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Author	Topic: In Plain Sight: Luke's Story -- ANH AU - complete -- Thanks for your support in the Awards!
RedGold Registered: Nov '04	Date Posted: 6/8/07 10:37am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	this doesn't bode well for Luke.... or maybe it does... hhmmm... we shall see! -----signature----- Legend... Recluse... Forgotten... Will one day return... http://www.starwarsfanfic.com
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Jaded_Rose Registered: Nov '06	Date Posted: 6/8/07 10:41am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	That was lovely, furrylittlebantha! I loved the Luke/Garmonsaw interplay - strawberry blonde, indeed! 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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jade_angel Title: Executive Officer Vancouver BC, Canada Registered: Apr '01	Date Posted: 6/8/07 2:19pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Wow what a piece of work. Palpatine wants to train Luke to rule the Empire? Hmmm that can't be good. I was half suspecting him to just dump his body and invade Luke's, but good thing that didn't happen, I just shudder at the thought. And REALLY I'm just so looking forward to when Vader discovers Luke! -----signature----- Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before Let your soul take you where you long to be Only then can you belong to me
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Klimt_Of_Tornesdal Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 6/8/07 4:22pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Hey Bantha. Just wanted to chip in and say I love what you've done so far, and I'm looking forward to more. I'm working on an AU story myself at the mo, so my posting may be a bit few and far between, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one. -----signature----- "It's not, 'Oh, they killed Anakin Solo and I always loved that character,' it's 'Oh, they broke a story engine that could have told a thousand stories in order to publish a single 'important' one.'"
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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 6/8/07 4:37pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Wow I read this all in one sitting tonight -- browsing looking for things to read and this is really quite fascinating! Totally original premise and I LOVE how you've characterized everyone and your OC's, I can't say enough good about I really really worry about Palpatine and Luke. This does not bode well, no not at all and poor Luke who only wants to be loved Sola was just so cruel to him. Excellent job! Can I be added to your ever growing pm list? -----signature----- Proud Master to Ara-gon The Triad Chronicles http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/25934993/p1/?177 (OC's) Into Another Day http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/27926050/p1/?0 2008 Dear Diary Challenge I am Jinngerbread.
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DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 6/8/07 7:03pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	I can't believe I just found this! I read it in two sittings and am enthralled by the original idea and the interesting writing. -----signature----- "I feel like a more down-to-earth Pink 5 when I'm writing Leah. Same attitude, less lip gloss." ~Me on how to get in the right mindset for Twilight fanfic.
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PadawanMom5610 Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 6/8/07 10:05pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	This gets more and more mysterious. So somebody knows who Luke is. Interesting. I get the feeling everyone wants to use Luke for their own purposes. I like how you wrote Palpatine in this. I could hear his voice saying the lines. So creepy and evil! I hope he's the death coming, but then it could open Luke up to even worse problems. I liked this: 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. It made me feel just a little sorry for Vader. Just wait, something exciting is about to happen...
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JEDIFLYSWATTER Registered: Dec '04	Date Posted: 6/8/07 11:12pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	I bet Palpatine was quiet pleased when Luke did not really uderstand the do or do not phrase. Now he must know that Luke has not be around Yoda or any other of the Jedi. I am also sure that Luke's last line to Palpatine made the old man stop amd think. Palpatine proubly thought that it would be riches, fancy apartment or purhaps a female. A red gold haired one in fact. Luke is really having a strange day. First he does all that work just to have the Emperor say "Forget it." His medical records are all changed. Including his DNA. The palace is still talking to him and calling his some unknown name. Poor thing. I would go to my quarters and lock my door. He needs a hug. Super job and thanks. -----signature----- New Orleans will rise from the ashes! You knew it was a rattlesnke when you picked it up. Kitty cats do not lie about love.
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Jade_Pilot Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 6/9/07 9:58am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Exceptional update! "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—” I just love Garmonsaw! What a great OC! And the relationship with Luke is so believable. Good job with this. “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.” Whoa.... Look out Luke! I think the emperor has a plan in motion. 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. Yep, he's got it bad all right! “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. My goodness! This is so touching. A child without his mother's love is always searching for that which will fill that void. I suspected this about your Luke, but reading it here was very powerful. 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. Absolutely beautiful! Like poetry. Girl you have outdone yourself with this update. It was well worth the wait! Bravo! -----signature----- BOO!
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SITHTIFF Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 6/10/07 6:40pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Another excellent update. At first I thought the Emporer had some twisted idea of using Luke's body as some sort of medium in which to posess...I know I have read too much sci-fi stuff There is no way that the Emporer is going to just Luke walk away from his "offer" though. I also suspect he plans to use Luke's weaknesses just like he used Anakins. BTW, I am eager to read all about Vader's joy of finally having something to rant and rage about. Anyway, thanks for the great post. -----signature----- A Smith is a Sith in hiding.
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BrentusofGath Registered: Aug '05	Date Posted: 6/10/07 10:43pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke¡¯s Story ¨C ANH AU ¨C Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs ¨C short story--Update
	All paths did lead to Coruscant. Wonderful reworking of the old cliche. Cliches aren't always bad, and you made that one sound good in my ears. What did you do, make a deal with the devil? Oh if you only knew the half of it my boy. evil grin Can he hold spicy food? Is that one rumor about the mynocks and the Devoranian prostitute true? LOL! It's good to see the old gossip mill grinds exceeding slow for the old Emperor. I'm pretty sure the senator she always makes an example of is that Gungan, Binks, and they talk like that normally." ROTFL!! "No, I literally can't alter your files. Somebody already has...and then locked them down." I think I know who that is. Evil grin Minutes ticked by. Luke felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck, into his collar. LOL! I wonder if that's the first time Luke ever did that... or if he knew and simply slipped up. How long can his psyche stand against the onslaught of chaos? He does not care to know the answer. Answers are unimportant when immortality awaits in the form of young Skywalker. eeeeeevil grin Why was it that his self-possession fled in the presence of this man? Hehe, it does that to most people in the presence of the Emperor. He was rewarded with a slow, sickening smile filled with rotting teeth. LOVE the description! I can certainly see that smile in my mind and it's most... enjoyable. "Through you, my boy. I will teach you my subtleties, give you my strength, and you will rule my Empire as I have." Yeah right... 'teach'. More like, consume your essence and take over your youthful body. "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. True, how true. All of it. You've really found a wonderful voice for decrepit old Palpy. He makes friends with the emptiness because he's lost in emptiness himself. Ooo, that hits home on so many levels. Fantastic job! This story just got better by an unnamed exponent. -----signature----- In time or so I'm told, I'm just another soul for sale, oh well Feel it in my bones when you break my back, break it just to watch me bend Why'd you have to go and Let it Die? -Foo Fighters http://conscienceoftheking.blogspot.com/
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KELIA Title: The Pretty in Pink Fan Fic Manager Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/11/07 3:28am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	My goodness, what a way for Luke to discover he is different from Gartee. I'm sure it doesn't help to have Gartee be suspicious of him either. That scene with Palpatine...shudders...very creepy. Great update -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 NaNaWriMo Progress: 11,018
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Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 6/13/07 1:55pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	Oh, this is not good. Luke stood up to Palpatine (good!) but in such a way as to leave footholds. And his reading Garmonsaw's mind is a very bad sign. But the argument about hair color was funny. And Darth Vader has something to care about, if he'd only care to look. Wonderful job! -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
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furrylittlebantha Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 6/16/07 10:16am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/7!
	I'm not horribly late with an update! All praise to the muse and the Force and GL and all the other wacky deities fanificcers pay homage to! And to the journal article that told me it's now permissible in most circles to end sentences with prepositions! tasujad: absolute power corrupts absolutely Spot on. ... bet that wasn't answer that little old Palpy was expecting Nope. Not at all. Thanks for you comments! MsLanna: I have it posted here, but since I don't dare to put a link in here, take a detour through my profile. I've been catching up. I love it! I SO did not guess that it would be you know who. So Luke is working for the Emperor now. Hrmpf, but I think such a request can hardly be denied. bugger Palps Seriously. Uh-oh, not good, not good at all. Very not good. For Luke, anyways... 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. Sorry about that! I decided to give him a different name when I made this an AU, since it seemed logical that Sola would take her husband's surname. And no, the story won't be much longer, five more posts tops. Poor Vader. But mabye the thing to care about is closer than he thinks. Jade_eyes: Scene with Vader was very poetic. Thank you! ... at least for the moment. At least for the moment, but we'll see how long it lasts. Hee!! So... Luke has it bad, already? Woot!! Double w00t! ginchy: Strawberry-blondes are the best. I heartily agree. Even though I'm a brunette. 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 Hopefully not as long as EU, but we'll see. Just kidding! I'd never do that. I bet old Palps is probably damning Skywalkers and their mother issues. Heehee! Yeah. The part with the genetic information... Very, very interesting. I just wonder what else has been deleted/altered. 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. Ouch! Is tendonitis a chronic condition, then? That sucks. I guess I owe you a super big thank you for your lovely replies, then! VaderLVR64: I really love the AU you've created here. It's rich and complex and SO well written! Thank you! I appreciate your saying so. G_Anakin: Great job! Thanks for reading! karebear214: Amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed it. RedGold:this doesn't bode well for Luke.... or maybe it does... hhmmm... we shall see! Not in the short term, at any rate. But the Force has a way of working things out. Jaded_Rose: That was lovely, furrylittlebantha! I loved the Luke/Garmonsaw interplay - strawberry blonde, indeed! Thank you! Garmonsaw's a fun character to write. Strawberry blonde--well, she is, isn't she? jade_angel: Palpatine wants to train Luke to rule the Empire? Hmmm that can't be good. Not for the Luke, anyhow. I was half suspecting him to just dump his body and invade Luke's, but good thing that didn't happen, I just shudder at the thought. Very good thing... And REALLY I'm just so looking forward to when Vader discovers Luke! You're in luck--it's only a couple chapters away. Ugg. I'm having the worst writer's block with that scene right now. Klimt_Of_Tornesdal: Hey Klimt. Just wanted to chip in and say I love what you've done so far, and I'm looking forward to more. Awesome! I'm glad you like it. I'm working on an AU story myself at the mo, so my posting may be a bit few and far between Not a problem. Drop in when you can! Love your sig, btw. Reminds me of what they told Dash in The Incredibles. Layren: Wow I read this all in one sitting tonight -- browsing looking for things to read and this is really quite fascinating! Wow. One sitting? Wow. I am flattered. I really really worry about Palpatine and Luke. This does not bode well, no not at all and poor Luke who only wants to be loved Sola was just so cruel to him. Unfortunately, you're somewhat right to worry. Correct about Luke; that's his main motivation in life, for someone to love him. And really, Sola wasn't intentionally cruel, but the effect was the same. Excellent job! Can I be added to your ever growing pm list? I'd be delighted to add you. DarthIshtar: I can't believe I just found this! I'm so glad you did! I read it in two sittings and am enthralled by the original idea and the interesting writing. It's exciting to me that this far into the story people have the interest to plow all the way through. Thank you; I appreciate both that you read and commented! PadawanMom5610:This gets more and more mysterious. So somebody knows who Luke is. Interesting. I get the feeling everyone wants to use Luke for their own purposes. Not everyone, but almost everyone...hmm. Nope, I take it back! Everyone. I like how you wrote Palpatine in this. I could hear his voice saying the lines. Wow. Thank you! That's a great compliment. So creepy and evil! I hope he's the death coming, but then it could open Luke up to even worse problems. True. It made me feel just a little sorry for Vader. Just wait, something exciting is about to happen... Glad you liked that part. And you're right, something exciting IS about to happen! To him, and everyone and sundry. JEDIFLYSWATTER: I am also sure that Luke's last line to Palpatine made the old man stop amd think. Palpatine proubly thought that it would be riches, fancy apartment or purhaps a female. A red gold haired one in fact. But that's not on his agenda. It did take old wrinkleface off guard, but he's a quick learner. Dun dun dun, dunnnnn... Luke is really having a strange day. Tell me about it! He needs a hug. Quite right. Super job and thanks. Thank you! Jade_Pilot: I just love Garmonsaw! What a great OC! And the relationship with Luke is so believable. Thank you! So much in this story that started out as a prop has worked its way in and become indispensible. Gartee's one of those props. Initially, he was just a random guy on the bus. Now? The plot wouldn't work without him. Whoa.... Look out Luke! I think the emperor has a plan in motion. Big time. Yep, he's got it bad all right! [vader]It is pointless to resist. It is your DESTINY.[/vader] My goodness! This is so touching. A child without his mother's love is always searching for that which will fill that void. I suspected this about your Luke, but reading it here was very powerful. I'm glad it came off well. Yup, that's Luke Varewe: a kid who just wants someone to love him. Thank you for your reply! SITHTIFF: Another excellent update. Thank you! At first I thought the Emporer had some twisted idea of using Luke's body as some sort of medium in which to posess...I know I have read too much sci-fi stuff No such thing as too much sci-fi, huh-huh. There is no way that the Emporer is going to just Luke walk away from his "offer" though. I also suspect he plans to use Luke's weaknesses just like he used Anakins. Bingo! Just scroll down a bit, and you can call yourself a prophet. BTW, I am eager to read all about Vader's joy of finally having something to rant and rage about. Incidentally, I'm eager, too. I'm sort of having trouble with that bit. Anyway, thanks for the great post. You're welcome, and thanks for reading! BrentusofGath: Wonderful reworking of the old cliche. Cliches aren't always bad, and you made that one sound good in my ears. Eh, Coruscant, Rome, it's all the same. And you have to admit, Lucas applied cliches with a fairly liberal hand... Oh if you only knew the half of it my boy. evil grin evil cackle LOL! It's good to see the old gossip mill grinds exceeding slow for the old Emperor. Hey, you referenced my favorite poem! Cool. And yes, Palps isn't immune to a little mudslinging. I think I know who that is. Evil grin Do ya, now? LOL! I wonder if that's the first time Luke ever did that... or if he knew and simply slipped up. First time. He has no idea what's going on. Answers are unimportant when immortality awaits in the form of young Skywalker. eeeeeevil grin Immortality in one form or the other. LOVE the description! I can certainly see that smile in my mind and it's most... enjoyable. You're sick, you know that? In a sort of cool way. You write one of the best Palpatines ever, so I guess an inherent...proclivity for evilness comes with the package. Yeah right... 'teach'. More like, consume your essence and take over your youthful body. No comment. True, how true. All of it. You've really found a wonderful voice for decrepit old Palpy. Thank you! Fantastic job! This story just got better by an unnamed exponent. Awesome! I hope the logarthmic curve keeps swingin' up. KELIA: My goodness, what a way for Luke to discover he is different from Gartee. Talk about it! I'm sure it doesn't help to have Gartee be suspicious of him either. No. Nothing's going right for the poor fellow, is it? That scene with Palpatine...shudders...very creepy. I'll take that as a compliment, since creepy is the order of the day. Great update Thanks for reading! Independence1776: Oh, this is not good. Ah, no. Luke stood up to Palpatine (good!) but in such a way as to leave footholds. Good observation. You're very right. And his reading Garmonsaw's mind is a very bad sign. Not in normal circumstances, but certainly in these. But the argument about hair color was funny. Glad you thought so! And Darth Vader has something to care about, if he'd only care to look. And so he shall... ------------------ The PM list is below. If you'd like to stop receiving PM updates, just let me know! 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 Layren ==================== Chapter Six ===================== Countess Claria was a perfect lady. Perfect ladies did not fall asleep at formal gatherings. Therefore, it was Mara Jade asleep in the window seat, not Countess Claria, despite the striking resemblance. Mara Jade slept, and she dreamed. A fine mist of blood spattered across her face. “You! Stormtrooper! Stand where you are!” she shouted, but he only kicked at the alien and took off running. Grimly, she wiped her eyes clean and loped away from the twitching body. On the other side of the street a high wall offered refuge; she swung behind it and crouched, panting. Her eyes closed—then flew open as an explosion shook the wall. “Where is that transport?” she growled, searching the sky desperately. Another flash of fire and smoke sent the ground shuddering and she sprang to her feet. It wasn’t safe here. It wasn’t safe anywhere. She needed to get away. Again, her eyes raked across the sky, watering with the acrid smoke of burning chemicals and bodies. The transport hadn’t made it to the rendezvous point, and Mara began to wonder if it was coming for her at all. The situation had gotten out of hand. The question was, why? She looked around. Another corpse lay a few meters away, eyes wide and staring. Rubbing at her temples, she closed her eyes as tired bewilderment throbbed in her skull. If they were here to dispose of the government, why were civilians being slaughtered? And why mostly aliens? The palace was flattened, a mass of smoking rubble, but so was Theed. Hours after the main attack, stormtroopers still swarmed through the streets wreaking what seemed like senseless destruction. The trooper who took down that Gungan hadn’t even listened to her…Not that she had any real authority on this mission, but usually stormies knew a voice of command when they heard it… A high whine was her only warning, and it came too late. Mara barely had time to flinch before an avalanche of rock and dust slammed onto her and white lights exploded behind her eyes… “Countess…Countess. Countess Claria.” Mara sucked in her breath sharply and sat up. “Are you quite all right, milady?” The young Baron’s voice was soft and anxious, and his hazel eyes squinted down at her nervously. “Perfectly, dear Baron. Just a little fatigue.” Mustering up a simultaneously apologetic and dazzling smile, she held out a jeweled hand. He helped her up eagerly. “If you’re feeling better, there’s a scrumptious waltz just beginning, and I thought we might…” Mara pressed her fingers to her temples, willing the alien’s sightless eyes to fade from her mind. “That sounds splendid!” she replied brightly. ----------------- Luke looked down into his goblet and thought he might be sick. “Are you alright?” Garmonsaw asked, suddenly catching sight of his face. The liquid in the glass was crimson and syrupy with a gleaming flat surface. He could see his face reflected in it—sometimes. Other times shadows stole across the mirror, and Luke’s courage quailed at the forms they took. He shuddered, downed the sticky mass of it. It stuck to the sides of his throat on the way down, clung to his insides eagerly, hungrily, intensifying his nausea. Suddenly the visions were inside his head instead of out. He wanted to throw up. He wanted to run away. “No,” he answered Garmonsaw. “I’m not okay.” But the Moff’s son had already forgotten. “What? Hey, sniff me. No, seriously! I want to know what you think.” With an expression of vast long-suffering, Luke leaned over slightly and took an obedient whiff. “Nice,” he commented. “Very…floral. I didn’t know you wore cologne.” “I don’t,” Gartee informed him. “It’s perfume. Senator Griselr doused my jacket with it on the sly. But it’s okay?” His voice turned anxious. “Not too girly? Grissy said it would make me alluring. I’m just hoping she wasn’t talking about bees.” “Aha.” A grin spread across Luke’s face, exposing every tooth. “And do you want to be alluring tonight, eh my friend? Maybe irresistibly attractive to that ‘nobody’ you’ve been mooning about?” He held up the goblet, crooned into it softly. “Looooove, is in zee air…Garmonsaw has girly perfume in his hair…” The shove nearly knocked him over. “Shut up, you. But seriously, am I all right?” Luke stifled a second stanza at the sight of his friend’s serious eyes. “The smell’s hardly noticeable,” he lied. “And you look sharp tonight.” That part at least was true. Gartee picked at the clasps on his jacket anxiously. “Really?” “No. You look like the love child of a Mon Calimari and a bantha. Yes, you idiot, you look great—better than I could ever look. So point her out to me.” “Who?” Luke had to laugh at the studied boredom on Gartee’s face, and he did. “Fine. It’s…” the tall boy paused dramatically. “Somebody who hates your guts.” Inexplicably, a pair of green eyes flashed in Luke’s mind. “Who?” he asked uncertainly. -------------------------- Mara spun lightly across the floor, feeling the swish of satin against her legs. “You’re such a good dancer,” the Baron remarked admiringly. She swept a stray hair from her eyes and smiled. “I had a good teacher.” And she did. Bretonyin was an expert in many subjects. She had also learned the Parapek cut from her, Mara reflected. Not many instructors could teach both a pirouette and the art of destroying a wall with a lightsaber. “We had a private dance tutor at the manor. He used to teach in a finishing school on Chandrila—Gritchner, you know, used to be called Blackstone—and Father only contracted him at a terrific fee…” He prattled on, and Mara tuned him out. The Baron had lost his shyness halfway into the waltz, much to her irritation. Faces swirled past her as they cut their graceful arc across the ballroom, most unfamiliar, a few that she knew very well. Senator Haust, alone as usual…Senator Lovrensteck and his newest wife…Senator Organa and his daughter…Senator Barr, more flamboyant than ever. And Senator Melgida. At the sight of her, Mara’s confusion and frustration welled up once again. Why? Why did the Emperor instruct her to come tonight? True, Baron Atleil’s family bore scrutiny, but the young noble himself could hardly be involved, and why would he transact business at the annual Senator’s Ball, anyways? He’s keeping you out of the way. Giving you busy work. For a horrible instant, the thought flashed across her mind. Her gut wrenched painfully. “…and I just told him ‘Bouvrak, you’ll get yours’…Countess, are you sure you’re feeling all right?” “I…” she said unsteadily, “A little dizzy spell, that’s all.” He looked at her closely, well-bred concern on his boyish face. “Still, I certainly don’t wish to over-tire you.. Shall we retire? Refreshments, perhaps?” At her distracted nod, he tucked her arm in his and they began to thread their way through the maze of couples. Mara barely noticed. With the puncture of that one, dangerous thought, a shield had ruptured; dizzying, turgid, the stream of questions rose rapidly. Why had the Emperor seemed so preoccupied lately? Why had his warmth diminished? Why did he dismiss her from his presence so often, and so abruptly? Her training regimen lagged. Why? Admittedly, she was partially to blame for that last. Mara’s teachers had repeatedly commented on her inattention, lack of focus. Which, of course, stemmed from her building confusion… And the Emperor was not the only cause of that confusion. Everything comes back to you, Melgida. On the topic of questions, what did the politician want from her? By now, there was no mistaking the edge of greed in Melgida’s voice, cunning and impatient like a starved predator. Their all-too frequent conversations were tinged with vague risk; sometimes, a stray comment even bordered on treasonous. But Mara couldn’t stay away. As long as she could remember, her life had been defined by learning. Each acquired skill translated into approval from her Master—the only reward that meant anything. Her capacity to absorb was enormous, and her desire insatiable. Now, this. Twansa Melgida knew something Mara did not. The Emperor’s interest in her seemed waning. It was marriage of circumstance and personality, and someone was bound to capitalize. Mara still wasn’t sure who that would be. “…Ruhamman stuffed shellfish seems tender enough, but maybe you prefer the lox…?” With a start, she emerged from her private haze of worry. “Both,” she replied, too quickly. Baron Atleil’s eyes widened slightly before he politely smothered the surprise. He turned and busied himself with the hordeuvres. Mara scowled slightly behind his back. This exercise was so pointless. Better, almost, to be disobedient and engaged in something constructive than mindlessly loyal and useless. The thought sickened her. How could it even enter her mind? She, Mara Jade, destined to be the Emperor’s most trusted agent? How? Yet another question to pile on the others. And only one person appeared to have answers. With disturbing ease, Mara buried her guilt and slipped away from the Baron’s side. --------------------------- “Okay. Here she comes. I’m going to talk to her.” Garmonsaw sucked in a long breath, raked a hand through his thick black hair. “Cross your fingers, Luke. Luke? Wake up, buddy. I kind of need you here.” Luke blinked. He smiled at his friend, but shadows still flickered in his eyes. “Positive you’re not sick?” Garmonsaw asked again. “Need a drink or something?” “We’re underage,” Luke replied automatically. “Stang, Luke, we’re not at school anymore. This is Coruscant…okay, okay, okay. Here I go.” A tall, olive-skinned man passed by them, accompanied by a girl of decidedly different complexion. “Excuse me.” Garmonsaw stepped out, intersecting their path with a blinding smile and outstretched hand. “Senator Organa? My name is Garmonsaw Fortee III. I believe you and my father have had political dealings…” A brief hint of dislike crossed the Senator’s face, instantly smoothed away. “So we have. Greetings, master Fortee.” His voice was low, cultured, structured by a control that betrayed nothing. Luke wondered if he had imagined the faint grimace. There was a hesitation, then “I don’t suppose you’ve made the acquaintance of my daughter.” “Actually, I haven’t had that pleasure.” Luke winced slightly at the bounding eagerness in Gartee’s tone. Another instant of hesitation. Organa turned to the girl. “Daughter, this is Garmonsaw Fortee, son of an—a colleague of mine. Master Fortee, my daughter, Princess Organa.” His gaze caught Luke. “And your friend…?” “We’ve met.” The Princess spoke up for the first time, in a cool, cutting voice Luke found oddly familiar. She inclined her head slightly. “Once again, congratulations.” Then he knew. The blonde braids...sharp grey eyes… Vichae Organa, his opposition in the debate finals. Princess Vichae Organa. The Senator looked at both of them, puzzled. Princess Vichae seemed disinclined to speak further. Garmonsaw had been reduced to a mute, smiling idiot at the sound of her voice. Luke realized he would have to introduce himself. He stepped forward, held out a hand. “An honor, Senator. I am Luke Varewé.” Bail Organa’s reaction was instantaneous and violent. His dark skin lightened to a shade Luke wouldn’t have thought possible, and he stumbled back a few paces before clutching a nearby table. His knuckles were white. “I…Luke?” Startled, Luke stepped back, gripped the stem of his long-empty goblet. “I’m sorry, have we met?” He knew they hadn’t. Slowly, color returned to the Senator’s face. He drew in a breath and straightened. “No. But I—I knew your—your aunt very well.” Luke stared at him curiously. “I don’t have an aunt, Senator. Only an uncle, on my father’s side. You must be mistaken.” “Yes. Yes. That’s it. I’m gravely mistaken. It seems we all were…about a great many things.” A melancholy smile twisted the politician’s face. “How are you, master Varewé?” Luke opened his mouth to answer, but at that instant the nausea surged up again, and the room dimmed and he had to close his eyes to block the crawling images out. It didn’t work. Something bad was about to happen, and he was powerless to stop it. A hand rested on his shoulder. He looked up, met dark eyes full of strange pity. “May the force be with you, Luke,” the Senator whispered, and, taking his daughter by the arm, he strode quickly away. Luke frowned after him. Force? What force? ------------------------- “That’s a nasty scar you’ve got there,” Melgida observed. Mara shrugged. “Looks fresh.” The Senator’s tone was casual but probing. With an inner sigh, Mara prepared to deflect this line of inquiry with a plausible lie—then halted in mid-thought. Why? Why not tell Twansa the truth? Why keep up the games? Suddenly inebriated on the notion of honesty, she flung caution and conscience to the wind. “A wall collapsed on me,” she said bluntly. Melgida’s mouth twitched. “Intriguing. And how did that happen? Step on one too many noble toes? Upset a tea caddy?” Mara gazed away. “I was on Naboo. A mission.” “What sort of mission, Countess?” She turned around then, looked the older woman straight in the eye, and spoke the next words evenly. “A training mission. I accompanied a special ops team whose objective was to quietly take out an entrenched administration. We succeeded. However, not everything went as planned.” “I see.” Melgida responded with equal calm. For a few moments, they sipped their drinks quietly. Then the Senator dropped a bombshell of her own. “Tell me, Countess Claria. How did it feel, to witness so much slaughter? Did it bother you at all to see aliens massacred in front of your eyes?” A subtle pounding began to build at the base of Mara’s skull. The mission was secret. No one knew—not even the Emperor’s highest advisors. No one! And with good reason. The evidence of Naboo’s treachery was skeletal at best, imaginary at worst. Always alert to scandal, the Senate would not stand for a blatant handling of matters. Her master had been quite urgent, however. And if the Emperor sensed treachery, treachery there must be. The timing was unfortunate. Immediately preceding a fresh session of the Senate, backlash would be instant and furious if word got out. The necessity of ruse became apparent. A “terrorist” attack seemed the best option, necessitating, of course, a vigorous Imperial response. The strike went off without a hitch. Brutally efficient and instantly muffled, it was a textbook success. The Emperor’s press agents would release a statement tonight; by all indications, their cover-up had been flawless. Everyone in the Palace save herself, the Emperor, and a few others would be shocked. How, then…how in worlds did Melgida know the details of what happened? Maybe she didn’t. Maybe it was a lucky guess, an intuitive stab in the dark based on Mara’s confession. In the face of Twansa Melgida’s somber, knowing black eyes, she doubted it. The stakes were suddenly and irreversibly raised. --------------------------- Without a word, Luke quietly made his way out of the ballroom and to the nearest refresher. He leaned over a stool and retched violently. When he returned, the announcement had already been made. It didn’t matter. He knew. ---------------------------- Old Ben Kenobi waits in the trivial shade of his doorstep. Sweat drips in rivulets from every pore, soaking his light robe. It is high noon. The twin suns are blistering. He has waited for hours, and he will wait for hours more if necessary. The minutes trickle by. Suddenly, he raises his head at the light patter of footsteps and the rustle of rocks shaken loose from the path. A wide smile breaks across his face. He rises swiftly, discomfort forgotten. A slender, white-clad figure rounds the corner of his hut. “Hi, Ben!” she greets him. “Leia,” he says, and opens his arms. -------------------------------- “Come here, my boy.” Numbly, Luke moved into the outstretched arms. They were gone. His entire family. Murdered. Dead. His mind felt like a great hollow drum with one word rattling around inside. Dead. Dead. Dead. The reverberations shook his entire body, but tears would not come. Only silent, heaving sobs and the hollowness of his mind. Dead. “Luke, child…” Vaguely, he realized his face was buried in the Emperor’s waist, his hands were clutching the Emperor’s robes, the Emperor’s hand was stroking his hair. It was a foreign experience to him; Mother had never been demonstrative that way. It was an experience he had longed for his entire life. To be hugged. “She never…” he choked in voice ravaged by unshed tears. “I never…” “Hush, hush. I am here, Luke. I see your worth. I will never let you down. Shh…” Follow your destiny, and your heart will never break again. He did not know if it was the palace or Palpatine who whispered into his ear. He did not care. In the horrible emptiness of his grief, Luke heard and believed utterly. ======================= TBC. Buahahahha... -----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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VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 6/16/07 11:13am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	Well now... It's not really fair to leave us THERE! But I must say I loved it! Countess Claria was a perfect lady. Perfect ladies did not fall asleep at formal gatherings. Therefore, it was Mara Jade asleep in the window seat, not Countess Claria, despite the striking resemblance. Mara Jade slept, and she dreamed. A fine mist of blood spattered across her face. Loved the opening, and why am I not surprised that Mara's dream feature blood? But poor Luke! -----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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