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Author	Topic: In Plain Sight: Luke's Story -- ANH AU - complete -- Thanks for your support in the Awards!
Independence1776 Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:06pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	Oh, you didn't. Yes you did. And Mara was there. Oh, I really don't like this development. (And there I go babbling...) At least Mara has regrets about the mission and the things that went on during it. And I like the fact that Palpatine is ignoring her. You managed to fool me quite well about Bail's daughter. I thought it was Leia until she appeared on Tattooine with Ben. But Luke's family getting killed... I don't like the fact that it's Palpatine comforting Luke. Especially since he ordered them killed. And even more than that, the fact that he's a Sith and is going to train Luke in the Dark Side. Evil ending.... -----signature----- "Independence forever." John Adams Padawan to Luna_Nightshade Fics in bio Mostly lurking at the moment
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JediVegeta Registered: Dec '00	Date Posted: 6/20/07 3:10pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	Awesome last couple of chapters. I especially liked the last and did not expect that Luke's family would be killed! But the ending was wicked. Poor Luke has no clue what he is getting into and so that will make for an interesting story for us! Will Vader come into this soon, I wonder.... But sorry, I am reading, but I haven't responded so I felt bad. But I am still enjoying your story and am looking forward to more. Thanks, as usual, for the PM! -----signature----- JOIN THE MUFFIN SIDE DEXTER!!!! Igiari!!!! That's the playful side of Torgo. He's the clown that makes the dark side fun.
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 6/23/07 8:41am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	The assassin Mara's mission to Naboo -- the bloodshed -- then Luke's famly is dead. Ugly possibilities there. I like how you have shown her fear of being replaced. I would think that, given the rapid overturn in the court, that would be a very plausible fear. Add that to the stormtrooper's failure to follow her authority and her own questioning of the senselessness of the bloodshed, and you have a very dangerous situation. Brilliant maneuver, on Palp's part. Find out what Luke's heart's desire is, destroy it, then offer your own agenda as its replacement. Fantastic update. (I like how you reworked it, btw! Nice! ) I'm waiting as eagerly as the rest for the next chapter. Only I get to beta it. -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. UConn: Huskies forever! RIP Jasper Howard, #6 "Focus on what matters. It's about the GAME, not each other. Dumb humans."
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Gabri_Jade Title: Fan Fiction Archive Editor Emeritus Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 7/4/07 2:56am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	I wish I had the time and space to tell you just how much I love this story, but at the moment I don't. Still, I think it's utterly fantastic, both in concept and execution, and I can't wait for the next part. Would you put me on the PM list as well, please? I just don't get over to Saga often enough to properly keep track otherwise, these days. -----signature----- Evil Twin of LadyPadme This concept of "wuv" confuses and infuriates us! - Futurama All I can do is be me. Whoever that is. - Bob Dylan Serendipity (Leia-Mara vig) - http://boards.theforce.net/b/b1/30178069 !!11!1eleventy
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furrylittlebantha Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 7/5/07 1:25pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	A/N: First of all, a HUGE thank you to those who nommed IPS for the Saga Awards. I flipped out when I saw it on the thread! Whether it qualifies or not, just knowing that there are people who connect to this story is a monumental honor and prize enough for me. You. Guys. Unqualifiedly. Rock. Thank you! So…chapter seven. We’re winding down; after this, only four more posts to go. Lots of stuff going on, though. Hope you like it! ------------- VaderLVR64: Life’s not fair sometimes. Poor Lukie with a capital P. But, I’m glad you liked it anyways! Jade_Pilot: Evil cliffies are my life, dahling. Thanks for your wonderful comments! It’s good to know that you think Luke’s characterization is still okay. It’s kind of unnerving, writing him in such a weird, non-farmboyish way, so it’s great to get feedback! Nice way to put in parallelism with Mara. And that’s all I’m going to say about that! leia_naberrie: I’m afraid this chappie ain’t going to alleviate all the bad feelings, but maybe some of them! ginchy: No. Not kidding. Love the color analogy. That’s an interesting way to think of it. Plus, quite ego-tickling for me! Thanks for the comments, and the nod to the coverart. Eh, it was an experiment. Photoshop is mainly a mystery to me yet. Jade_eyes: Yes, kind of an ends justifying the means mentality she’s developing. Not good for old Wrinkle-face. Yup, Luke is in poodoo, neck high and beyond. Somebody’s coming to pull him out, though…Thanks for reading, Jade! Kelli_LB: Hi, Kelli! Glad to have you aboard. I’d be happy to add you to the PM list. I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed this all so far! DarthIshtar: Nice insight about the prequel. I won’t venture to say how close or how far the resemblance will hold, but the threads are there. Yes, Mara does like to rationalize things. It’s her nature, I think. Thanks for the reply! JEDIFLYSWATTER: Nope, he really doesn’t have a clue about what’s going one. Spot on with the observations about Palps and Mara, especially about her being jealous! I’m ridiculously pleased to have fooled you all about Vichae Organa. Just a bit of silliness on my part. Obi-Zahn Kenobi: Thanks! Be happy to PM you with updates. And lurking is okay by me; I’m just glad you’re reading! Klimt_of_Tornesdal: That part was difficult to right. It really creeped me out. I agree with your comments about the road Luke’s on…hopefully there’ll be some intervention! RedGold: Hehehe is right! Dangerous, it is, for Luke to know not what the Force is…and yes. Palps is the best of the best. You gotta admire the guy. Layren: Horrible? Why, thank you! At any rate, I hold a wavering hope that this next update appeases your wrath. BrentusofGath: Hey, don’t laugh at poor wittle Gartee! Okay, okay, I’m laughing at him too. Heehee, I got you with that Vichae bit. Snigger. Liked your comment about truth and lies; very, um, true. Oh yeah, twisted. I hated writing that part, actually. Gross! As always, I enjoyed reading what you thought about this update! SITHTIFF: Creepy for sure. You have to wonder what the guy smells like… whew. Rotting flesh, and all? Glad you liked the bit about Gartee! He’s such a fun character; to bad he’s not going to be front and center anymore. Very interesting prediction. Scroll down to find if it’s true… KELIA: Thank you! I’m glad it worked for you. Hope you like the next one, too! MotionWright: I appreciate that. Yes, there was an inevitability to what happened, and unfortunately, his natural love for a mother was a gaping hole in his defenses. As for your question, well...that depends on your definition of “dark.” Independence1776: Oh yes I did. Babbling’s fine; I likes babbling! It makes me happy. Yes, she has regrets and they will be integral to her story and development as a person. Maybe you like the fact that Palps is ignoring her (and I do, too) but she certainly doesn’t’! Heehee, Vichae was fun. She’ll be coming back into the story later. Oh man, I don’t like that it’s Palpatine comforting Luke, either. But about your other comments regarding Palpatine’s plans for him…don’t make too many assumptions. JediVegeta: Glad you liked them! Wicked endings are my delight. [palps]His family was a necessary loss.[/palps]. As for Vader, he’s coming soon! Don’t worry about the replying bit; I just hoped you hadn’t lost interest, and I’m so happy you’re not! It’s always great to hear what you think. divapilot: Ugly possibilities, indeed. And yes, there’s a lot of overturn in the Palace. Overturn, politics, scheming, dirty plots, and plentiforous reason to fear getting the boot. Hey, that kinda sounds like that restaurant I worked at last summer… Thanks SO much, diva, for betaing this chapter and for the lovely comments on it! I enjoyed them. Gabri_Jade: Hey, I’m just excited to know that you like this! It’s even more awesome that you liked it enough to plow through all the early chapters. I would be dee-lighted to add you to the PM list! Hope you enjoy the rest of the story. ------------------ The PM list is as follows. If anyone would like to be taken off, don’t hesitate to 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 Kelli_LB Obi-Zahn Kenobi Gabri_Jade ---------------- -----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: 7/5/07 1:35pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 6/16
	=================== Chapter Seven =================== Time passed quickly for Luke. Too quickly. When he had time to think, it frightened him. There was always a faint, distinct tug on his personality, as if he were rushing forward much faster than his surroundings. And the inevitability; that was unnerving too. He felt it stronger each day, a force as steady and permanent as gravity. His destiny appeared to take itself for granted now, and that scared him the most of all. Free will. What a joke. Slowly, a cynical frost began to coat his thinking patterns. That is, when he had time to think. Those times were not often. There was so much to learn. Raw talent Luke had, but his deficit of skill was staggering. It was one thing to find the weaknesses already present in a being or situation and exploit them. It was another matter altogether to create weakness where none had been before. That took a level of finesse Luke could scarcely even fathom. Sometimes he kept his silence for days on end, afraid to miss the smallest nuance of Palpatine’s interactions with others. Like a small shadow, he trailed the Emperor from throne room to conference hall to passageway to solitary balcony. There were whispers. Some bold souls had the effrontery—or mere stupidity—to notice his constant attendance and wonder. Whispers are only air, though, unless they catch a spark to ignite, and Luke was careful to make no sparks. So he followed, and the whispers flared for a while and then faded. One day in mid-summer the fever pitch of his mind slowed slightly. The Emperor was closeted with one of the white-uniformed Admirals, one of the rare instances when Luke’s presence was not allowed. With a shallow yawn, Luke leaned against a black granite pillar and closed his eyes. Exertion of the mind produced weariness of a different shade than any other. Working with the hands leaves a clean, almost tangible ache in the muscles and joints. A good night’s sleep, a massage, a hot meal, and that’s that. Luke’s weariness went beyond his flesh. It pulsed lividly in the very core of who he was, yellow-grey, scattering tendrils of dull pain through his limbs and torso every time he drew a breath. On that first night, his mind had somehow jumped, thoughts operating on a higher, purer level. In this altered state he could see more, hear more, absorb everything and instantly fit it into a massive pattern that was still growing. Not just a pattern. The Pattern. A neat web into which everything in the universe could be placed, every being, every philosophy, every uttered word, every location, every memory. The Pattern was his greatest tool. Only when a world was properly categorized could it be ruled. That was the secret, Palpatine’s greatest gift. There were no variables in his existence. No autonomy within his sphere of influence. All was trapped somewhere in his mind. Luke already had a beginning Pattern of sorts, but a very primitive, volatile one. He had used it his entire life without realizing it; that explained his abilities and the “power” he felt sometimes. There was no such thing as true, mystical power, Palpatine explained. Just the natural capabilities of the mind. And those, Luke began to see, were almost limitless. Anyone could learn to have a photographic memory. Anyone could read the deepest intents of others simply by studying their body language. Anyone could stroke an idle ill feeling into conflagration, light fire after fire until flame stretched from horizon to horizon. Anyone could make chaos out of order, nothing out of something. Anyone could wreck and use the wreckage as building blocks of a new civilization. Anyone could make the galaxy his own. That is, anyone who was properly taught. Palpatine was the only living teacher. And Luke Varewé was his only pupil. The learning did not come without price. It is all well and good to think on another plane; there is a reason, though, that most beings touch that plane only briefly, if ever. Godhood eats a man’s soul. Luke slumped against the pillar and tried to think of nothing at all. An hour passed. The door to the room remained closed. He stretched, settled onto the floor… And with a jolt, something popped out of place in his mind. Gingerly, he touched a temple with one finger. It was if he’d woken up, or fallen asleep, or something. He thought sluggishly, fuzzier, but most jarringly, the thoughts were not along his customary paths. Gartee…haven’t seen him much since that night. Haven’t thought about him, either. That’s a little strange. Twansa. I wonder where she is. Countess Claria…wasn’t she at the Ball? I haven’t seen her at all. Maybe she was just visiting. Maybe she went home. The twinge of loneliness surprised and disturbed him. “None of that,” he told himself aloud, sternly. “It’s in the past. Garmonsaw has no part in my life now. As for the others…they were nothing to me, even then.” Bravo. Luke didn’t even blink. “It’s been a while,” he commented. “Been on vacation?” I never left you, just as you will never leave me. He crossed his arms nonchalantly. “Always so ominous. Have you ever considered a change of tone? Maybe some humor, a few colloquialisms thrown in for variety?” Silence rang in his ears for a few moments. Ah…you have come far. Such a magnificent mind. And yet, such weakness at the pit…who can say if you will overcome…it’s almost unfair, really. But you would not be fit to rule if a little injustice conquered you…and the weakness will be driven out soon. Perhaps soon enough. Perhaps not. I cannot tell. “I have no more weakness,” Luke said softly. His heart had never felt stonier. That familiar laugh trickled down his ears. Far you may have come, but the path ahead is farther still. Overconfidence is your teacher’s only weakness. Do not let it be yours. “Not a chance.” Luke yawned again. He tired of this conversation. “Would you mind leaving me alone, now?” Guard your mind. A breath of dark import niggled in Luke’s consciousness at those words. He sat up, opened his eyes fully. “What?” But silence answered him once more, and this time, it stayed. At the end of the summer there was an assassination attempt on the Emperor. It was no small scale operation; the staff had been infiltrated and an entire wing bugged. Palpatine escaped unscathed, of course. He had changed the routine that morning, left his chambers hours earlier than normal. Others in the wing were not so lucky. The gas killed instantly, painlessly, and spread through the area almost instantly. Whoever the perpetrator was, he was not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Nearly seventy dead in the final count. The press release blamed the Rebellion. Privately, Luke doubted it. It didn’t match that organization’s typical profile. Too ethically messy, for one. For another, too well executed. What little he had seen of the Alliance’s movements indicated audacity but only strategic competence. This attack boasted a clever military brain, innovation, wealth, and an inside man. That last the Rebels probably had. The first three, not a chance. So who, then? That was his first question. The second followed close on its heels. How in worlds had the Emperor survived? Like many others, it was a puzzle he was forced at last to give up. Mental agility can only explain so much. How to account for the flashes of intuition Luke had every now and then? How to account for the seemingly purposeless actions Palpatine made so often, later warranted by circumstances he could not possibly have foreseen? It was simple. They could not be accounted for. Luke let it be. There was so much he did not know; one more shard of ignorance could hardly hurt him. He would learn. Of that he was sure. Palpatine had promised to teach him everything. The day after the attack, a sallow-faced man approached Luke while he waited for the Emperor to come out of conference. “Master.” The honorific startled Luke slightly. He looked up appraisingly and determined several points right away. This was a weak man with a small, twisted soul, the kind who would crush those beneath him and fawn on those over him. He was also a politician—a poor one, at that. And he was happy. That meant…revenge, of some sort. “Yes?” “Master, my name is Senator Gale Skrefin, of Bosrua. I have come into some information I feel will benefit the Empire, concerning, between you and I, a traitor in our midst, but in light of recent events, I did not know who to trust, and since you appear to reside in the highest circle, I determined…” “Just give it to me,” Luke snapped. He harbored little patience for sycophants. Paling, the man handed him a datacard and retreated. After taking a few steps, he looked over his shoulder. “Remember my name. Skrefin.” Luke let his face go still. The senator paled even further and scuttled away. Mara felt something ignite deep inside, a small, white nugget of heat that burned, burned. “How could you?” she hissed. “How could you be a traitor? You took my trust…I trusted you.” Melgida’s face sagged. There were wrinkles Mara had not noticed before, at her eyes, on her forehead, about her mouth. Her eyes had retreated into the sockets until they seemed nothing but dark pits in dim light. “You weren’t ready,” the senator replied, bleakly resigned. “This I knew. But I had no choice. The opportunity presented itself...we…I had no choice.” Mara felt her face blaze with sudden fury. Here she stood, still covered in grime from the seven-week training session, stood while her world collapsed. Her time away had only cemented the dissatisfaction Melgida had planted. As if a gauze had fallen from her eyes, she saw new things every day. Flaws in the Empire…injustices. Injustice scored her spirit. Mara bore the blackened marks hopefully, though. All along she trusted the senator’s promise, the pledge of knowledge and a better way. And she came home to this. Outright, anarchic treason. It was a way Mara Jade could not follow. So she stood all alone in a crumbling world, weeping in her filth for a faith broken beyond repair, purpose gone forever. Twansa Melgida backed away, drawing her robes around her. She looked very ancient and almost unearthly in that moment. “I cannot mend what is broken. Not now.” And her voice was changed, deeper, spun through with cracks and echoes of great power. Mara shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself. Her face was dry. The tears were all inside. “You meant all along to break me.” It was both question and answer. In the realization of it, the fury exploded once more, then contracted swiftly until color dulled to ash grey and only twin points of fire burned in her pupils. “I have nothing now.” “Yes. I did mean. To break you, and make you into something new. But I am out of time, and you are unfinished. Don’t get too comfortable in your bitterness, Mara Jade. One day I will complete what I started. One day I will return for you.” A stormtrooper ran up to them. “Hey, you! Senator! I arrest you in the name...” A hand shot out of the robes, snaked under the trooper’s throat and lifted him clean off the ground. “I was never here.” Mara and the stormtrooper rubbed their eyes and looked at each other. They were alone in the quiet corridor. “Hello,” she said stupidly. Her temples throbbed. The trooper looked her up and down. “I’m looking for a senator, tall, dark complexion, a human female. Have you seen her?” Slowly, Mara shook her head. Her jaw was trembling. The soldier gave her a suspicious look and brought his blaster to bear. “You’re a strange sort of person to be in the Imperial Palace. What are you, a beggar? I’ll have to take you into custody—” Mara slipped past him easily. She needed to speak to her Master. Whether she trusted him or not, he was all the life she had left. She did not recognize the royal guardsman at the Emperor’s wing. More importantly, he did not recognize her. “Get out of my way,” she snapped. “My name is Mara Jade. I am the Emperor’s Hand.” The red-robed guard gave her a long, measuring stare. Mara realized how she must look, hair matted and unwashed, camo jumpsuit still crusted in dirt, cuts and bruises covering her limbs. “Never mind that,” she said, irritation hoarsening her voice. “My name is Mara Jade and I’m…” “I’ve never heard of you,” the guardsman cut in coldly. “Recognition code?” Kriff it. The Emperor wouldn’t give those to her until she completed her training and was Hand in full. Instead, he made sure everyone on his staff knew who she was—or at least left her alone. Of course he would have changed the old staff. It was just an oversight that this one wasn’t told… An oversight. It had to be. “This is a restricted area. You’re going to leave now.” “Oh, am I?” Something snapped at that, a cool strand of reason binding her anger. Who was this flunkey to show her such disrespect? Involuntarily, her body eased into combat position. She’d define Emperor’s Hand for him, the fool… Anticipating her strike, the Force-pike in his hands whipped down hard. She dodged it easily and drove in hard with her left foot, catching his chin with a spinning kick that sent his head rocketing back. He was up quickly, but more wary now. Now he knows, she thought with satisfaction. The pike shot out again toward her abdomen. Too fast…instinctively, she sank into the Force. The pike slowed. With supernaturally strong fingers, she grabbed it just as the tip grazed her tunic, twisted it from his grasp. He lunged toward her. Slowly. Or at least it seemed that way to Mara, reflexes heightened by the energy field around her, murder in her heart. She smiled and raised the pike high above her… “Hold it just a sec.” The new voice froze both her and the guardsman. It was not loud, but somehow sliced through the air with a keenness that both stung and arrested. Sweat dripped from Mara’s face as she held the pike poised in place. “Drop it.” She did, hands loosening of their own accord. The pike knocked the guard in the head as it fell. “Look at me, both of you.” The royal guardsman rose to his feet, robes askew. Mara cracked her neck and turned. A boy stood before them, about her age, fair-haired with a glacial face. Sort of familiar, but not quite… He broke the silence first, gaze passing over her to rest on the guardsman. To Mara’s shock, he nodded casually. “Quosta.” To her further shock, the guardsman inclined his own head respectfully. “Master Varewé.” Varewé! The boy brushed at his tunic. “I was just going in to see the Emperor. It seems, though, that someone else also seeks admittance.” A stiffness straightened the red-robed shoulders. “She is obviously an intruder, sir, possibly with traitorous intent. I was merely performing my duty.” “Were you.” Those eyes flickered back to Mara, studied her. Yes. He was the same Varewé. But different…surely his eyes had not chilled her before, two chips of ice set in a still face… A tight smile nudged his lips upward. “Quosta. The Empire needs dutiful men, but not brain-dead ones. Sometimes I wonder if you’re brain-dead.” He addressed the other man, but his gaze never left Mara’s face. “Here comes a young lady who’s obviously not what she seems. Holds off you, a royal guardsman, comes to the point of defeating you—and you never stop to ask, ‘what’s wrong with this picture?’” Varewé shook his head. Mara stole a glance to the side; the guardsman’s face was several shades lighter than before. “A brain-dead man is one who acts blindly and thinks after if at all. Please try to be a little smarter in your duty.” “Of—of course. My apologies.” The boy’s smile disappeared. “Go in. I can wait,” he said to Mara. She stared at him, and a sliver of comprehension crawled up through her mind. Oh. Now she understood. The beginnings of hatred stirred in her gut. Without thanking him, she swept inside the wing. Luke waited until the Countess—or whoever she was—left before going in. He stepped in quietly and waited at the back of the room until Palpatine acknowledged his presence. A good twenty minutes passed before the ruler roused himself from his reverie. He spoke to Luke without looking at him. “Young Varewé. You wonder how I survived. It is because I rule absolutely. It is the way things are. In fact, I rather hoped for such an incident, because it opens a lesson I wish to teach you. Attend, now. There must always be the one who rules absolutely. But he cannot be everywhere at once, though omniscient and omnipresent at the same time.” Luke did not understand. It must have been obvious, because the Emperor chuckled. “The understanding will come in time. Know this, though. Keep it in your mind until further training illuminates the full meaning. All power will rest in your hands, but you must not handle it yourself or it will consume you. You must merely speak, direct, and let others perform your will. But simple delegation is not enough. You must have a proxy to bear the raw destructive force of your power so you may wield it coolly, impassionedly.” “Darth Vader.” “Yes.” The old man turned, looked at him carefully under lidded eyes. “He is mine. But he will not be yours.” “Why?” The question slipped out of Luke’s mouth unbidden. He wondered at the strange sense of disappointment welling up in his chest. A slight smile twisted the Emperor’s face. “There are…complications. You would not control him well. No. I have prepared another for your purposes.” He peered at the aide almost expectantly, and a weighted silence fell. It was not long before Luke’s mind touched the answer, insight falling into place with a quiet click. “The Countess,” he said simply. “Excellent, boy.” The Emperor’s eyes seemed to glow faintly, even in the daylight. “Your instincts serve you well.” “I don’t know anything about her,” Luke objected. “But you will. When I am finished teaching you, nothing in her soul or past will be hidden from your eyes. You will own her, as I own Lord Vader. And she will serve you faithfully, as he serves me.” “She hates me.” Another click, and as he spoke the words he recognized their truth, though he had not known it before. “That is necessary. We must ensure that she continues to hate you in the future, as well. I will consider this.” “But…I don’t want her to hate me.” The Emperor looked at him sharply and Luke flushed. The old man cackled. “She is a pretty little thing, is she not? Take her if you will, young Varewé. It might make her hate you more.” “I—” Luke nearly choked on his tongue. He felt as if the floor had dropped out under his feet. “Have you never been with a woman, boy?” Palpatine’s voice was almost fatherly. “That is a situation easily remedied. But…” he considered Luke’s flaming face, red to his hairline and the tips of his ears. “…Perhaps that can wait. Passion is good, but only under great control. Passion of a woman is a dangerous kind, skirting the edge of weakness. I gave it up long ago for more…sophisticated pleasures. You must never be weak, Luke. You must never let a woman have influence over you. Use Jade to bear your power and your seed, if you so desire, but never, ever, love her.” The last words were hissed, and Luke shivered as the room grew colder. “Jade?” he questioned. For a long time, the Emperor did not seem to hear him, wrapped in his own thoughts. At last he stirred. “Mara Jade.” His voice was distant. “Countess Claria’s true name. Go, now, boy. I am tired.” Luke got up quietly and left. He turned once before closing the door, gazed at the old man standing by the window. He is almost gone. Your reign approaches. Luke shut the door and slipped into the corridor. “Go away,” he told the Palace irritably. “I have a lot to think about.” For once, the presence obeyed without argument. The space around his thoughts emptied immediately. It bothered Luke more than anything he’d heard or seen that afternoon. Tarkin arrives. Like a rat, he sniffs and scurries about the Death Star, gnawing where he can and lusting after all with glittering eyes. Darth Vader grows more and more disgusted. He ignores the Grand Moff when possible, brushes aside all false obsequiousness. Tarkin detests him for it. He feels the hatred growing every day, fueled by fear and helplessness. The Governor begins to sow seeds of discontent among the crew and officers, to stir up ill feeling. Vader begins to be sick of the whole affair. If Tarkin wishes to play with the Death Star, let him. He can never know the meaning of true power, however much he pants for it. Palpatine sent this sniveling lapdog. If the lapdog goes rabid, it will not be Lord Vader’s fault. Besides, of late he has wished to see Coruscant again. Something…a gentle current, tugging at him, a whisper brushing his mind like late summer air. Soft, but urgent. Calling him home. He makes preparations to leave. ====================== TBC... -----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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leia_naberrie Registered: Sep '02	Date Posted: 7/5/07 2:20pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke's Story - ANH AU - Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs - short story--Update 7/5!
	Wow! A vigilante trained Force sensitive Senator to whom the end justifies the means. This story rocks! -----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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VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 7/5/07 3:35pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	I read this earlier and didn't get a chance to respond. Luckily it didn't take me long to get back! “You’re a strange sort of person to be in the Imperial Palace. What are you, a beggar? I’ll have to take you into custody—” Mara slipped past him easily. She needed to speak to her Master. Whether she trusted him or not, he was all the life she had left. I just really liked that section. It stood out for me. Love how you're developing all these characters! -----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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Mystic665 Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 7/5/07 4:05pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	I just love how everything has started to develope. I'm glad Luke and Vader will soon meet, that should be very interesting.
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 7/5/07 5:43pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	Super update. My goodness. Luke and Mara's destinies are diverging I think. STill tied but not going in the same direction--i.e., toward the Light or Dark together, such that they rule together or they vanquish the Emperor together. I have a one-track mind. I always see them as ... joined heart and soul. -----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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MotionWright Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 7/5/07 6:06pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5! - Date Edited: 7/5/07 6:09pm (1 edits total) Edited By: MotionWright
	So the courtiers and the palace guards are already referring to Luke as "Master" and seeking to ingratiate themselves with him. I wonder what that means. I liked the scene where Luke stopped the fight between Mara and the guardsman, and how he reprimanded the latter. It was a good insight into Luke's changing character. It was one thing to find the weaknesses already present in a being or situation and exploit them. It was another matter altogether to create weakness where none had been before. I love how you phrased this. Sometimes he kept his silence for days on end, afraid to miss the smallest nuance of Palpatine’s interactions with others. Like a small shadow, he trailed the Emperor from throne room to conference hall to passageway to solitary balcony. The Emperor's shadow - that's an interesting image. No wonder there are whispers. There was no such thing as true, mystical power, Palpatine explained. Just the natural capabilities of the mind. I can see why he would believe that. Well, there's also the Force, which he hasn't mentioned to Luke yet ... will he ever? Anyone could stroke an idle ill feeling into conflagration, light fire after fire until flame stretched from horizon to horizon. Anyone could make chaos out of order, nothing out of something. Anyone could wreck and use the wreckage as building blocks of a new civilization. Anyone could make the galaxy his own. Yeah, right, anyone. The twinge of loneliness surprised and disturbed him. “I have no more weakness,” Luke said softly. His heart had never felt stonier. Oh, but how much Luke has changed. Overconfidence is your teacher’s only weakness. Do not let it be yours. Listen and remember, Luke. That's probably going to come in handy in the future. It was a way Mara Jade could not follow. So she stood all alone in a crumbling world, weeping in her filth for a faith broken beyond repair, purpose gone forever. Melgida's betrayal doesn't surprise me. There was always too many inconsistencies about her; I never trusted her. I'm not surprised that Mara found she couldn't follow her into treason, either. That's just not somehtign I can see Mara Jade doing. “Never mind that,” she said, irritation hoarsening her voice. “My name is Mara Jade and I’m…” “I’ve never heard of you,” the guardsman cut in coldly. Ooh la la! The look on Mara's face must have been priceless. “Go in. I can wait,” he said to Mara. She stared at him, and a sliver of comprehension crawled up through her mind. Oh. Now she understood. The beginnings of hatred stirred in her gut. Aha... is Mara Jade jealous? “But…I don’t want her to hate me.” The Emperor looked at him sharply and Luke flushed. First his aunt, and now Mara. He craves love because his 'parents' were distant and he grew up without it, doesn't he? “Have you never been with a woman, boy?” Palpatine’s voice was almost fatherly. “That is a situation easily remedied. But…” he considered Luke’s flaming face, red to his hairline and the tips of his ears. “…Perhaps that can wait. Passion is good, but only under great control. Passion of a woman is a dangerous kind, skirting the edge of weakness. I gave it up long ago for more…sophisticated pleasures. You must never be weak, Luke. You must never let a woman have influence over you. Use Jade to bear your power and your seed, if you so desire, but never, ever, love her.” That's ... interesting advice. Sounds very much in character for the one who gives it. But for some reason I don't think Luke will listen ... where would the drama be if he did? Not to mention it might be too late already. He can never know the meaning of true power, however much he pants for it. Palpatine sent this sniveling lapdog. If the lapdog goes rabid, it will not be Lord Vader’s fault. This is an interesting reversion of the usual image of Tarkin holding Vader's leash. Good choice of words, btw. That was an outstanding update, full of the usual breathtakingly vivid imagery. I don't believe I've asked before, so ... please add me to your PM list. -----signature----- About Fathers http://boards.theforce.net/f/b1/27051840
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Layren Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 7/5/07 6:38pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	Really interesting how things are playing out. Luke is being manipulated by Palpatine just so easily...it's scary. I really am afraid of how much he's already changed and I wonder how much changing he still has left to do. At least his attraction to Mara is still there Excellent work! -----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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PadawanMom5610 Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 7/5/07 7:26pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	I will repeat myself. Wow. Chilling. It is scary how far Luke has been changed already. It does seem that Luke and Mara's loyalties are beginning to diverge. But Mara being Luke's Hand...hm. Palpatine is just so evil and twisted. Then there's that voice. Who is it???? Yes, Vader, hurry home. Go meet and rescue your son.
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divapilot Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 7/5/07 10:51pm Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	Wonderful! I love the details you use, like how Luke's eyes were like "chips of ice" and Mara's eyes are described in the paragraph below: “You meant all along to break me.” It was both question and answer. In the realization of it, the fury exploded once more, then contracted swiftly until color dulled to ash grey and only twin points of fire burned in her pupils. “I have nothing now.” Fire and ice. Huh. So Mara is to be his apprentice/hand? Interesting. Perhaps one of the reasons Vader is feeling the need to get back to Coruscant is because he sees his own obsolescence looming? Luke is finding himself being treated as more powerful -- the "palace voice" obeys him, people call him "master." And he handles it by being glacially cool. Eerie. Congratulations on the recognition for this story. It is well deserved, Furry! -----signature----- Never tell me the odds. UConn: Huskies forever! RIP Jasper Howard, #6 "Focus on what matters. It's about the GAME, not each other. Dumb humans."
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MsLanna Title: CR GSFF Central = Offizieller Burger Brater Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 7/6/07 2:59am Subject: RE: In Plain Sight: Luke’s Story – ANH AU – Luke/Vader/Palpatine/Mara/OCs – short story--Update 7/5!
	Yay, great update! I love how dark and twisted everything is. And I sincerely hope that Luke and Mara find the right way together. -----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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