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Author Topic: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Clone Wars (H/L/L; A/P; OC's) Updated, finally!! 06/17/07
Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/19/07 8:10pm Subject: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Clone Wars (H/L/L; A/P; OC's) Updated, finally!! 06/17/07 - Date Edited: 6/17/07 9:21pm (19 edits total) Edited By: Darth-Semians
Hello everyone, this my second attempt at writing a fic. If anybody read Leia Skywalker, my apologies to you for abandoning it and for you to have to read it. I personally thought it sucked. This follows along the main line, but it will be more detailed.

TITLE: Second Chances
SUBJECT: Time Travel
GENERA: Drama, Angst, Time-travel, and little Action
CHARACTERS: The Skywalker quartet, Obi-won Kenobi, Palpatine, OC's and more
SUMMARY: A dream sets off an adventure that will ultimately change the Galaxy.

A/N: I know that this is The Saga forum. But we will only exist in the month after ROTJ for four chapters.

SECOND CHANCES
CHAPTER ONE, PART ONE: Visions in the Night

The Emperor was dead. Darth Vader shared his fate. Trillions of beings across thousands of worlds in the Galaxy were celebrating their deliverance from tyranny. It was supposed to be a time of joy, but for three people, it was a time of confusion and misery. Three of the main players responsible for the elation in the Galaxy were Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo.

All three of them had separate problems, but one connected problem. Luke's problem was how to proceed in reforming the Jedi Order. Han's problem was what would happen to him now that the war was over. Those two were small, personal problems, that could easily be answered; but for Leia, her problem was not only hers, but the connected problem: she didn't know who her mother was.

It sounds simple, but her dilemma was complicated. Ever since the Battle of Endor - when Luke informed her of her genetic heritage - she has been having a re-occurring dream. Having a dream shouldn't be any issue to anybody; having a nightmare should rattle people, even if for only one day. What was unique about Leia's nighttime situation was that the dream was the same. The events transpired exactly as they did the night prior and the reaction from coming back to reality happened at the exact time every night. Han Solo, sleeping next to her during this crisis, couldn't take it anymore, so he did what he vowed never to do up to now: he asked for Luke's Jedi help.

One morning, after Leia had her nighttime scream (her reaction to coming back to reality) at 0330 on the button, Han Solo contacted Luke Skywalker over to their apartment at 500 Republica Ave. Groggy and a little frustrated about being summoned so early, Luke obliged only because Han seemed really concerned about his new-found sister. During the Battle of Endor, he was aboard the second Death Star fighting off the Emperor and Darth Vader, so his attention was on them and not on the revelation that was brought to him by Obi-won Kenobi: he was Darth Vader's son and Leia was his sister.

He had wanted to talk with her about it afterwards, but the immediate celebration and the important task of re-establishing the New Republic, had interfered. When they did have a little time to talk about it, Leia refused. He tried a couple more times to talk, but he was rejected, so he just let the subject go. He, however, still attempted to understand who his parents were by asking around - when they landed on Coursceant - where a research facility for galactic history was. It took him a few days, but was finally successful in reaching a building called: the Padme Amidala Senatorial Archives and Museum.

Inside, it was a five story facility with millions of volumes of scrolls and data chips on thousands of years of history. On the main floor, there were over a hundred computer terminals for quick research capability. He walked over to the nearest terminal and opened up a search page and typed in 'Anakin Skywalker'. It took over ten seconds for 14574 articles related to the subject. "Wow" breathed Luke as he looked over the links for articles relating to his father. Unlike Leia, he had accepted the fact the Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker, while they shared the same body, are two separate beings. Not knowing exactly where to begin his search, he simply clicked on the first article on the results page.

The link opened and a news report appeared with a headline: SKYWALKER AND KENOBI UNSTOPPABLE. Luke remembered his first mentor in the Jedi arts, Obi-wan Kenobi, had told him about his father being a 'the greatest fighter pilot in the Galaxy' and 'a good friend'. As he read down the article about his father’s heroics during the Clone Wars, a feeling of pride was overcoming Luke. Half-way through it, a paragraph caught his attention, which he focused on it, re-reading it three times: The Hero-with-no-Fear and the Negotiator valiantly rescued the Chancellor from General Grievous’ flagship, the Invisible Hand, while destroying the evil Sith Lord, Count Dooku. In the three weeks of tension since the Separatists invaded Coursceant, the Senate had been in a state of chaos and the Jedi immediately called the Duo to handle the situation. The Republic breathed a sigh of relief as news of the Chancellor’s good health was reported yesterday. Vice-chairman of the Jedi Counsel, Master Mace Windu sympathized, “Perhaps if the Chancellor hadn’t been kidnapped, Kenobi and Skywalker would still be in the Outer-rim. We are happy for their safe return.” When asked for questioning on the battle, Skywalker simply said, “I’m just doing my duty to the Republic. I‘m glad to be back home, though it wasn’t under the best of circumstances; the Chancellor being captured, I mean.” Asked about the reported connections to the Chancellor, he let slip, “he’s a friend,” but quickly changed the subject. Palpatine was more open with his comments, “Anakin has shown more bravely for a Knight, than most Masters have shown. I feel that he could be a great asset for the Galaxy in the future.”

A thought was running through his head, ‘were Father and Palpatine friends?’ He couldn’t answer because no one told him. Anyone who would have known that answer was either dead or no where reachable. ‘Could the closeness that Father had with Palpatine caused his downfall to the Dark Side?’ he thought to himself. It was a logical notion, to be sure, but one on which he had no way of unearthing. Shaking his head out of it, Luke cleared that screen of the news article and opened the next link on the results page. This one was about Anakin Skywalker being assigned to protect the Naboo Senator, Padme Amidala, after her assassination attempt.

The article was headlined: PADAWAN SKYWALKER’S FIRST SOLO ASSIGNMENT - PROTECT THE SENATOR. It was relatively short in comparison to the first article, but still highlighted the main points: Senator Amidala attempted to be assassinated; Obi-wan Kenobi investigating who’s involved; and Anakin Skywalker assigned to protect the Senator. Again, just like the last article, a paragraph stuck out. And, just like the last one, it contained Palpatine: “I have no doubt that Anakin will protect Senator Amidala from any harm that may come her way. I have always thought it was time for him to have a solo assignment, what with his abilities and all. The Jedi Counsel thought that he was still too unstable, but with my persuasion, they saw my point of view.”

‘Why would Palpatine need to persuade the Jedi to send Father on a mission?’ Luke thought while looking at a photo of his father at the beginning of the article. The teenage Anakin, still with Padawan braid, was wearing beggars clothing alongside a woman who had a striking resemblance to Leia. She was dressed in normal clothing, but still retained royal statue. Luke was transfixed; it was like he knew her from somewhere but couldn’t figure it out. He kept his eyes on the photo of the two - just prior to their refuge to Amidala’s home planet of Naboo - until someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Luke looked up and saw an elderly man, with a slight goatee and wearing overalls with a name tag that read: GRENBOL. “Sir,” the man said, “we are going to close in five minutes. Please finish up what you are working on. You can return tomorrow at 0935, my associate will open up.” Luke nodded his understanding and closed down the terminal and exited the Archives. ‘The next time I see Leia, I’m going to bring her here,’ he thought going back to his own apartment across the way form Han and Leia’s. Little did he know that the next time he saw her was early the next morning.

Han’s frantic call for help before 0500 was not what he wanted, but obliged nonetheless. He made his way over to his place and saw a sight he would never forget: Han Solo was making breakfast. Confusion and shock took over Luke as he walked in the kitchen and sat down at the table. Han seemed no to notice him and not wanting to disturb this temporary lapse of character of the Coreallian, Luke kept his mouth shut; even when Han burned his hand on the stove as he covered a chuckle with hand. His attempt was for naught as Han looked over and gave the Tatooine native a glare that would subdue a Wookie.

“What are you doing, chef?” asked Luke in a playful manner, Han wasn’t having any of it so early in the morning.

“Watch it kid,” warned Solo. “It’s only meat and potatoes, nothing fancy. Yes I can cook. I had to live on my own since I was twelve; I picked up a few things along the way.” He finished his preparations and served him and Luke the meal, which was surprisingly edible. Midway through, Luke finally asked the question on his mind and the one that Han was most anxiously waiting to hear: “Why did you ask me here?”

“It’s Leia,” Han said with a mouthful of food. “She’s been acting strangely in bed.” He swallowed before continuing, “I think she’s having nightmares.”

Luke finished his meal and pushed the plate aside, then asked, “What makes you think that?”

“Well, every night, just as I’m about to put my moves on her-” at that mention, Luke closed his eyes (though he himself once fancied Leia, the knowledge of being her brother brought sibling instincts, and talking about nocturnal activities were prohibited). Han didn’t seem to either notice or care for he continued, “- well she starts to shake and sweat and then collapses. At first, I thought that she just was not in the mood, so I left it well enough alone, but then, at the exact same time, she wakes up screaming, ‘Daddy No!’ Then falls back to her unconscious state again. When she finally wakes up, she doesn’t remember the previous night. I don’t know what to do.”

Luke simply asked him, “Well, what can I do about it?”

“You’re a Jedi!” Han yelled at him. “Use your Force...thing...ability.”

Luke’s face reddened a little, but he composed himself, for the most part and said, “I thought you didn’t believe in the Force?”

“Hey, after what I saw you do, even the densest individual can see that there are some unexplained parts of the universe,” Han said. ‘Okay, what has gotten into Han?’ thought Luke. ‘This is so not like him. I guess that I must figure out a way to get into Leia’s head.’

“Alright,” Luke sighed. “I’ll figure something out. I’ll have to meditate on it for a while, but when she wakes up, notify me immediately.” Han nodded and Luke left the apartment, without any clue as how to proceed. He hoped that the Force had the answer.

Han Solo quickly cleaned up the kitchen and entered into the living room to clear his head. He placed high hoped in Luke for advice, but something told him that the kid would be just as stuck as he was. Shaking his head of his worries, he turned on the holo-vid, attempting to watch the news, but just as quickly, fell asleep.

Luke entered his own apartment and sat down in the meditation position. He cleared his mind of outside thoughts and interferences and focused only on the main problem: Leia’s problem. The Force flowed through him bringing him to a state of complete calmness. He silently asked the Force what was the next logical step, and it answered with a vision: Four people, two adult, two children, eating a picnic in a grassy meadow. The children were about four or five and running in the field; the boy after small omnivores; the girl after butterflies. The boy had a likening to what Luke looked like as a kid, if he could remember. The girl was similar to what Leia might’ve looked as a young child. But the most unusual part of the vision was what the adults looked like: exact replicas of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala. Suddenly, the vision changed and the meadow was in flames, the sky was dark, lightning was everywhere, the family was running for the cottage just beyond the bend. Only the group numbered in three instead of four; the father was trapped behind the wall of fire. Laughter could be heard in the distance as the ground shook and a crack was opened up. The father attempted to jump the wall of fire, but was struck by a bolt of lightning and fell into the fire. What arose from the ashes was a dark, menacing figure - Darth Vader. A voice in the background echoed, “Now, my apprentice, fulfill your destiny and your training will be complete.” The figure (Vader) ran up to the family and proceeded to kill the mother by Force-choke and the boy by the blade of his lightsaber. But the girl he stopped short, for the voice echoed, “Don’t harm the girl. Bring her to me, for her worth is more than even you.” The monster reached down and picked the girl up when she screamed, “Daddy no!”

The vision ended. Luke was lying on the floor, shaking, breathing short, choppy breaths, and in deep sweat. He knew what the vision was - Leia’s dream - but still didn’t know how to help the situation. Standing up, needing some water, he walked over to the counter, filled up a cup from the tap, swallowed it, placed the cup down on the counter, right in front of a chrono; it read 0924. ‘How long was I out?’ he thought. He remembered the employee of the Archives said that they open at 0930. Suddenly, he had a suggestion: Take Leia to the Archives.

He ran back across the hall to their apartment and entered. He saw Han passed out on the couch and Leia eating breakfast in the kitchen, working on at least five data chips. Luke sat down across the table from her, folded his hands on his lap, waiting for her to notice his presence. She was so preoccupied with her duties, that either she was ignoring him or really didn’t know he was there, until Luke grabbed her hand.

“Hey,” he said, rattling her. “Did you sleep well?” A question out of the blue, Leia thought, but one that she answered anyway, “Yes.”

“Good,” Luke replied. “What are you working on?”

“Plans for meetings,” she said, taking small sips from her cup of cafe. “We have a lot of stuff to do and not that much time to do it.”

Knowing that once Leia had her mind on something, she was focused on it until it was complete, that included political work. Luke had to think of something fast to get her to accompany him to the archives. A vision of the mother in the dream flashed before his eyes. She was with the little girl, only this time a little older. They were just standing on a balcony, wearing elegant dresses, with hair in a complex style that he would never understand, but facing him. The mother and daughter both mouthed ‘GO’ and nodded before the vision ended. Luke sighed before asking the hardest question of his life, “Do you want to go for a walk?”

Leia, looked up from her work, “A walk, why?”

“I want to show you something,” Luke said standing up.

Leia shook her head, she said, “Luke, can’t you see I’m busy?”

“Work can wait, this is more important,” he said, holding out his hand for her.

She reached for his hand, stood up, grabbed her coat and walked out of the apartment, but not before she saw Han passed out on the couch in front of the holo. “Well, we probably shouldn’t be long, Han might get angry if he sees my gone,” she said with a little laugh.

“Nah,” said Luke, holding the door for her, “He’ll be fine, trust me.”

A/N: Please review and critique. I don't care if it is good or bad. The next installment will be up tomorrow.

 

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Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-)
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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Luminara_Kenobi  297 posts
Registered: Sep '06
14540_Dathomir Nightsister
Date Posted: 1/20/07 2:34pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU
Yeah, I was wondering what happened to Leia Skywalker. Glad you decided to continue/redo...I want to see what happens! Please pm me with updates!

 

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Oafie & Lulu love
Long Live the original JA series-- cry why did it go out of print?!
Long Live Freedom of Speech!!!
Constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to shave Obi-Wan wink
I miss you, too.
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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/20/07 7:09pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU
Wholly cow, I actually got one reader. Does the happy dance dancing

Thank you very much, Luminara_Kenobi, whoever you are. You are officially my hero.

As for a PM, I've noticed that everyone wants one, being on the outside looking in, could you help me with actually telling me what the heck a [b]PM[b] is? That would be very helpful, thanks.

 

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Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-)
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/20/07 7:22pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter One, Part II up. - Date Edited: 1/20/07 7:24pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Darth-Semians
A/N: This is a continuation of the first post, I just thought where I left off was a good mid-point. Kind of like an intermission of a play.

CHAPTER ONE, PART TWO: Images and Feelings

Luke and Leia walked, hand-in-hand, around the block of 500 Republica Ave. The sun was shinning, the temperature was relatively warm, not a cloud in the sky; just a perfect day. The two were talking about nothing in particular, just little chit-chat about their four-year adventure in the Alliance. In the middle of the conversation, Leia let slip that she would’ve liked to grow up with Luke as her brother, Luke expressed the same sentiment.

Luke, realizing that he stalled enough, turned right towards the Senatorial Archives. As they approached, Leia suddenly stopped. She was looking up at a painting above the main entrance; it was of Padme Amidala as the Queen of Naboo. Wondering why he didn’t see it yesterday, Luke tried to rack his brain, but nothing came up - it wasn’t dark, so that was out; he wasn’t in a hurry that he missed it; no, he never bothered to even look. ‘Stupid!’ he yelled at himself. ‘A picture of her, a big picture of her, and I missed it! What kind of a Jedi will I become?’

“She’s beautiful,” expressed Leia. She turned to Luke, who was in thought. She waited for a few seconds until he looked at her then asked, “What is the surprise you wanted to show me?”

“Oh,” said Luke, not exactly knowing how to go from here. To be truthful, he only knew how to get her to the archives, not what to do when they arrived. Not wanting to be a bumbling idiot, as he was known to be, he said the first thing that came to his mind; unfortunately, it was the wrong thing to say at the moment.

“Han and I were talking this morning, about your nightmares.”

If ever there was a more dramatic change in emotion, Leia’s mood change from serenity to enrage, would rank among the top. Her eyes narrowed, her mouth became small and she clenched both of her fists. Tremors could be felt through the Force; vibes of negative energy were free-flowing from her. She was verging very close to the Dark Side - definitely Anakin’s daughter. Luke had to think fast, if he made another wrong move, it would spell disaster for him. He held up his hands, took a few deep breaths, closed his eyes, and asked the Force for strength.

He took a couple of steps towards her, taking her hands in his, looking directly into her eyes and said, “Leia, its okay. I know what you have been dreaming; I saw it in a vision this morning. The Force told me to come here; I feel that it could help.”

Leia, throughout this whole time, hadn’t blinked. After Luke was done talking, she finally closed her eyes, took a very deep breath and asked, in a shaky voice, “How do you know what I saw?”

“I asked the Force to show me what was troubling you,” said Luke.

“Did you, or do you think I’m crazy, like Han does?” she asked, removing her hands from his.

“He doesn’t think your crazy,” Luke said. “He wants to help you. In fact, he wants to help so much that he called me very early this morning.” Luke started to chuckle, “I mean he made breakfast for me.”

“Tell me,” she said.

“It was steak and potatoes, quite good actually,” Luke said.

“Not breakfast,” she said, barely moving her mouth. “Tell me what you saw in your vision.” Her tone told him that he shouldn’t refuse.

He took a breath, the vision was still quite fresh - even if it was over a month old, he probably would still remember the details very vividly. “A family of four was having a picnic in a meadow. The children were playing with animals, the parents were watching them. Then, suddenly, the sky blacked, lightning came, fire ignited the meadow. The father was trapped. He tried to escape the fire, but was struck down. Then Vader rose and he proceeded to kill the family; the mother first, then the boy. A voice stopped him just before he killed the girl. It said that the girl was more valuable than him.”

Leia seemed to relax. Luke nailed the dream/nightmare dead on. ‘Could he possibly know what it meant, or why I’m having it every night? He did say he asked the Force, what did it say?’ Leia asked him, “Did the force tell you to bring me here?”

"Not in those exact ways," he replied. "Every time I tried to ask what to do, similar visions of the family appeared." Luke looked towards the picture; two images joined the photo above the entrance: the mother in the dream and Senator Amidala of the assassination attempt. He remembered that Leia told him that she only remembered images and feelings of her mother. Perhaps, seeing more images of Senator Amidala (the Force was telling him that he needed to pursue his current course) would help her.

He silently motioned for her to follow him in the Archives. She followed, stealing a last peek at the photo. "She really is beautiful," she said, passing through the doors. "You know, when I was younger, my father - I mean, my adopted father - told me of a courageous woman named Padme, who fought for truth, justice and democracy. I guess he was talking about Padme Amidala."

"Yea, maybe so," Luke agreed.

They entered the main level, with the hundred terminals, and just stood there. Leia was looking at the size of the Archives, marveling at the amount of history had been documented and collected there. As she was looking near the balcony on the third floor, she noticed a banner that said: 25000 years of history are only a few steps away!

'25000 years of history?' she thought. 'This is an archive of the Republic; an archive of the Republic on Coursceant; the heart of the Empire. How could Palpatine let this happen?' Those and other questions were flowing around Leia's head as she was still observing the size of the facility. Luke, on the other hand, had moved towards a terminal and opened a search page for 'Padme Amidala.'

The search took a few seconds, when the results page opened up, there was over 9000 links. He clicked on the first one, not really caring what the subject was about. It was an obituary. The headline read:

NABOO MOURNS FALLEN HEROINE - Padme Amidala, the former Queen and Senator of Naboo, died last week. The cause of death is under review. Queen Apailana said that a state funeral and review will be planned for tomorrow.

Preliminary reports indicate that Amidala died by shock, but more autopsy testing is needed. All findings are classified, but leaked reports indicate that the deceased was pregnant. Tabloid reports were circulating that a 'baby bump' was forming in the former Senator. Allegations of a love triangle between her and two Jedi: Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi. Unable to defend themselves - Kenobi and Skywalker are presumed dead after a revolt from the Clone Troopers assigned to them - the speculation will probably come full-circle during the funeral procession.

"If theories hold true that she was pregnant, than her reputation could be ruined," said one reporter, who wished to be anonymous. When asking her parents, Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie, they indicated that "she never informed us of any pregnancy" but said that it didn't matter because "her lifelong dedication for peace and democracy" should never be forgotten. Supreme Chancellor turned Emperor Palpatine echoed the same.

"It came as a shock to me of her death. She was my queen, my fellow compatriot, and a true friend. I would think that her being of moral fiber, that having a child would be through a marriage. No matter, thought, I feel a sense of sadness and a void that could never be replaced. I hope that the entire Galaxy take this moment to reflect on the life of Padme Amidala, she was dedicated to the principles of democracy and her actions as a Senator reflected those principles. I will miss her greatly."

Palpatine told, through a statement (he is unable to attend the funeral for personal reasons) that he hopes Naboo could rebound from such a loss. "It will take time," he said, "But I know that people of Naboo will move forward."

Padme Amidala was born in the Republic year 24895 as Padme Naberrie. As a twelve-year old, she attended a seminar for 'future politicians' that would shape her life. Two years later, she ran for the highest office on world. King Veruna was losing popularity so a new, fresh face was needed. Her platform was for unity among the people and for the Galaxy as a whole. She was elected as Queen at fourteen and given the state-name, Amidala.

During her first year as a monarch, her first test was upon her: Nemodia's Trade Federation attacked Naboo. She used all her willpower to convince the Senate to vote a No-Confidence in Chancellor Finns Vallorum. Danteus Palpatine, another Naboo native, was elected in his place. Amidala returned to Naboo to lead the counter-attack against the droids of the Trade Federation.

During her journey, she encountered a slave boy from Tatooine named Anakin Skywalker. That first war formed a long-lasting friendship between the two. Qui-gon Jinn and Obi-won Kenobi were dispatched to assist the Queen. After the death of Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi took Skywalker to be his Padawan. They would not meet for another ten years, under the most unpleasant circumstances.

After the Battle of Naboo, Amidala continued to fight for her people on a galactic level. She united the Gunman’s and Humans. She brought financial prosperity to Naboo and established a military capability of fighting resistance, domestic or foreign.

In the Republic year 24919, an assassination attempt was plotted against the now Senator Padme Amidala. Two years earlier, she left office after two terms as Queen hoping to live a life in private. She was asked by her successor, Queen Jamilla, to be the Galactic Senator. She obliged and started to work towards peace. The Galaxy was becoming torn into two, a separatist organization, started by the Sith Lord Count Dooku and Viceroy Gunnray of Nemodia, were recruiting worlds to their cause. Proposals were drafted in the Senate for the formation of an Army to quell this rebellion. Senator Amidala was one of the fellow Senators who opposed it. On the eve of the vote, a bomb went off in her flagship. Fortunately for her, it failed.

Obi-won Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were dispatched for her protection. After another attempt on the Senator's life, Kenobi was sent to investigate the person responsible while Skywalker was dispatched to protect her in refuge. They, somehow, got involved with the investigation and found themselves on the world of Geonosis, where the first battle of the Clone Wars happened.

During the war, she still was involved politically, but persistence from her consulate and from the Chancellor, kept her out of the military aspect. What caused her death, initially thought was from a battle, was denied immediately. She was only 27.

As Luke was reading the article, Leia wondered over to him. There was a picture of Padme at the front of the article. Under the photo, a caption said: Padme Amidala, age 24, shown at her childhood home. She was wearing simple clothing; not any royal Naboo make-up or dress; not any stately outfits a Senator would wear; but a simple blue dress with her hair tied up in a pony-tail. Looking at the photo, memories that were buried starting to surface for Leia.

When Luke asked her what she remembered from her real mother, she could only say 'feelings' and 'images.' After a few moments to actually think about her, she could remember only a few images of a woman who sang to her as a baby. The song was in a language she didn't know, but could recite the words perfectly (I won't write them here, because they will just be gibberish). The images of the woman who sang to her had a striking resemblance to the Padme Amidala of the picture - all the way to the blue dress. Finally it dawned on her: Padme Amidala was the one who sang to her.

'That's the only way it makes sense,' she reasoned. 'This article is a lie, a cover, something that they would tell the Emperor so he wouldn't go after me. That is why he never knew of my real heritage. That is why I was never told her name. That is why I was lied to. But, what happened to her? How did she really die?' Thoughts of rage were boiling up in Leia. She could only feel resentment towards her adopted parents for leaving her in the dark. Her thoughts towards Vader somehow subsided, if only for a moment. Then a feeling of sadness was in her heart. She never knew her mother, never could have mother-daughter moments, never copy her mother's dress or hairstyle, never be happy that she was in a real family. 'That is the reason for my dream!' she realized now. 'That is why Luke brought me here, to see what I was missing in my life. But, what now? How am I supposed to take this knowledge?'

While Leia was pondering her next action, Luke on the other hand was fixating on the sentence, slave boy from Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker. 'A slave? He was a slave? Everyone lied to me; they never told me the truth: Owen lied, Obi-won lied, and Yoda lied. Why?' These thought brought up pent-up anger he suppressed since the incident on Bespin. It came to a boil, so he jumped up, almost knocking over Leia and punched a near-by wall, hard.

Leia asked him, "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" he asked back. "What's wrong - I'll tell you what's wrong. Everyone lied to me. They never told me. They kept saying, 'it's was for you own good'; what is that supposed to mean?" He punched the wall again. This time, he hit it so hard that his hand began to bleed.

"Are you alright?" asked one of the employees of the Archives. He walked over to them, with a cloth in hand. "You know," he said to Luke, bandaging his injured hand, "If you get into a fight with a wall 100 times, the wall usually wins 99." He finished bandaging the hand and continued, "I guess you were fight number 98, huh?"

The employee had a set of overalls on with a name DODSEN on his pocket. He seemed to be in his early 70's, but still in good shape, he also had a goatee. "Can I help you today?" he asked Leia. She nodded her head 'yea' and sat down. "What is your quarry?" he asked her, Luke was sitting down, clutching his broken hand, mumbling "I can't believe they lied to me."

"Do you know anything about Padme Amidala's family?" she asked him.

He seemed to think for a moment before answering, "I believe she had a sister, an older sister, but that was it."

"No, I mean, her children," said Leia, without thinking.

"Children?" he asked. "When did she have children?"

"This news article said that she was pregnant when she died, but didn't say anything about her children. What happened to them?" Leia showed the obituary to Dodsen.

He read it over, and shrugged, "I guess they died with the mother."

"No they didn't," Leia corrected him.

He looked at her, "How do you?"

"Because I-" she cut off before she continued with '- am her daughter.' There were two reasons for that: first, she wasn't exactly 100% sure Amidala was her mother; and second, she didn't know if she could trust him.

The employee (Dodsen) was staring at Leia, not blinking. His gaze was so intense that she became uncomfortable. Her feelings of uneasiness were portrayed through the Force that Luke forgot about his hand and rushed over to his sister's aid. The move seemed to shake Dodsen out of his state. He shook his head, answered in a mumble, "Yea, I guess you were right." He went over to the desk and talked to another employee - the man who talked to Luke the other day; Grenbol. Their conversation was hushed, but soon they both left the Archives in a hurry.

"I wonder where they are going." Luke said.

Their comlink buzzed, it was Han. He asked them where they were, Luke responded by saying that they were at the Senatorial Archives. He told them he will meet up later, his ship was broken. So they waited, studying more on Padme and Anakin.

A/N: Forgive the years, I'm going by the book The Essential Chronology of Star Wars, which states the Republic lasted for 25,000 years.

 

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Valairy_Scot  4039 posts
Registered: Sep '05
Date Posted: 1/20/07 8:16pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter One, Part II up
This is a nice story and with a twist. I like it.

Re: what is a "PM" that means a private message. Click on the person's name and let them know you've updated the story. Makes it easy if you can give the link in your PM.

A PM means they want to read more, so congrats.

 

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Luminara_Kenobi  297 posts
Registered: Sep '06
14540_Dathomir Nightsister
Date Posted: 1/22/07 2:34am Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter One, Part II up
Yeah, the button for it is in the upper left corner, below your username and headings. Great update, really tired, or I'd say more. More soon?

 

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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/23/07 12:01pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter One, Part II up
Thank you very much for taking the time to, not only read, but respond. I know that it is still early, but this next chapter will progress a little along the story.

Valairy_Scot: Thank you for educating me on the computer.

Luminara_Kenobi: You still are my hero, thank you.

The next chapter is next.

 

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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/23/07 12:02pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter One, Part II up
CHAPTER TWO: Arrested Development

Over an hour had passed since Han’s call. Most of the patrons of the Archives were leaving, when suddenly the doors to the Senatorial Archives were blasted open. A squad of seven imperial stormtroopers ran into the building, forming a semi-circle around Luke and Leia. Each one had their blasters pointed at them. Both of them froze in their seats. One of the troopers advanced, lowered his weapon a little, and said “Hands up.”

Leia, slowly while looking at him, put her hands in the air; Luke did not. He had closed his eyes as if in a trance. Another trooper advanced upon him as the first one put binders on Leia. Once the second trooper was close enough to grab Luke, he struck. He had his lightsaber in hand, activated it, and in a flash of green light, decapitated the stormtrooper. At once, everyone just stopped moving. Leia used this temporary cease in action to stomp on the boot of the trooper, remove the binders that were only half on her, and steal his lowered weapon.

She rolled away under the desk of the computer terminal they were working on and fired. Her shot missed the trooper, but set off a chain of shots from everyone else who had blasters. Four were firing at Luke; the other two (one didn’t have a weapon) were firing in Leia’s general direction. As graceful and skilled as Jedi in the old order, Luke reflected every bolt aimed at him. One was even fortunate to strike the weaponless stormtrooper, rendering him dead.

Leia moved the chair in front of her to block the shot from the two troopers firing at her. She, however, could get a clear shot at them. Though she was in a difficult position, she was on target, striking the two directly in the chest. After four of their fallen troopers were dead, the other three coordinated with each other to advance on Luke. They all fired at the same time, Luke was unable to deflect all bolts, having two hit him; one in the left leg and one in the left hand. Leia fired on one of the troopers who had his back to her, killing him.

Luke moved in, enduring the pain in his leg, to slice the trooper’s weapon in half and then amputating his right arm. In the up stroke, he also decapitated the armless trooper. Realizing that his best chance was against Leia, the last standing trooper focused his shots at her. He hit everything but Leia: the computer, desk, chair, and the ground and even the under side of the desk. Debris from the wood struck into her skin, making her bleed. Luke took this opportunity to move on his enemy. He swung his blade in a high arc, cutting off the firing hand of the trooper. Then he stabbed the trooper in the chest, and he fell dead. Leia, after maneuvering herself out of her hideout, shot him three times in the head, just for good measure.

Once the fighting was done, a sound was heard near the blasted door: CLAP - CLAP - CLAP. It was the two employees of the archives. The younger one (Grenbol) said, “Very impressive; almost a duplication of your father. Let’s see if Kenobi’s teaching hadn’t worn off in the twenty years between students.” From his belt, he summoned a lightsaber. In a quick movement, he jumped towards Luke. Surprise caught the Jedi off guard and was in the defensive.

Grenbol struck with a slash towards Luke’s left that was parried at the last second. Grenbol then turned his wrist and soon had the upper hand, literally; he could have token off Luke’s hand, but didn’t. He kept his blade steady until Luke backed up a few steps and into a defensive stance. “Looks like you need some instruction junior. Here let me talk you through it.” Grenbol took a step with his right foot and spun around to his right with his blade at chest level. Luke held his blade in his right hand to defend, it worked. “Good,” said Grenbol, “but not great. For you see, your body is open for a punch.” And with that Grenbol, using his left hand, struck Luke hard in the gut. Luke buckled over lowering his guard.

“Get up, its stupid to lower your guard,” said Grenbol. Luke, wanting nothing more than to end this, went on the offensive. He erratically swung for Grenbol, but was blocked easily. “Fighting in anger, makes you look foolish,” he said. “Learn to concentrate on your aggression, then your strikes will be more lethal.” Luke, grunting now, swung high to take off Grenbol’s head, but Grenbol just blocked it with an upward swing. Luke took three more strikes at his opponent’s head, but was blocked on all three. After the third time, a swing for Grenbol’s neck, which was blocked easily, Grenbol took a step in with his left (throughout this whole encounter, he didn’t move from his position; literally, he kept his feet still) and jabbed at Luke’s abdomen. When Luke swung down to block, Grenbol retracted his blade, reached out with his left hand and grabbed Luke’s hilt, taking it.

He deactivated it, and swung with his left hand towards Luke’s temple, knocking him unconscious. “Skywalkers just don’t have the patience for instruction,” he said, looking at the unconscious form of Luke Skywalker.

Leia watched the whole encounter, still with the stormtroopers weapon in her hand. She, on instinct, fired at Grenbol, but, almost in a flash, he deflected the bolt. Dodsen, who had also witnessed the fight, moved towards her. He had another piercing gaze he used earlier on her. She took aim and fired a shot at him, somehow she missed. She staggered a few steps backwards firing once more, again she missed. Barely getting off a third shot before Dodsen was upon her, she finally connected. Unfortunately for her, it had just grazed his hand.

Wincing in pain, he grabbed the blaster from her hands. He looked at it for a second before throwing it at Grenbol, who just watched it fall to the floor. “That was not very smart Ms. Skywalker.” He put two fingers upon her temple and pushed. Leia fell to the ground in an unconscious state like her brother. Dodsen looked around at the seven dead stormtroopers (two didn’t even have heads) and shook his head.

“I hate bloodshed,” he said to Grenbol. “Call the others to take care of this. Give Luke back his lightsaber, I have a feeling he will need it.” Grenbol obliged.

Another squad of stormtroopers came running in and took the two unconscious forms of Luke and Leia. Dodsen and Grenbol were waiting outside. Grenbol put a smoke in his mouth, lit it, and said to Dodsen, “Well, that was a waste.”

“I didn’t think there would be resistance,” replied Dodsen, also with a smoke.

“You mean to tell me that you honestly thought that seven stormtroopers could subdue the great Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa?” Dodsen just shrugged. Grenbol chuckled, “I guess age is affecting your judgment, old man.”

"Everyone has setbacks," replied Dodsen, "don't get too excited."

"Who said anything about setbacks?" asked Grenbol. "I said you had a lapse in judgment."

Dodsen looked at his younger friend, annoyed. "A lapse in judgment, as you call it, is a setback." Grenbol mouthed 'oh' and shrugged his shoulders. Dodsen continued, "Now about the 'old man' remark. Remember that you aren't that young anymore."

A huge grin on his face, Grenbol replied, "Still 14 years younger than you."

"Whatever," Dodsen said, walking towards the shuttle where the stormtroopers were loading the dead bodies of their comrades along with Luke and Leia. He called back to Grenbol before boarding the vessel, "Close the Archives - make sure everyone leaves."

Grenbol inclined his head in a small nod, turned around and went inside the Senatorial Archives. Some of the customers were in a state of shock of the event that just transpired. Few of the patrons had fled out the back alley, few stood motionless, and others went back to what they were doing before the commotion. Grenbol walked through the hole that was once the door and exclaimed, "I'm sorry to inform everyone, but we are officially closed for the remainder of the day. Please leave now. Come back tomorrow." Everyone ran out of the opening, not wanting to have their own encounter with Grenbol. Everyone saw his fight with Luke Skywalker and knew that they didn't stand a chance with him.

After the last person was out of the Archives, Grenbol turned out the lights and computers off. He went to the main desk and punched a code to set an alarm. If anyone were to enter the Archives, he would know and punishment would be swift and severe.

He walked out of the complex onto the landing pad connecting it with the old Senate building when, out of the sky, a Corellian cargo ship fell to the ground. It was the Millennium Falcon.

Han Solo swore in Huttese. This was the second time today that the Falcon had an issue. Not only did it break down, again, but the crash rattled his head a little. Reacting on instinct, he lowered the landing ramp and jumped outside to check an auxiliary power unit fixed to the starboard wing. Grenbol, upon seeing Han exit the ship, ran up to him and asked in a concerned voice, "Hey sir, I saw you fall, are you alright?"

Han turned around, immediately put his hand on his blaster, but didn't pull it out of the holster. He saw the look of concern, relaxed his hand and answered, "Yea, I'm fine; my ship took the worst of it." Indeed, the Falcon did take the worst of it. The auxiliary power unit was fried. The portside wing was bent from the impact on the ground. Inside the ship was a disaster: an entire electrical malfunction occurred. Wires were burnt, components were melted, the engines were blown up, and to top it off, the Hyperdrive was destroyed.

Grenbol whistled. He had never seen anything quite like it in his entire 59 years of life. In addition to being an employee of the Senatorial Archives, he was a mechanic (hence the overalls) who worked at a repair facility known as The Warehouse. Just like the namesake, it was a collection of warehouses acquired by Dodsen just prior the Clone Wars for wartime repair of Republic battleships. Dodsen's first hire was Grenbol. As he looked over the damage, he noticed how amateur it was. Since he was a professional technician, any type of 'jerry-rigging' nagged at him. He was determined to ask how this came about, "Hey," he asked Han, who was using a crescent wrench as a hammer (another amateur technique). "Excuse me, but what happened here?"

"I don't know," Han sighed. "She was working just fine the other day. Now she's been having issues all the time."

“Did you do anything to the ship in that time period?” Grenbol asked, looking at the terminal board near the navigational computer.

“Not that it’s any of your business, buddy, but no,” replied Han.

Grenbol reached his hand in the terminal board to pull on a wire. He noticed that something was terrible wrong with the situation. In fact, the whole ship was wrong. “Well buddy, it just happens to by my business. This is my business; I’m a ship technician.” He then inclined his head towards the terminal board. “See this? These wires are a copper-zinc mega compound. The covering for the solder are aluminum. Mind if I ask why?”

Han looked at the terminal board; indeed the whole board was melted and fried. He shrugged his shoulders and asked, “What’s the problem?”

Grenbol’s eyes appeared to shoot out of his head. “The problem, sir, is that aluminum is a soft-metal, while copper is a hard metal. The coverings melt at a lower temperature than the wire itself. When the wire gets hot, the covering begins to melt, and with the gigawatts that are flowing through it, fire is a very plausible possibility.”

Han just looked at him with utter confusion written on his face. Grenbol seeing that decided to ask one more question, “Did you do this?” Han nodded his head. Grenbol sighed and said, “I got to fix this.” He pulled out a comlink, stepped outside the ship and said, “Bensen, tell Jacen to come to landing pad #17 with the tow-ship. Someone has an entire electrical situation.”

Han ran down the ramp after Grenbol yelling, “Hey buddy, I don’t need your help! I can fix her myself.”

Grenbol looked at him, “Can you?”

“Of course, I know everything about that ship and how to fix her,” he said.

“And how do you suppose you would repair it?” Grenbol asked.

Han was about to respond when he suddenly realized that he didn’t know how he was going to fix his ship. This was the worst it ever was; even the mishap on the way to Bespin was minor in comparison to now; and he needed Lando’s help there. What was he supposed to do by himself on Coursceant? He took a few breaths before he asked Grenbol, “How much will this cost?”

“We will discuss price later,” Grenbol said. They both waited for the tow-ship to hook up to the Millennium Falcon and bring it to The Warehouse. The Warehouse was visible from the sky because of the huge orange floor where test flights were landing and taking off. Most of the repairing was done in the two adjacent warehouses on either side of the orange pad.

After they landed, Grenbol was talking to two employees of the repair shop. They were also wearing overalls, one had a name BENSEN; the other had JACEN. Each one of them looked at the inside of the Falcon with disdain. They looked at Han with contempt, shook their heads and got a crew of five to disassemble the electrical wiring system. Grenbol then brought Han into small office near the southern warehouse and said, “What’s your name?”

“I’m Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon.”

Grenbol looked over at the ship that was being brought into the northern warehouse to be repaired. “That is the Millennium Falcon? The famous ship of the Rebel Alliance? What did you do to it?”

Han put up his hands to defend himself and replied, “Look, I didn’t exactly have the proper tools to fix her during the war.”

Grenbol shook his head, “You do realize that it is going to be here at least a couple weeks, right?”

Now Han’s eyes were shooting out of his head, “A couple of weeks?! Look buddy, I need my ship to-”

“Don’t call me buddy,” interrupted Grenbol. “My name is Hoyt Grenbol; the Chief Technician of The Warehouse. I’m an Imperial supporter and know who you are.” Han looked scared for the first time and grabbed for his blaster. His movement was caught by Grenbol because in that second, he ignited his lightsaber and had it pointed at Han’s throat. “Reach for your weapon, you will die right here. Let me clarify myself: I am a supporter of the Empire, not Palpatine.” He lowered his blade, deactivating his saber, while still holding onto the hilt. “As a thank you, I will repair your ship for free.”

Han’s mouth fell open. He never got anything for free. It was an opportunity he couldn’t resist, but something was telling him not to trust Hoyt Grenbol. “Why do you want to give me this gift?”

“Two reasons,” Grenbol began. “First reason is that I hate amateurish work on classic vessels. Second, you will never be able to afford the complete repairs.”

Han sighed, realizing that he was in a no-win situation. Grenbol printed out a contract of the initial estimate. Grenbol was right; the costs of a new Hyperdrive and engine compartments alone, were more than Han could muster. Those two items were the cheap ones; the electrical wiring and the components were more expensive. All in all, the price was over a million, something that Han would never be able to afford.

After signing the contract, Grenbol’s comlink buzzed. He answered it and ran out of the office towards a speeder. Han ran after him asking, “Hey, what am I supposed to do now?”

“I don’t care,” responded Grenbol, firing up the speeder and flying off. Han was left there in a state of shock and awe.

-------------

Luke woke up with a terrible headache. He remembered the encounter he had with the squad of storm troopers, then the fight he had with an older man who had Jedi skills like he never seen before. He looked over the cell he was in: it was completely white without any windows, two bunks and a glass door. On the other side of the glass was a stormtrooper on guard. Once he saw Luke was conscious he reported it through a radio and left the immediate area.

Luke looked over to his left and saw Leia sitting, cross legged, in a meditative trance. She had her eyes closed and a calm composure. Her vibes through the Force were betraying her outward appearance - she was scared beyond belief. Luke was scared as well, but was trying to hide it; he was failing horrible. His own vibes through the Force awakened Leia and she opened her eyes to see that Luke was up.

"Hey," she said to him. "How's your head?" Luke had a bump on his forehead where Grenbol hit him with his own lightsaber. He felt the bump and winced at the pain the light touch gave him.

"Not very good," he answered her question. "Where are we?"

"I don't know," Leia replied. She went back to her meditative state while Luke looked out of the glass. Two men where outside talking in hush tones. One was dressed in stately attire with a briefcase; the other was wearing a uniform that had WOODWARD on it. After a few minutes of talk, the man with Woodward on his uniform left the area around the cell. He didn't seem irritated with the talk, but one could tell from his facial expression that he wasn't pleased.

The other gentleman pushed a button on the wall and said through the speaker, "Hello, my name is Sash F'spastrik, your legal counsel." Leia opened her eyes and shot up towards the glass.

"Legal counsel? What do we need legal counsel for?" she asked.

"Well," Sash began, "You are being charged with the murder of Emperor Palpatine. A noble measure, in my mind, but one that is unlawful."

Leia's eyes were large, her face was a shade of red turning purple, and her hands were balled into tight fists causing her knuckles to turn white. She yelled at the man, "That man was a cruel monster! If we didn't act the way we did, the Galaxy would still be under a terrible dictator! This is outrageous!"

"Shut up!" yelled Dodsen, coming into the cell's view.

"You!" yelled Leia. "Why are you doing this?" her voice had gotten considerable lower each word. She fell down on the ground with tears starting to roll down her cheeks. Luke rolled towards her and took her in his arms, embracing her tightly, giving Dodsen a searing look. Dodsen leaned into Sash's ear and whispered. Sash nodded in understanding and left the area in a hurry. Dodsen now was standing in front the two with his arms crossed, a grin was developing.

"You are probably wondering why you are here," he said. "You didn't give Mr. F'spastrik a chance to speak, what with your screams that could be heard all the way down the hall. You made a crucial error in judgment in asking about Amidala's family. You see, I was there the day you were born, knew of your separation, and knew the reality that was Anakin's ultimate fate. But, I never knew what happened after the incident on Mustafar.

"Your little question into the subject that was supplanted in my memory for 23 years had resurfaced." He pointed towards Luke, "I had to do a little investigating to see that he was, in fact, Luke Skywalker." He then pointed at Leia, "You, on the other hand, were more difficult to determine. Reports were circulating that you were aboard the Death Star, but nothing was confirmed about your fate once we heard of the destruction of the space station after the Battle of Yavin. I had to check the logs of other military conflicts to see that, in fact, you did survive. So, at my disposal, eagerly wanting to know the history of their parents - I don't know any orphan who wouldn't - were number two and three on the most wanted list." He held up a piece of parchment that read:

1. Prisoner #12884397 - Escaped detention facility in 6A.I. Assumed Dead.
2. Luke Skywalker - Rebel pilot, destroyed Death Star. Reward 4 million.
3. Leia Organa - Rebel, escaped Death Star. Reward 2 million.
4. Obi-won Kenobi - Jedi Master. Reported Dead in 19A.I.
5. Yoda - Jedi Master. Location unknown, assumed Dead. Reward TBD.
6. Bail Organa - Rebel Leader and Founder. Reported Dead in 19A.I.
7. Mon Mothma - Rebel Leader and Founder. Location unknown.
8. Han Solo - Rebel pilot, owes debt to Jabba the Hutt. Reward TBD.

Numbers nine and ten were obscured by Dodsen's hand. Luke and Leia were dumbfounded. They were aware that they were probably on some kind of Imperial list of wanted foes, but to actually be caught, that was something that they were not prepared for. Sash F'spastrik came back and said something to Dodsen. Dodsen nodded and walked out of the room. Sash then gave the two a sympathetic look and said, "Sorry for my sudden disappearance. Master Dodsen just informed me of the judge needing to clarify some stuff with me. It's nothing major, just a few paperwork issues.

"Getting back on the subject, I saw that he showed you the 'Most Wanted List' so that will make things a little easier. Basically, you are being charged with two crimes: Murder of the Emperor and Conspiracy against the Government. The prosecuting attorney probably won't take action against the conspiracy charge if he wins the murder charge. Don't worry, I have most of the information I need to insure that your trial will be a relatively quick one. I have a suspicion that if you plead guilty, your deaths will be within a few days. Believe me; I have clients who are living in conditions at the detention facility on Naboo. They are not liking life right now; I want you to avoid that.

"Now-" he shuffled through his briefcase and pulled out a few documents and studied them. "I have here the official charge against you which I need the warden to read. Woodward, would you?" The other man stepped into the room and read:

Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and any others involved with activity involving the Rebellion during the Battle of Endor, are hereby charged with, either by association or directly responsible for, murders of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. These crimes are against Imperial code 171A-43: Murder in the first degree; 171A-44: Murder in the second degree; 171C-02: Assisting in a murder; and 171D-88: Association to murder of a royal. These charges have a minimum sentence to life in prison and a maximum sentence to death by either hanging or lethal injection.

Woodward finished with the charge and handed the document back to Sash. Sash then handed another document to Woodward, who read:

Any and all persons, human or alien, involved in the Rebellion, either actively or by association, are hereby charged with Conspiracy against the Government. This is against Imperial Code 295C-74: Conspiracy to remove governing authority; and 327H-06: Instigation of a military revolt. These crimes hold a minimum sentence of 10 years in high level detention to a maximum sentence of life in prison.

"Thank you Woodward," said Sash as Woodward left the room. "Wow, that is quite a mouthful. I will be back tomorrow with a game plan - I'm not really prepared at the moment, this was just thrown on my shoulders. Try to have a good night." He left the area and the stormtrooper reappeared in front of the glass. Leia looked up at Luke (they never left their embrace) and said in a small voice, "Luke, I'm really scared."

"Me too, Leia, me too," Luke responded, rubbing her back. "Whatever happens, we will face it together."

 

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Valairy_Scot  4039 posts
Registered: Sep '05
Date Posted: 1/23/07 1:19pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Two 1/23/07
Oh, man. Not good for the Skywalker twins. Loved Han and the repairman.

 

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Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping.
Writes on inspiration, not a schedule.
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Ocelotl_Nesto  1317 posts
Registered: Oct '04
6976_Count Dooku<br>LEGO
Date Posted: 1/23/07 1:28pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Two 1/23/07
Crazy twist-- who is the geezer with the saber skills.... hmm

 
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CrazyAni  1112 posts
Registered: Feb '06
39842_Anakin
Date Posted: 1/24/07 8:33am Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Two 1/23/07
Hello! First, I wanted to say that I liked the beginning--it's very intriguing and opens a flood of questions. I enjoyed reading the 'newsparers' articles and the Skywalkers' reaction to them. It should be helpful to know more about the past if they are going to go there. wink Anakin and Obi-Wan were extremely famous. grin

Loved Luke's vision--it was dark, haunting and just... right.

Love your writing style--it's really unique and easy to read. BTW, was the review about the 'Grand Battle' you gave me once a spoiler for your own story? wink

Great work! applause applause

CrazyAni

 

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Cage of Lies - post RotS A/P - Padme is presumed to be dead
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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/26/07 6:33pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Two 1/23/07
My readers are growing in numbers. At first it was one, then two, now, wholly crap, three.

Valairy_Scot: Yes, not good for them indeed. More bad news will come. devil

Ocelotl_Nesto: The geazer is an old Jedi, who defected before the Clone Wars. Chapters Six and Seven will explain.

CrazyAni: Wholy crap, you actually read my story. hugs Thank you very much. As for the my theory about your story, it was simply my imagination working overtime.

 

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Darth-Semians  300 posts
Registered: Sep '06
42090_Darth Revan
Date Posted: 1/26/07 6:45pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Two 1/23/07
A/N: I apologize for still being in the post ROTJ era. This will only exist for two more posts, today's and next Tuesday's. angel


CHAPTER THREE: Revelations

Hoyt Grenbol entered into Holding Cell 1-A. He just received a comlink from Artemas Dodsen about the situation regarding Luke and Leia. Earlier that day the two conspired to arrest the twins on a bogus charge. Murder against the Emperor, when no judge in the entire Galaxy would accept such a trial, just didn’t make any logical sense. No need to inform the Skywalkers of that; it was a little fun to leave them in suspense.

In the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Endor, many Regional Governors had attempted to take over the thrown. Dodsen and Grenbol, being the Keepers of Secrets - their reason for working at the Senatorial Archives - researched Palpatine’s decree of succession. The only decree of that nature they could discover was a proclamation that:

Given the inability of the Emperor to perform his duties, the Governors would have full control of their sectors. No one, unless voted unanimously by all Governors, shall become Emperor.

It was an unusual proclamation, but one that would make sense; given Palpatine’s desire for complete control, allowing anyone else the title of Emperor would be the most difficult feat for all those who seek power. Being disappointed about their inability to be the next Emperor, the Governors accepted their territories with full brutal authority. That was until Dodsen found another proclamation. This one was kept secret from the Governors.

Upon the ultimate death of Palpatine, Darth Vader will succeed him in assuming the thrown. If he is unable to do this, either by accident or design, the Grand Admiral of the Navy shall assume temporary status as Emperor until the Governors select a new one.

Grand Admiral Thrawn was the last being to be promoted to that rank by the Emperor personally. His current location was unknown, but news would travel rather quickly. In fact, reports suggested that the Governors couldn’t find any common ground and began to attack other regions of the Galaxy. Thrawn, on the other hand, attempted to return to Coursceant, but was delayed. The Governors called a meeting to resolve the situation. A stalemate ensued, so the Galaxy was now leaderless.

The New Republic that the Alliance tried to set-up was receiving aggression from Imperial loyalists, supporters of the Governors, and Thrawn’s own inner circle. Also, most citizens of Coursceant denied the legitimateness of the New Republic for most knew of how the Old Republic collapsed because of corruption.

Palpatine’s proclamations for his successor had complicated the Galaxy so much, that it was understandable that most people would probably prefer anarchy. Some systems, immediately upon hearing the dead-ends the Governors were driving themselves into, arguing about who should rule, began to proclaim independence and self-rule. It became so bad; that some on Coursceant began to cry about not having any type of authority of self-rule - because, for 25000 years, it was the center of the galactic government - began to demand for a new system, now!

This is where Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa come into play. In the four months since the Battle of Endor, these two individuals were the only people in the entire Galaxy who had the credentials and the respect to rule. Grenbol, while looking for a way out of the chaos, found an unpublished decree from the Emperor just five months before his death. In it, he wrote:

Revisions to the Decree of Succession. After my death, Darth Vader shall assume the thrown. In the event he is unable, either by accident or design, Luke Skywalker shall take his place in the seat of power. All others shall fight for the right to be Emperor.

Now, it was common knowledge that Luke Skywalker existed. His exploits were being broadcasted throughout the entire Galaxy. He almost achieved as much fame as his father during the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker. Some were regarding him as a hero with his father’s morals (no one knew that Anakin was, in fact, Darth Vader; except for three: Palpatine, Dodsen and Grenbol). Others regarded him as a man on a revenge streak because of what Vader did to Anakin (a news report just after the rise of Vader reported that Vader killed Anakin Skywalker in the most brutal way). Few people thought of him as a rebel scum that needed to be ‘dealt with.’

Had this proclamation been common place, Skywalker would have been killed immediately upon his landing on Coursceant. The decree stated nothing about the military or Governors being involved, it simply stated that the thrown shall be fought over. People are delusional, and thinking that they could simply fight Luke Skywalker for the thrown, well, they are just plain crazy.

Grenbol showed this proclamation to Dodsen. They both knew that it was null-and-void because it was never signed but with the knowledge of his potential political position, Luke could solve this whole mess - or at least his sister could. Not knowing where the two Skywalkers were, it was by sure luck that they stumbled upon the Archives. Leia's question of Padme Amidala, Luke's outrageous behavior at discovering his father was once a slave, and the striking resemblance to their parents was what sealed the deal. The two set about on a course to 'abduct' them and report it to the Galaxy.

Why? Well, for starters, their bounty amounted to 6 million. Both Dodsen and Grenbol were barely making ends meet; they could use a servant's package. Second, it would show the Imperial supporters that it could be accomplished: Taking down Skywalker and Organa. Third, the Alliance would be negotiating for their release, which would amount in more credits on the part of Grenbol and Dodsen. Finally, and perhaps the most twisted reason, it was humorous to the pair to see the state of the twins.

Not saying that the entire operation was bogus, no, the charges were real, based on the code implemented by Palpatine. It was simply a cover for their real objective: Revenge. Anakin Skywalker's mistake at the outset of the formation of the Empire embarrassed Dodsen and Grenbol to a point that they were considered laughing stocks. They really couldn't care who was involved in governing the Galaxy, just that the chaotic situation was resolved and they get their payment. If that included implementing Skywalker and Organa into the pit, than so be it. Everything was going according to plan, until a variable that the two didn't plan on - Han Solo - interrupted everything.

Grenbol, after leaving Solo stranded at The Warehouse told Dodsen the second he entered the holding cell. Dodsen was furious, to say the least. "He could throw a wrench into this whole operation," he said, sitting down to think. "Does he know about their situation?" he asked inclining his head towards the cell.

"I'm not sure," replied Grenbol.

"Well, we need to be prepared to proceed," stated Dodsen.

"No, we can't; it's too soon," interjected Grenbol. "It will seem unreal to the populous. Our thin reputations will be even more ruined."

Dodsen sighed. "Where is he?" he asked.

"I left him at The Warehouse?" Grenbol answered.

"That's good, at least from there, he can't cause any trouble." Dodsen then stood and was about leave the cell, when a thought took him, "You didn't give him the loaner, did you?"

"Of course not," responded Grenbol.

Dodsen then fixed his gaze in the direction of The Warehouse - the same gaze he used upon Leia twice earlier that day. He sent uncomfortable vibes through the Force to Grenbol, who also looked in the same direction. "Then, why am I feeling this disturbance?"

"I feel it too," said Grenbol as he left the cell in a hurry, Dodsen in tow.

They raced towards The Warehouse at top speed. When they landed, they asked around where the cargo ship and its pilot were. No one knew; Bensen and Jacen said that they told him to 'shove off.' Running towards the office, Grenbol asked the secretary there if she had loaned the shuttle to anybody recently. As feared, she did. Grenbol, trying to keep his composure, asked in a voice he was trying to steady, "Why did you do that?"

"Because," she answered, backing away from him, "he was making a mess of things here and personally bugging me. So, I asked if he had the credits for the loaner, he did, so I loaned it to him. I'm sorry sir, please don't fire me."

"Damn it!" he yelled, causing the secretary to audibly yelp. "Don't worry; you won't be fired, yet. How long ago did you loan it?"

She reached for her records with shaking hands, "A-about an hour, an hour ago, sir," she squealed.

Grenbol ran outside to inform Dodsen who yelled to the heavens.

Calming himself, he said to Grenbol, "We need to find him, now."

They both ran towards their speeder. If Solo interfered with their plans, he would receive a fate worse than being eating by a Sarlacc. As they were flying, they placed the frequency of their loaner shuttle and set out for a pin-point location. They found that the shuttle was flying towards the Senatorial Archives. Circling a few times to ensure that Solo couldn't suspect them of following him, they watched as he was attempting to enter the exterior door, which was locked. They finally landed. Attempting to be nice, Dodsen jumped out of the speeder and approached Solo.

"Excuse me sir," he said, extending his hand. "But, we apologize for the inconvenience, the Archives are closed today. There was a disturbance earlier."

Eyeing the older man with a quizzical expression, "Do you work here?"

"It's part of my life; I wouldn't consider it a 'job' but more of a 'hobby.'"

"Oh," said Solo, looking defeated. "Well, do you know if anyone is still in there?"

"Like I said sir, we are closed; no one is in there at the moment." Dodsen said.

Solo then thanked the man and walked towards his rented shuttle, pulling out a comlink and said into it, "Princess, Luke, the game's over - where are you?"

As Dodsen went back to the speeder, both he and Grenbol were wearing grins; their first distraction was completed. Before they processed the Skywalkers, they made sure that they didn't have any communication equipment. So, Solo could call forever for Luke and Leia, but it would be to no avail. The only thing that they had to worry about was the release of the news report of the twin's arrest and if Solo would catch word of it.

----------------

The night passed relatively quickly for Luke and Leia. Their bunks were not all that uncomfortable, they were at least provided with a blanket for warmth. Luke woke up first then Leia. Their stormtrooper guard was no longer standing but sitting, because of his helmet, it was difficult to determine if he was awake or not. As Luke stood up, it was known that the trooper was in deed, awake for he got up himself and motioned for someone to enter the cell’s area. Walking in, with his briefcase was Sash F’spastrik.

He pressed the button to talk to the twins, saying, “Good morning. How was your night?” he asked pleasantly. He already knew the answer, but it was customary to ask anyway. He continued, “Well, are we ready?”

Ready - what were they supposed to be ready for? Was their trial about to start? What would they do? These and other questions were floating in the twins’ heads. The warden opened the glass door of their cell and motioned for them to follow the two armed troopers. Wanting to make a run for it, because they gave Luke back his lightsaber, Leia stole a glance at Luke, then down to his weapon. He silently shook his head ‘no.’

‘What do you mean no?’ she asked him, through the Force.

Surprised that she could do such a thing, and more surprised that he could hear her, Luke tried to answer back, ‘It’s too risky.”

‘Not if you kill both of them at once,” she tried to reason with him.

‘Leia,’ he told her, ‘now would be a bad time to do it. Just wait, I’ll figure something out.’ She just rolled her eyes at him.

“I would think of something rather quickly Skywalker, you appointment with the Judge has been rescheduled.” Dodsen appeared in the hallway, handing a document to the warden. Woodward looked at it and huffed, “Why does this have to happen now?”

Luke tried to look at the document, which Woodward hid from his view, “Stop being nosey, you rebel scum,” he said. “Guards, put them back in their hole,” he told the two troopers and they complied by hitting both of them in their heads. Dodsen, for some reason, grabbed the troopers and said, “Be nice.”

Confusion took over the Skywalkers. What was really going on here? Dodsen could hear their Force conversation, Grenbol was gifted in Jedi-style saber fighting, they were arrested on charges that they would assuredly be convicted of, and they were given a lawyer. ‘Why go through this whole situation, just convict us and be done with it,’ Leia thought.

Dodsen turned towards her and said, “Due process, Ms. Skywalker. Everything must be done according to protocol; giving you due process is part of the protocol.”

That was the second time he called her ‘Ms. Skywalker.’ The funny thing was that it didn’t bother her as much as it probably should. For some reason it felt right to be called that name. Dodsen must’ve felt her turmoil for he said, “Or do you prefer to be called Ms. Organa?” Leia was about to respond with ‘Ms. Organa’ but couldn’t find her voice. Something about that man made her fearful, what it was she didn’t know. He had another intense gaze upon her, she closed her eyes trying to block out all of her thoughts; she could only hope that it worked. He turned to Luke, who was holding his head in his hands, and asked him, “Hey, how’s you hand?”

“Why do you care?” Leia suddenly shouted.

He looked at her and said, “Well, he did hit that wall very hard. I’m only wondering if my little aid helped the healing.”

Leia and Dodsen fixed gazes at each other; she wanted to win and knew the only way was to make him blink first. His gaze wasn’t as intense as it was in the Archives, but she had to use all her willpower not to blink. Suddenly, when she couldn’t hold it any longer, his comlink buzzed. He answered it, lowering his gaze from her; she breathed a sigh of relief that it was over.

“What you want?” he asked into it.

“Is that anyway to treat a friend?” the comlink answered back.

“Oh, its you,” Dodsen said. “Where is Solo?”

“I got him tracked; he went back to the Archives, realized that they were still closed and flew off towards the old Senate building. I think he will report Skywalker and Organa missing.”

Since he forgot to turn off the speaker, the twins heard every word. They worried that Han Solo was going to get himself in some kind of trouble. Luke got up and asked Dodsen, surprising him, “What are you planning on doing with Han?”

Dodsen turned around, with a concerned look, if only for a second. “Nothing major,” he said. “If he keeps his nose out of this, he will be perfectly healthy.”

“Why are you doing this?” Luke asked. “We haven't done anything to you?”

“Correct; this is your father’s fault. You know the old saying: The next generation pays for the previous generation's mistakes. Well, your parent’s did something completely brash, and now, their children must pay the price.”

“It’s not our fault that he fell to the Dark Side!” yelled Leia. “And as for paying for it, we have already paid by living in the Empire.”

Dodsen started to laugh. Grenbol, who was on the other end of the comlink, began laughing too. “You,” he said to Leia, “lived in a lap of luxury. You had a loving family who would do anything for you. The only thing you had to worry about was what happened to your nanny, Tizar. Luke, on the other hand, had it a little bit more rough.” He fixed his gaze on Anakin’s son. “However, you still grew up in a loving household; and despite the conditions on Tatooine, you still had a family to call your own.

“No, I’m afraid the payment we are looking for is more severe than not knowing who your birth parents were. I believe that knowing exactly what your parents did to the Galaxy is more than punishment enough. Nothing is more painful for a child than to know that their parents were ultimately responsible for the conditions of the world. I want you to know what mistakes your parents made. I want you to know that they put you in this life. I want you to think of what could have been, had they made the proper choices. I want you to know that, yes, because of you, they made the wrong choices. Because of you, everything fell apart. Because of you, Anakin Skywalker fell to the Dark Side. Because of you, Padme Amidala died. Because of you, Palpatine became Emperor. Because of you, it all went straight to hell.”

A/N: Peace for now, peace , until we meet again.

 

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Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-)
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Valairy_Scot  4039 posts
Registered: Sep '05
Date Posted: 1/26/07 7:10pm Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Three 1/26/07
Oh, dear. Right now, I have a sinking feeling about this, but I'm sure it will come out all right in the end.

 

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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.
2007-2008 the quality years
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Warrior_Goddess  2698 posts
Registered: Aug '06
40082_Natalie Portman
Date Posted: 1/29/07 7:00am Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Three 1/26/07
oooh, very good, interesting story. applause

 

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"Why shouldn't we stretch the facts? We stretch taffy and that just makes it more delicious"- Stephen Colbert
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Ocelotl_Nesto  1317 posts
Registered: Oct '04
6976_Count Dooku<br>LEGO
Date Posted: 1/29/07 8:55am Subject: RE: Second Chances: Time-Travel AU - Chapter Three 1/26/07
All the self righteous yelling--hmmm-- will they see through it?

Thanks for the PM

 
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