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Author	Topic: In Plain Sight: Luke's Story -- ANH AU - complete -- Thanks for your support in the Awards!
PadawanMom5610 Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 5/19/07 9:38pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	Great job on this update! Thank you for taking the time to post it for us. Poor Luke! He's had a miserable life, and its about to get so much worse. So, Leia's been raised by the Lars'. Hm, that should be an interesting twist. Did they let Obi-Wan train her? Bail is still involved, though. Interesting. Why did they pick mean old Sola to raise Luke anyway?
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Jaded_Rose Registered: Nov '06	Date Posted: 5/20/07 11:41am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	The part in italics was a flashback, no? Or maybe... I really liked the debate sequence, and the description of how Luke's opponent was destroyed was thourougly enjoyable! J_Ro -----signature----- The pen is mightier than the sword, if it has been sharpened to a fine point, dipped in deadly poison and thrown from ten feet away. But really, you're better off with a sword. -America, The Book
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satanat_solo Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/20/07 7:42pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	a fascinating up... This story gets more and more intriguing... nicely done. -----signature----- "You've got to pin back your flaps and move forward." "They aren't flaps, they're my face!"
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Blue_Milkshake Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 5/22/07 9:25am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	Da, da, dum, dum! What a story! -----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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Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 5/22/07 10:16am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	Oh, this is not good. Not good at all. Palpatine has his hands on Luke... But from the way Luke took down his opponent, Palpatine couldn't resist taking him. Wonder what's up with Senator Melgida? Is she a Jedi of some sort? Or something else entirely? As for Mara, she's getting a crush on Luke. Congratulations on graduation and hope you had fun on your trip! -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 5/25/07 5:12am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	Finally found the link! Well! All I have to say is 'uh-oh!' Obi-Wan is crying again and that's definitely not a good sign. -----signature----- http://io9.com/5111680/avatar-casting-makes-fans-see-white Upset about the casting for the Last Airbender movies? Write to Paramount about it. http://aang-aint-white.livejournal.com/1007.html
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furrylittlebantha Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 6/7/07 9:46pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18 - Date Edited: 6/8/07 9:43am (1 edits total) Edited By: furrylittlebantha
	So here I am, tanned, armed with three new chapters in the bank, and ready to roll. Replies to the last two chapters are below, but I want to extend thanks to all of you for being such a great bunch of readers. When I started this story I envisioned updates being once a week. Unfortunately, circumstances have really limited my internet access in the past months. Please don’t worry about this story being ditched; writing time isn’t the issue, it’s my ability to transfer what I’ve written to a computer where I can post it. Anyways, all that to say this: my regularity hasn’t been what I dreamed for my first longish story, but you have made it all worth it! The current PM list is under the replies. As always, if you wish to be taken off, either temporarily or permanently, don’t hesitate to let me know. -------------------------------------- Chapter Three Replies ------------------------------ G_Anakin: Great job! I like your user name! Thank you! I like yours too. jade_eyes: This is getting more fascinating with each update. Hopefully I can keep the status quo, then. [/i]Melgida's either a Jedi or Sith undercover. My bet's on the former but ... [/i] Maybe both, have you thought about that, hmm? Hehe. Just kidding. What’s a little psychological manipulation among friends, eh? Thanks for the PM, and I do hope your computer doesn't fizzle. You’re welcome! I think my computer’s fine; it was the library computer that can’t copy a link. I'd hate for this story to grind to a halt. Me too. BrentusofGath: LOL! Poor whiny Luke. Though he's not doing as much whining as he usually does. More quiet calculating, listening to intrigue. And that aspect will play pretty prominently in following developments. She knows who he is, or was led to suspect. Muhahahahah… Cool, the building talks again. I love it when the walls speak to me- uh, I mean Luke. But is it the building? Or Palpatine? Or Melgida? Or Exar Kun? Or a random Ewok with highly specialized surveillance technology and a transmitter planted in Luke’s brain so he can manipulate the young human for his own sinister ends? Oops! Dang, gave it away. Promise you won’t tell. and WOW! The three stooges (Obi-Wan, Vader and Palps) felt his presence on the podium. There's a big collision a'brewin' and I can't wait to see it! Collisions ahoy! Cross your fingers for chapter six. So glad to have you aboard! tasujad: Is this the beginning of the Jedis end OR the beginning of the sith's end? Hmm…Maybe both, or neither, or a just a few from each category. Best way to find out is staying tuned! And thank you for doing so. Love your sig, btw. Lucky. MsLanna: Ack, forgot to commetn on the öast chapter. M ybad. No biggie. I didn’t get around to answering last chapter. I’m just glad that you’re reading and enjoying! This is TOS-violating brilliant. Sweet! Totally love the story-telling and scheming Melgida I'm not sure on whose side she is. Not on the side you think she is, I promise. If anyone figures it out, I will retire in permanent, soul-destructive shame. PadawanMom5601: Thank you for the PM and the update! You’re welcome! Hm, what is she up to? I don't like all her secrets any more than Luke does. Who does? But they’ll all (well, almost all) be revealed pretty soon. This is a short story, after all. And who is the voice, if it's not Palpatine? I stick with my Ewok story (see reply to BrentusofGath)! It looks like we will see some Jedi/Sith action soon. Right on. ginchy: Oh, my!! So much intrigue! Three chapters in and I'm already confused, wondering, salivating at what comes next. LOL! And that is the best compliment a writer can get! Hope I can keep that saliva flowing with the next updates. Yeah, Luke, I want to know, too! [inscrutable_voice] All will be revealed with time. [/inscrutable_voice] Excellent story you're weaving here, gal! Thanks for the PM and good luck with your computer! You’re welcome! I think my computer’s okay; it was the library computer that acted up. How’s your wrist now, btw? You mentioned problems with it a few months back. VaderLVR64: Oh my! Oh, yes! Buhahahaha and all that good stuff. Another wonderful update! Thank you! JediVegeta: I’m mortified. I was glancing over my last set of replies, and I realized I made an error. In my reply to you, I said something like “any update is a fabulous one.” What I meant to say was that any response from you is a fabulous one. Arg. Me and my hasty fingers. All that to convey the fact that I appreciate your readership and I’m happy as long as you are, even if you don’t get around to replying every time! Hee hee...evil. In a good way! Only in the fanfic world can evil be described as good and no one find anything especially unusual about that. I find this voice intriguing. I keep wondering if it is Palpatine, the darkside in gerneral or something else. If it were me speculating, I’d put my money on the evil party. Which ever that one is, you figure out. And this Senator is also interesting. I do like her, but what is her story. And that, my friend, is the critical question. Her story will figure VERY prominently in the latter part of IPS. Some one says she may be a Jedi in disguise or something, but I dunno...I will be looking forward to this OC of yours and what you will do with her. It’s going to be hard to keep a balance between ambiguity and clues, because you people are astute readers! I can say this: pretty much everybody is in some aspects on the right track, but the whole game will be a surprise. As for Obi-Wan...duh. Sola was NOT the best place. And now Luke is definatly NOT in the best place. Ooooh, yeah. Sort of wonder why she was picked instead of the Lars. Will you go into that more, perhaps? Perhaps. I’m not sure at this point. The original reason is actually somewhat secondary to the present results. Great post as usual, and by burned out, I meant by the last weeks of school for you! It can be stressful, so I was wishing you much luck! Belatedly, thank you! Yes, the last few days of school were a little slice of hell (I left early for vacation, and trying to squeeze a week and a half of finals and papers into two days is uber fun) but it worked out in the end. KELIA: Ooohhh so Melgida is aware of Luke's true heritage. Yup. I can only hope her agenda is evil. We shall see… The voice in Luke's head is very creepy That’s what I’m going for, so I’m glad you thought so! Great update Thank you. Jade_Pilot: This is absolutely fascinating! Glad you think so. My first thoughts about Luke's new found confidence is that he's being controlled like Mara was when she was Palpatine's hand. Interesting. You’re not far off, actually. The truth is remarkably similar. I like the intrigue a lot and of course the interplay between Luke and Melgida. Always the most fun. Bravo! Thank you! Jaded_Rose: Melgida makes me rather nervous, but perhaps her machinations will help Luke. And then again, maybe they won’t. But maybe you’re right… Will he and Mara ever meet? More than just meet, my friend! Please add me to the PM list! Added. leia_naberrie: I heart Talking!Snarky! Palace. Me too. Thanks for the PM! You’re welcome! DavidSkywalker_01: Great job on the chapter! Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the PM! You’re welcome. JEDIFLYSWATTER: Well I would say that a boulder just fell into the rich pool called the Force. I would say you are right. Poor Luke does not know what is going on around there. He even hears ghosts. Yup; clueless would describe him just about perfectly right now, poor guy. Great post and thanks. Thank you! divapilot: This is a colder, more cynical Luke than the wide-eyed farmboy we are used to. Yes. In spite of the restrictions of life on Tattooine, they were not emotional restrictions. I think that’s an important distinction. With the Lars’ he was free to develop into a fun-loving, carefree kid; with the Varewé’s, his interactions molded him into someone much more somber and like you said, cynical. What if Luke had been brought up like his mother, as a politician? I can think of another Force sensitive politician from Naboo. Shh! Don’t give it away! I wonder if Luke will consider that the "power is more important than love" attitude will apply to Mara, too. And I wonder if she believes the same way. That is a wonderful question. Another excellent update, Furry!!! Partly because of your excellent beta! SITHTIFF: I am sooo curious as to who or what Melgida is!!! Fraid her whole story won’t be revealed till the end. But clues will be dropped all along, so you might get it sooner! Also, the whole "talking palace" thingy is another curiosity. I have a feeling that the Emperor is going to have a great day in the art of manipulation very soon. VERY soon….like, chapter six kind of soon. I hope Vader gets to him first though...I think. Vader will get to him. After or before, I can’t say. Anyway, another intriguing and excellent post. Thanks You’re welcome! Thank you for reading (and reviewing!) jade_angel: Blaaaargh I need more! Happy to oblige. I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying it! The story's so compelling, especially since I only have an inkling as to where you're trying to push Luke. You’ll figure it out soon. This is a short story, after all. Sigh. Wish it were longer… Please update soon and also, I wouldn't mind being added to your PM list Hopefully the velocity of my life will decrease in the near future and I’ll be able to update more regularly. The problem for me isn’t writing time; I actually have three and a half chapters in the bank. The problem is getting internet. Currently, ours is down, so I have to go to the library or my grandma’s house. Arrg. Independence1776: Oh, wow. This is a unique story. Thank you for saying so! Luke at the Palace, Mara being curious as usual, Jedi concerned, and Palpatine happy. A recipe for disaster. I like disasters…. I'm not sure I like where this is heading... But I look forward to the journey. Cool! I hope I can make the journey a fun one, whether the ending is to your taste or not. Glad you’re onboard! Could I please be on the PM list? Sure! MotionWright: Enjoy your vacation! I know all too well how exhausting writing can be. Vacation was awesome! Strangely, though, I wrote more than ever…seems that every time I refuel my tank I use it up right away. So you write, then? “Real world” stuff? Fanfiction? I like this story. It is intriguing and original. Your writing is refreshingly rich in imagery. I appreciate that. It’s wonderful to get feedback not just about the story, but about its execution, too. What happened to Luke at the debate doesn't really surprise me. The same thing happened to me a few months ago, and I'm pretty sure I don't have the Force. I was nervous like hell, and then, just as I took my place behind the stand, my mind was suddenly clear; all the arguments were ready in my head - I didn't even need to look at my notes - and I knew that whatever the opposing team's spokesperson came up with, I would have a good counterargument ready. Amazing, isn't it? And some people wonder why I love politics... Are you on a debate team? That’s an intriguing experience. Actually, the same thing happened to me when I was interviewing for a highly competitive scholarship. I was nervous as heck—couldn’t afford to go to the college without the scholarship, and a lot of the kids had more going for them. I went in the room; the panel of judges sat there looking at me like vultures. And just like that, I was calm. Articulate. Expressive. It was surreal. So yeah, I drew that scene from life (incidentally, I don’t have the Force, either!) Kyana-Morgaine: Wow! Intersting story! I’m glad you’re having fun reading it! Please PM me when you're going to update! It would be a pleasure. BTW, you have a very interesting username. Is there a story behind it? satanat_solo: wow, this is fantastic so far! Thank you! I don't think i've ever read anything with this sort of premise. That’s good to hear. I try to use unique ideas, but you know what they say; nothing’s new under the sun, and especially in fanfiction. (and very well writen might i add..) Glad you think so! enjoy your holiday and plleease add me to your pm list? Thank you; vacation was (and still is) a blast. I’d be happy to PM you with updates! ------------------------ Chapter Four Replies ----------------------- MsLanna: Yay, the Emperor is after him. Yay indeed! And I wonder where Melgida has gone to. Just out of the room. She’ll be back, don’t worry. She won't abandon him to old wrinkleface, will she? Um…yes. Oh, and I haven’t been getting over to ff.n recently, so I was wondering: have you posted “Who I Am” over here? I’m curious as to how our amnesiac friend is getting on. ginchy: Yeah, I'm worried about that, too. All will become clear with time. Only I can’t promise he’ll like where he ends up… Excellent lead up to the Emperor approaching Luke, and how he found himself all alone, except for Mara nearby. Thank you! I enjoyed their talk, too. Can't wait for more! More IPS now; more L/Mness in the near future! Good luck with your fanfic withdrawl! woefully It’ll be a long road to recovery, I’m telling you. Every little chance I get I read some, and I’m beginning to save my fav stories on my computer for fixes when I can’t get to the internet. It’s just not the same, though…breaks down Jade_Pilot: The story is fantastic! I’m glad you think so! I love all the little nuances and characerizations. As I mentioned to someone above, I really, really appreciate it when people give their impressions of the actual writing. I’m always working on that part, so it’s great to know what you think! I like how you've brought Luke and Mara together early rather than later. The way it should have been, IMHO. Very creative and intriguing. Bravo! Thank you! SO happy you’re liking this. G_Anakin: Great job! Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy it. Mystic665: w00t for updates! Thanks for reading! JEDIFLYSWATTER: Mara must be wondering what that intense interest her master all of a sudden has in this young man. Ooooh yeah. And she’ll be doing at lot more wondering in the months to come… Have I mentioned that I like your username? Well, I like your username. I know what her interest proubly is in him because mine would be in the same place. Me and you both, sister. I bet the Jedi sure are not pleased at all about Sola dumping poor Luke like she did. Sad part about that entire thing is that poor Luke also knows that he has been dumped off and treated like an outcast by her and his so called family. Right on both counts. The Jedi feel they’ve made a mistake (bingo!) and Luke feels…not happy, that’s for sure. What is Vader going to do once he feels and sees him. Can not wait. You won’t have to wait long! Two or three chapters…I can tell you this, he’s not going to sit back and let events transpire without his cough professional opinion… Super job, have fun on your Senior Trip, and congrats on finishing High School. Thanks. Thank you, for your congratulations, your lovely review, and for reading! BrentusofGath: Hmmm, I wonder what she did to the boy. To be perfectly honest, nothing. I was misleading at that point. Melgida was conflicted between honest affection for Luke and her schemes, and she was going to pat him on the shoulder but then decided against it. Erm. It’s a moot question, anyways, since for all intents and purposes Luke is out of her grasp. ROTFLOL!!! I love his calculated apathy. That's a new charactere trait for our boy, lol. But it fits. In this universe anyway. Apathy’s so much fun! But can you imagine farmboy Luke with it? “Yes, Uncle Owen, whatever you say, I had wished to go to the Toche Station to pick up power converters and gab with my friends, but since I’m so emotionally withdrawn anyways it makes little difference in the larger scheme of things…” Yeah. Hehe, the gleam of hope for the future. Hope? Or despair? I suppose it depends who’s hoping and who’s despairing. Face your destiny, young man. You will give in. And face it he will, or my name’s not furrylittlebantha. Wait…it’s not. Oh well. He’ll face it. Never fear. LOL! I'll bet. Palpatine can hear the palace speak to the boy can he? Not necessarily. All is not as it seems. Palpy's gonna win! Luke's gonna be his new apprentice! Yay! Or is he? And is that what he has planned for Luke? Like I said, all is not as it seems… I'm really loving the evil you've cooked up here, can ya tell? And I’m so glad you are! I really appreciate both that you’re reading and also leaving me such great feedback. Thanks! VaderLVR64: Loved the whole chapter, but especially this section Glad you liked that bit! Hope the next chapter is just as enjoyable for you. jade_eyes: Yay!! Luke and Mara meet!! Yup! Palps and Luke too Yup! Great conversations all around. I’m glad you approve. Woohoo!! Things are heating up!! And they will continue to, the whole story long. Actually, this next chapter’s a bit of a lull, but after that…hold onto your hat! And jewelry, and other small personal effects, and keep hands and feet in the compartment…:D Have a great trip. Thank you! divapilot: First of all --- HAPPY GRADUATION!!!! Thank you! I feel ready to go conquer the world and benefit humanity and all that other stuff they told us to do at Commencement. I feel more ready to get another post up, though. Secondly - Terrific update. I love the voices you have for Luke and mara. This is really how they would sound if they had been brought up in different circumstances. I appreciate that comment. Characterizations don’t come naturally to me, and it’s even trickier when the reality’s slightly skewed. Luke is in for it now, since the Emperor has taken him. I'll be interested in seeing if this cynicism of Luke's will help protect him from the Emperor's machinations. On the one hand, though, his cynicism developed as a defense mechanism against his vulnerability. The vulnerability’s still there, and I doubt his world-weary exterior will fool Palpatine any. And Obi-Wan is so tragic here. I wonder if "little Leia" was brought up by Beru? Interesting. By Beru? Or by the Organas? Or by a third part? I’m not saying! (and you’d better not either, come to think of it—you know now!) Great job, Furry! Thank you! PadawanMom5601: Great job on this update! Thank you for taking the time to post it for us. Oh, goodness, you’re welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read and reply. Poor Luke! He's had a miserable life, and its about to get so much worse. cracks knuckles You betcher buttons, it is. So, Leia's been raised by the Lars'. I never said that. Hm, that should be an interesting twist. Did they let Obi-Wan train her? Bail is still involved, though. Interesting. Why did they pick mean old Sola to raise Luke anyway? Who knows? When you come to think of it, though, it does seem logical. At least Sola Naberrie-Varewé was blood kin to Luke, whereas Owen Lars was not. Still stinks. Jaded_Rose: I really liked the debate sequence Cool! That was a part I had fun writing. and the description of how Luke's opponent was destroyed was thourougly enjoyable! Yar. Go Luke! Whup their butts! Thanks for reading. satanat_solo: a fascinating up... This story gets more and more intriguing... nicely done. Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Hope I can keep it intriguing. Blue_Milkshake: Da, da, dum, dum! What a story! Aww, you make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Thanks for the encouragement, and I’m glad you’re reading. Independence1776: Oh, this is not good. Not good at all. You’re right about that. Palpatine has his hands on Luke... But from the way Luke took down his opponent, Palpatine couldn't resist taking him. Nope. And our friend Palps has big plans for this prodigy… Wonder what's up with Senator Melgida? Is she a Jedi of some sort? Or something else entirely? She’s…something. You’ll have to wait to find out! As for Mara, she's getting a crush on Luke. Big time. Congratulations on graduation and hope you had fun on your trip! Thank you! The trip was great. I love traveling. leia_naberrie: Finally found the link! Yay for finding links! Well! All I have to say is 'uh-oh!' That’s an appropriate exclamation to make, considering the circumstances. Obi-Wan is crying again and that's definitely not a good sign. Nope. Hope you enjoy the next bit! ================= PM list: ginchy JediVegeta BrentusofGath Jade_eyes MsLanna Darth_Vaderette David_Skywalker01 cooldamien KELIA Jade_Pilot MirandaFair VaderLVR64 RedGold divapilot G_Anakin JEDIFLYSWATTER SITHTIFF leia_naberrie tasujad petradelling PadawanMom5601 Jaded_Rose jade_angel Independence1776 Kyana-Morgaine satanat_solo -----signature----- Master of tjace and bi0nic. In mourning for the one year, nine months, and five days it has been since The Souls of Demons was updated. sob
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furrylittlebantha Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 6/7/07 9:53pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 5/18
	================ Chapter Five Coruscant was more than the political and military center of civilization, more even than the cultural axis, more than a glittering hub of power and wealth. It was also the center through which information of all kinds flowed, crisscrossing and weaving out on its path through the galaxy. In that respect, the old saying was true. All paths did lead to Coruscant. If the Imperial Center was the heart of civilization, then the Palace was the heart of the Imperial Center—and the Archives were the heart of the Palace. Hushed, towering, the Palace Archives were almost as impressive as the building itself. Luke perched at a computer terminal high on a landing, pale morning sun pouring onto his shoulders from a skylight. Earlier, when he looked over the railing, he felt as if he stood on the rim of cylinder built out of data. If only the data were better organized. “Varewé!” Luke closed his search and looked up. “Hey Gartee. Where’ve you been lately?” “Pardon me; that’s the wrong question, buddy. Where’ve you been?” The taller boy shook his head, a bewildered smile on his face. “So you’re working directly with the Emperor now. Wow. That’s all I can say. Not gonna lie, Varewé, talk about jumping on the fast track! What did you do, make a deal with the devil?” “Of course not,” Luke snorted. “To be honest, I have no idea why this happened.” He lowered his voice as a nearby staffer shot them a dirty look. “It just…did.” Garmonsaw folded his arms and stared down knowingly. “I guess your big win at the debate finals had nothing to do with it, right?” Luke shrugged, wincing inwardly. He still didn’t like thinking about that night. “I’m sure the Emperor had his reasons. Maybe the debate factored in, I don’t know.” The Moff’s son winked and flopped into the terminal next to him. “Cagey already, huh? Okay, so, what’s this guy like? Can you tell me that much? Does he put on the freaky bathrobe one arm at a time? Can he hold spicy food? Is that one rumor about the mynocks and the Devoranian prostitute true? Can—” “Gartee,” Luke cut in. “Read my lips: I don’t know. Gosh, it’s been all of two weeks! I don’t even see the Emperor very often. He goes off and does Emperor stuff, and I run errands for one of his assistants. Like now.” He waved a hand at the screen. “I’m gathering a list of the different tariffs on delfirium over a five year span so someone can calculate the variation and create a model. It’s not like I’m Palpatine’s best friend or something.” “Oh. Okay.” Garmonsaw sighed. “Sounds like what I do. The whole senility thing turned out to be an act. Senator Griselr is sharp as a vibroblade, and a sadistic old chicken to boot. Right now I’m reorganizing the health records of her staff so the insurance people can’t screw her again.” “Sounds exciting, all right.” Luke pulled his search engine back up. “Where are you, Corellia…aha.” “Don’t mumble,” Gartee squeaked, pitching his voice several octaves up in mimicry of the Matron. “A diplomat’s most potent tool is his diction. Many a great political battle has been lost through…” “…Sloppy pronunciation and incorrect diction. Whatever. I’m pretty sure the senator she always makes an example of is that Gungan, Binks, and they talk like that normally.” Garmonsaw squinted at his terminal and typed rapidly for a few moments. “Huh…don’t Gungans come from your homeplanet, Luke?” “Yeah.” He shuddered. “Unfortunately. One year I got sick when we were in Gungan territory…oh boy, that concoction they gave me was…” He shuddered again—and a thought struck him. “Hey, you’ve got the master code to the health records, don’t you?” “What of it?” Luke grinned. “Still any good at hacking?” Gartee looked over at him, cocked an eyebrow. “I might be. Thinking of stealing Senator Griselr’s identity?” Luke’s terminal pinged, and he quickly sorted the results by date and filed them away. He swung his chair around sideways. “Actually, it’s my allergy shot. I only had a reaction once, in that swamp, and now I have to take these dumb shots every six weeks. But I was thinking, if nobody ever saw it on my record…” Gartee rolled his eyes and leaned over the keypad. “Fine. I’ll do it. What are friends for and all that. But if I get in trouble, be prepared to put in a good word with your Friend in High Places…” he trailed off, brow furrowing. Minutes ticked by, the silence punctuated only by tapping and a few beeps. Luke frowned. “Something wrong?” “Varewé.” Garmonsaw’s voice was troubled. “I can’t do this.” “A conscience attack?” “No, I literally can’t alter your files. Somebody already has...and then locked them down.” Luke sat back, stunned. Who would tamper with his health records? And why? “What’s changed?” he asked urgently. “Stang, how should I know? Wait. There.” The other boy pushed away the keypad in frustration. “This is really weird, Varewé. I’ve never seen anything like it. Who the heck…” “Gungans,” Luke joked weakly. “Really embarrassed Gungans.” “Luke.” Garmonsaw fixed him with a quizzical gaze. “They didn’t mess with the medical part. But your genetic information…all gone. “As of now, you don’t have parents.” ------------------------------------- Later, Luke walked Garmonsaw back to Griselr’s offices. He leaned back against the doorway and sighed. “It’s been a weird summer, Gartee. I almost wish I hadn’t come to Coruscant.” The tall boy patted him on the shoulder roughly. “Cheer up. It’s not all bad. Look who’s coming, for instance.” Luke looked, and immediately wished he hadn’t. He shrunk deeper into the doorway. Senator Twansa Melgida swept by, gesturing animatedly to the red-haired girl beside her. Countess Claria walked with her arms folded and brow furrowed in concentration. Neither of them glanced at him. “She’s been ignoring me,” he whispered to Gartee unhappily. “I think she’s mad that I…” “Forget that old broad,” Garmonsaw hissed. “Her. Check out her.” “The Countess?” “You know her? Gods, I’m jealous.” He gave a low whistle when they passed out of sight. “That’s one hot redhead.” “Not a redhead,” Luke corrected absently. He was still staring at the place Melgida had been. “What?” Garmonsaw shook the dazed glow from his eyes. “Red-gold,” Luke repeated. He shoved his hands in his pockets, stood up. “Her hair isn’t red, that’s all. There’s some gold in it. Hey, quit that. Stop it, Gartee.” The other boy held up his hands in defense. “I didn’t say anything!” “Yes you did. I heard you. You said, he’s got it bad.” “No, I didn’t, Luke,” Gartee said quietly. “But I distinctly—” “No, I didn’t, Luke,” he repeated, even softer. “…I thought it.” Minutes ticked by. Luke felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck, into his collar. He shifted from foot to foot. Garmonsaw continued to stare as if Luke were a particularly gruesome bug. “Look,” he said at last. “I’m sure there’s an explanation. Maybe you just thought you thought it.” “Maybe.” Gartee spoke without much conviction, but at least he grinned while he said it. “But seriously. Red-gold. Where I come from, they call that strawberry blonde.” They bantered back and forth for a few minutes before Luke found an excuse to leave. He made his way out of the corridor quickly, relieved to put distance between himself and Garmonsaw Fortee III. ------------------------------------------ The old man doubles over as a snaking band of power rams against his mind. How much longer can he hold it in? How long can his psyche stand against the onslaught of chaos? He does not care to know the answer. He never has. He has always hoped for another way. And now there is one. Wheezing, he pulls himself upright and steps out of the storm. It is time. The hour of triumph is at hand. The head assistant was waiting when Luke returned to the Emperor’s wing. “I’ve got the tariffs,” he began. She grabbed the datapad and tossed it on the desk, face flushed. “Never mind that, Varewé. Listen, the Emperor wants to meet you.” He heard the flustered apprehension in her tone, and strangely, it left him untouched. Fear had come and gone, that first, miserable, confusing night two weeks ago. Only a cool sense of inevitability remained. Luke nodded shortly to the woman. “Where do I go?” ----------------------------------- In direct contrast to the rest of the Palace, Palpatine’s personal chambers were spare of lavish furnishing, low-ceilinged, and oddly subdued. At one end of the room, massive double doors opened onto a balcony overlooking the city. The Emperor stood on far edge of the balcony, facing away from the room. Luke approached quietly. He reached the doors. The cloaked figure did not stir. Did he hear me? Luke wondered. Should I say something? Is it rude to speak first? After an intense inner debate he decided to remain still. Time passed. At length, the Emperor stirred. “Welcome, young Varewé.” Luke fidgeted, unsure of how to reply. “I…Thank you, highness,” he settled on. Stars. That sounded stupid. Why was it that his self-possession fled in the presence of this man? Emperor Palpatine turned slowly. In the light of day, his face was visible, and Luke could not help flinching a little at the sight. It looked as if the man were being eaten alive. So he is, something whispered. The era of Palpatine draws to a close, and the era of Skywalker approaches. Luke forced his face to remain still. Skywalker? Who’s that? he wondered, despite himself. A low chuckle tickled the base of his skull. It annoyed and unsettled Luke that the palace’s presence kept shifting like this; sometimes it felt vast and powerful enough to swallow him, and other times, nothing more than tickle in his mind. Who indeed? “I have been watching you, boy. You show great promise. It is rare, indeed, to find a mind so keen in one so young. Although not surprising; I knew your mother and father, and you are like them both.” “Mother and Father?” Luke repeated, surprised. “They never mentioned knowing you.” He was rewarded with a slow, sickening smile filled with rotting teeth. “Fascinating. But no matter. I have called you here today because I have need of you.” The Emperor’s words refused to attach to an understandable framework. They spiraled into his mind crazily, making no more sense than some of Melgida’s choicer passages. “Me?” “I am dying.” Palpatine said it abruptly, and without emotion. “Only you can help me now.” “How?” Luke asked, bewildered. A heaviness was descending on his mind. The Emperor began to pace, hands clasped before him, sleeves of his robe pooling in front. It occurred to Luke that the robe was probably unbearably hot, and he wondered why the Emperor wore it. “What you must understand, young Varewé, is that the death of a body is unimportant. It is the survival of ideals that matters. I grow old. Soon, my flesh will crumble. But I myself, the essence of who I am, that is immortal. Palpatine will reign forever.” “How?” Luke repeated. The wizened old man smiled at him slowly. “Through you, my boy. I will teach you my subtleties, give you my strength, and you will rule my Empire as I have.” The thought was incomprehensible to Luke, and so he only stood quietly, storing away the information away for future digestion. Palpatine favored him with another smile, this one a touch indulgent. “You exert self-control. That is good, and rare for one so young.” He laid a wrinkled hand on the balcony railing, gazing out over the city. “Absolute power is a delicate balance. It is necessary for one to hold it, or the galaxy would fall into chaos. However, the task is no easy one. He who wields power must be strong himself, and wise in the dispensation of his strength. Even the most powerful are not born wise. They must learn. I will teach you power.” Luke worked his throat, found his voice. “No, thank you,” he said. “I don’t want to rule.” It was an unthinkably stupid thing to say, but he had lost the capability to think a few moments ago. He was simply expressing, dumbly, what his deepest emotions were screaming. The Emperor did not turn, but suddenly Luke felt the same dangerous crackle in the air of the night they had met. “Do you not?” he murmured, half to himself. “No,” Luke replied respectfully, and with every ounce of stubbornness he possessed. An impotent fury trembled all around him, squeezing at him, prying at his skull until his ears popped and he had to swallow. There was a battle going on that he did not understand and wasn’t even sure he was a part of. But at last, the pressure faded. The air cleared. A breeze wafted in, rustling the light curtains framing the balcony doors. Luke sighed involuntarily. “Leave,” the Emperor ordered abruptly. Bowing, Luke turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, a silky voice stopped him in his tracks. “What do you desire most, young Luke?” The question took him off guard, and unwisely, he told the truth. “To make my mother love me,” he answered, and rushed out the door. ------------------------------------ Once upon a time, there was a small boy who couldn’t take his eyes off the stars. If asked why, he’d probably shrug carelessly, or brag about seeing them all someday. But that’s just because the boy didn’t know himself very well. If he did, he would tell you that he and the stars were friends, drawn together the way all friends are: common ground. Small, blazing mysteries that burned and brightened, Anakin Skywalker and the stars danced to the same throbbing rhythm, sang the same song, lived by the same law. Now, the man who the boy became still stares at the sky for hours. But it’s different. He never notices the stars anymore. He’s gazing at the blank places in-between. See, he still doesn’t know who he is. He makes friends with the emptiness because he’s lost in emptiness himself. There’s not much to think about now, not much to be excited or interested in. His old memories are irrelevant, new ones not worth dwelling on. Sometimes he used to drag out faces, beautiful ones, noble ones, innocent ones, hang them in misty frames and allow himself to be miserable—just for the diversion. Now, even regret is worn out from overuse. He looks at the faces and feels only a realization that it happened and is over. Darth Vader is bored stiff. He stares out at the places between the stars and wishes desperately for something to rage about. Or even… He laughs at the thought and pushes it aside, only to pull it back when laughter dies away and silence encroaches once more. …Or even something to care about. ========================= TBC……. Next chapter: a death and a revelation. Heehee! -----signature----- Master of tjace and bi0nic. In mourning for the one year, nine months, and five days it has been since The Souls of Demons was updated. sob
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tasujad Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 6/8/07 12:08am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	absolute power corrupts absolutely The question took him off guard, and unwisely, he told the truth. “To make my mother love me,” he answered, and rushed out the door. ... bet that wasn't answer that little old Palpy was expecting You are creating very intriguing multi layer web -----signature----- The force is ALWAYS with me * *well almost always - i hope
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MsLanna Title: CR GSFF Central = Offizieller Burger Brater Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/8/07 2:22am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Oh, I was already worried I had scared you of by being to offensive over there... I have it posted here, but since I don't dare to put a link in here, take a detour through my profile. So Luke is working for the Emperor now. Hrmpf, but I think such a request can hardly be denied. bugger Palps Does he put on the freaky bathrobe one arm at a time? “Varewé.” Garmonsaw’s voice was troubled. “I can’t do this.” “A conscience attack?” “No, I literally can’t alter your files. Somebody already has...and then locked them down.” Uh-oh, not good, not good at all. Btw, this new sure name of Lukes keeps throwing me off track. I hope the story will be long enough for me to get used to it. he’s got it bad.” Well, I surely hope so! And he could be doing somthing about that soon, couldn't he? smooch “Through you, my boy. I will teach you my subtleties, give you my strength, and you will rule my Empire as I have.” W00t, w00t w00t? “What do you desire most, young Luke?” The question took him off guard, and unwisely, he told the truth. “To make my mother love me,” he answered, and rushed out the door. Aw, he's such a draling. …Or even something to care about. Poor Vader. But mabye the thing to care about is closer than he thinks. -----signature----- "You will kill yourself trying to live up to their expectations." "That's okay for me." Cuyir adate jate, bal droten ori'dush Proud Master and buir'ika of Commander_Ducky. My New Title: Lords and Ladies of the Empire
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 6/8/07 3:36am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Scene with Vader was very poetic. Palps and Luke's convo-- Bravo for Luke's firm stance ... at least for the moment. Hee!! So... Luke has it bad, already? Woot!! -----signature----- Spock/Nyota, woven forever together in gorgeous bonds of Nyota's "Cherished Moments" diary's gonna be hawt, hawt, melty! Squggles! [face_melting into 10 buckets!]
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ginchy Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 6/8/07 5:45am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Strawberry-blondes are the best. I think Luke does have it bad, already! Course, it'll probably take him a good long while to figure that out (and Mara even longer?). LOL I bet old Palps is probably damning Skywalkers and their mother issues. The part with the genetic information... Very, very interesting. I just wonder what else has been deleted/altered. Wonderful update!! And in response to your reply, thank you so much! Yes, I have tendonitus of my right wrist (my 'write' wrist) but after being in a splint for awhile it now only hurts if I use it too often. Good thing I don't write epics. Terrific update! -----signature----- Positivity. ** Okay, seriously. It’s a Rebel Alliance t-shirt. It is NOT a fleur-de-lis.
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VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 6/8/07 6:32am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Emperor Palpatine turned slowly. In the light of day, his face was visible, and Luke could not help flinching a little at the sight. It looked as if the man were being eaten alive. So he is, something whispered. The era of Palpatine draws to a close, and the era of Skywalker approaches. Luke forced his face to remain still. Skywalker? Who’s that? he wondered, despite himself. A low chuckle tickled the base of his skull. It annoyed and unsettled Luke that the palace’s presence kept shifting like this; sometimes it felt vast and powerful enough to swallow him, and other times, nothing more than tickle in his mind. Who indeed? I really love the AU you've created here. It's rich and complex and SO well written! -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
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G__Anakin Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 6/8/07 6:33am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Great job! -----signature----- Master to tahiriveilax - - - My fanfic - - - Fate of the Jedi - Abyss : http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/30246540/p1/ Yeah, I used the real title for the next book. Beware Omen Spoilers.
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karebear214 Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 6/8/07 9:41am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Amazing. -----signature----- "I don't like it that you can win an argument without using verbs." - Luke Skywalker to Ben, "Outcast"
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