were not yet bad enough to make her clutch them. A bright flash to port made her wince and she turned that way a moment later to find that Green Three was diving back towards the planet, his starboard engine in flames. "Don't worry," Han muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. "I can outmaneuver these jokers any day of the week..." As if to prove his point, he juked sharply to port and ducked a blast from the Executor's main battery. A shot from the Avenger slapped them in the dorsal gun turret instead, but it was better than taking a shot in the crowded part of the ship. Green Two was not as fortunate. They were now without escorts and the numbers on the shield indicator were not looking good. Leia's hands tightened on the armrests and even Han was muttering under his breath. "Hang on..." Han threw the ship into a spiral, spinning beneath the bulk of the Executor at breakneck speeds... And straight into the path of the Avenger's ion cannon. He jerked on the steering yoke, trying to dodge, but the shot hit them squarely. Blue lightning crackled across the viewport and the ship itself seemed to shriek in terror as electronics squealed. Panels began crackling and sparking and before she could even wonder how extensive the damage was, the engines sputtered and died altogether. In the darkness that followed a moment later, she could see Han's shoulders square as if he had just been called on the carpet for some indiscretion. "That's not good..." he hissed to himself. "Is there any way to override it?" Leia asked, her voice shrill. "Not in the time we've got," he shot back. "We've got one escape pod and I hope you don't mind the smell of Nervous Wookiee..." The ship jolted again and for a wild moment, she thought that the engines had come back online. Instead, as she turned her gaze to the viewport, Hoth was shrinking in the distance. They were being tractored in and if memory served from a similar situation over Tatooine, the Empire would destroy any escape pod that showed life signs. "Well," Han growled, standing, "they're not getting me without a fight." "No!" Her own outburst surprised her, but it stopped him for a moment. "This isn't a time to get skittish, sweetheart," Han said tensely. "If we can fight our way off, we can probably get a shuttle or something..." She caught his arm as he passed and hoped that he would be able to see her expression in the low emergency lighting. "If you go in there with blasters at the ready, they won't hesitate to kill us all," she pointed out. "Do you really think that's the best way to handle this?" "Better than ending up in some detention block," Han retorted, "or have you forgotten what that's like?" It was clearly indicated to scare her into agreeing with him, but she was not about to change her mind. "I haven't," she said firmly, "but you're going to have to trust me." His mouth twisted into a grimace. "Isn't that my line?" "Sometimes," she said more calmly. His eyes ran down her torso to the belt and the lightsaber hanging there. "Is that what this is about?" She had forgotten about the blasted thing until now and it had certainly not occurred to her to use it. Even now, she could not even think of drawing it. In fact, it seemed much more logical to leave it where no one would see it, since Vader would probably kill her for even being in possession of a lightsaber. If they were fortunate, he might leave her alive long enough to find out where she had gotten it. Then again, that was not a conversation which she was prepared to have. "No," she replied. "I just don't want it to end this way." There was a chance, however unlikely, that they might come out of this alive. "All right," Han sighed. "What's your plan?" -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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