Jedi Council Forums - This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/11 Chapter 58

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Author	Topic: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/11 Chapter 58
TigerofRobare Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 7/9/07 8:11pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	Great update! Thanks for the PM. I like time travel stories (too many years of Star Trek and Doctor Who), but not writing them. I know enough real physics that trying to think about time drives me off the walls. I liked the trailer, but the images could have stayed on screen a little longer; I could hardly tell what I was seeing. -----signature----- Darth Hipster--Vader becomes a hippie!: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27316525&brd=10476 Tu ne cede malis--Do not give in to evil, but procede against it ever more boldly. UMass-Amherst class of 2011!
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CrazyAni Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 7/10/07 1:04am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	Wonderful! Palpatine's abilities unnerve me--he was strong enough to resist against four skilled Jedi, and he can't be killed... Poor Jacen. Jaina's anger is only too justified, even though we all know to what it can lead in the SW universe. Amazing update, and hope to get the next one soon! CrazyAni PS: I'll edit my reply as soon as I've seen the trailer.:) -----signature----- Currently chased away from the boards by the Writers' Block Cage of Lies - post RotS A/P - Padme is presumed to be dead http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25632570/p1/ HELP!!!Where is my muse?
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piratedreamer Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 7/10/07 5:52pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	JACEN!!!!!!!!! That was so sad! I loved Jacen here, and now, now he's dead! Great job. The chapter was so action packed and intense. I can only hope the time traveling will bring back Jacen. Oh, I like J/K here, and I'm more of a J/Z person anyway. Thanks for the PM. ~piratedreamer -----signature----- ~On permanent hiatus~ Proud e-sis to justicejedi! Want to know some great fanfics/fanfic authors you ought to be reading? check out my profile! Ex-padawan of the fantabulous MsLanna!
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Darth-Semians Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 7/10/07 9:39pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	Just got away from work for a few minutes to say this: I was a follower of your earlier attempt at this story and I liked it, but I like this a hell of a lot more. You can really creat emotions with your words, incredible. It makes me feel inadequate with my story, but then again, I am not really into it right now (there is more important things going on in my life right now). Can't wait until the Augustine scene. Darth-Semians -----signature----- Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-) GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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Diamond_Revelation Registered: Feb '03	Date Posted: 7/11/07 11:38am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	This is a wonderful repost! I loved the emotion you portrayed when Jacen died. I am looking forward to the next bit! -----signature----- Call me Diamond Retired Dark Lady of the JCC Crossover Index - http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=20456978&start=20463089
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The_Slilent_One Registered: Sep '04	Date Posted: 7/11/07 2:56pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	add me to the pm list as well please -----signature----- Anakin(alive)/Tahiri(not-half-vong) 4EVA!!!!! Proud member of the F.A.D.A. To be or not to be... - http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28949907&brd=10477&replies=3
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Idrelle_Miocovani Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 7/12/07 8:19am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	NYCitygurl: Poor Jacen!!! Yes I know. But it was important for the story – for several various reasons. I hate that he's dead; I like him here. You know what? I like Jacen too! Makes it all the worse that I had to kill him off. Well… at least you weren’t here for the original – I killed Tahiri and Jacen and injured Tenel Ka all in one sweep. Are Jaina etc. going to be able to fix it? [face_raising_brow] Am I going to say? Also, Palps = not cool Hey, I like my mean, slippery, TimeTravel!Palpy! G__Anakin: Thanks! Chilla: That's why I hope Jacen and Jaina won't fight against each other in LotF.... I haven’t read LotF yet, but I know what you mean. Awesome chapter! sniffs Thanks! sniffs too ratna: Well! That was horrible! Just kidding. Great writing. Horrible turn of events. Thanks. Yeah, things aren’t looking too particularly good right now, are they? I thought your description of Jaina's feelings at having now lost both of her brothers was particularly affecting. Thanks! That’s one of the things I wanted to make better in the new version – in the original TTA, this battle sequence was sort of written from everyone’s point of view, so I didn’t allow myself too much of a chance to get inside Jaina’s head very much. LOVED your trailer. Please make it LONGER!!! LOL! DarthJainaSolo: I love this story so much! Thanks! To be honest, I'm not a big Jaina/Kyp fan, but I'll make an exception here. Lol, I’m more of J/J person myself, but this just happens to have a bit of J/K here. My rules for Time Traveling would make it almost impossible for Jag to come along anyways. Jacen's dead...oh man, you had me in tears there. That’s what I was aiming for. I didn’t really want to kill Jacen off, but it was necessary. I can't wait until you update. Please PM me whenever you do. Sure thing! RK_Striker_JK_5: Hmm. No Tenel Ka here this time. Actually... I like that. It flows a bit smoother here. Yes, that’s what I thought myself. Did you notice the absence of Tahiri as well? Last time, it was just a bit too… busy, actually. Too many characters in the fight. And it seemed a bit implausible that the Queen Mother of Hapes would be there as well. And wow. Such tension and awesome action! Jacen dead... can't believe it. You can’t? Well, I can... but it's still just so sad. Yes. I missing Jacen already. Palps must die! You can join the line of people who want to punch him in the face. TigerofRobare: Great update! Thanks for the PM. Thanks, and you’re welcome! I like time travel stories (too many years of Star Trek and Doctor Who), but not writing them. Lol! I’m sort of… the opposite. Note the “sort of.” Outside fanfic time travel, my contact with the genre is limited to Doctor Who and The Time Machine. Oh and I think I saw Timeline once… it was a bit strange, I don’t really remember it. I know enough real physics that trying to think about time drives me off the walls. I liked the trailer, but the images could have stayed on screen a little longer; I could hardly tell what I was seeing. Yeah, I have the same feeling. I could have slowed it down a bit, but some little voice was telling me that people don’t want to stare at a picture for very long, so I kind of sped it up. And I was trying to follow the music – which can be a bit difficult. CrazyAni: Wonderful! Thanks! Palpatine's abilities unnerve me--he was strong enough to resist against four skilled Jedi, and he can't be killed... Yeah, well… shrugs There’s a reason for that. A fairly good reason, too. Not that TimeTravel!Palpy doesn’t scare me too. Poor Jacen. Jaina's anger is only too justified, even though we all know to what it can lead in the SW universe. Yes, but I don’t think we’ll be having a repeat of Dark Journey this time. She’s learned a bit from past experiences. Amazing update, and hope to get the next one soon! Thanks for reading! piratedreamer: JACEN!!!!!!!!! That was so sad! I loved Jacen here, and now, now he's dead! And now everyone is making me guilty for killing him off! Great job. The chapter was so action packed and intense. Thanks! This chapter was a ton of fun of write – and re-write. I can only hope the time traveling will bring back Jacen. Oh, you’ll see what’ll happen. Darth-Semians: Just got away from work for a few minutes to say this: I was a follower of your earlier attempt at this story and I liked it, but I like this a hell of a lot more. You can really creat emotions with your words, incredible. Awww, thank you! I think one of the improvements I made from the original story was to cut out all the changing POVs in this battle sequence – it made it too difficult for me to get inside a character’s head for long enough to describe their emotions. I’m glad that you liked it so much! It makes me feel inadequate with my story, Aww, don’t say that! but then again, I am not really into it right now (there is more important things going on in my life right now). Well, we all have other things to get done besides fanfic. Can't wait until the Augustine scene. Dun,dun,dun… the Augustine scene. Diamond_Revelation: This is a wonderful repost! I loved the emotion you portrayed when Jacen died. I am looking forward to the next bit! Thanks so much! The_Slilent_One: add me to the pm list as well please Of course! -----signature----- Nat is my new Muse. Yes, you may have one of those flowy Greek-robe things you say you can't spell. This Time Around: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2 DarthIshtar's Padawan
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Idrelle_Miocovani Registered: Feb '05	Date Posted: 7/12/07 8:21am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 9/7 Chap. 2: Darth Sidious
	CHAPTER III Professor Augustine Suddenly, Luke stopped walking. “There’s something up ahead,” he said quietly. Mara peered through the darkness. “Who’s there?” she called. Someone appeared out of the gloom. He was very tall and slender and wore a long, dark cloak. A hood covered his head, making it impossible to tell what his face looked like. He held his pale hands clasped in front of him. “Who are you?” Mara asked sharply. “I am the Professor,” the man said slowly. His voice had a lilting quality to it, almost hypnotic in a way. “You may call me Augustine,” he added. “What do you want?” Mara asked suspiciously. “Come with me,” the Professor replied quietly. There was no threat in his voice. “Why?” Mara demanded. The Professor’s hooded head swerved to look at her. “You and your companions have witnessed and survived something very important,” he said, his voice hardly more than a whisper. “So important it is that the Galaxy could be destroyed. Now you must be the ones to fix it. Follow me. There is something I must tell you, but not here. The fate of the Galaxy may depend on it.” He turned and began to walk very slowly down the corridor. Jaina stood still, like her companions. Very little of what had just been spoken to her registered in her mind – it was still filled with the sounds and images of Jacen falling, being struck by Palpatine’s lightsaber, and crashing to the ground… dead. “Come!” the Professor’s voice rang out, a edge of annoyance in the single word. “We should follow him,” Luke’s voice said. Jaina raised her head and looked at him dully. Why should I care what happens to the Galaxy? she thought. Her throat was burning; she trembled violently as she tried to suppress another round of sobs. Jacen… “Why?” Han asked gruffly. “Some knowledge he has,” Luke answered quietly. “I can feel it through the Force. This… Professor may be able to help us.” Her uncle’s words drifted in and out. Jaina didn’t care; they could decide what they wanted to do, there was nothing for her here… “Even if he turns out to be an enemy,” Luke’s voice continued, “we still need to know. We need whatever it is he can offer. We must stop Palpatine.” At the mention of the Sith Lord’s name, Jaina’s head jerked upwards. “Yes,” she growled. “He killed Jacen.” Luke paused and looked straight at Jaina, meeting her eyes. Jaina sensed some form of worry in her uncle’s face. “Kyp,” he said, “look after her.” The tall Professor was waiting for them at the end of the corridor. They followed him down multiple halls, moving deeper into the fortress. The corridors were all the same – made of metal, shrouded in gloom. Jaina’s mind was trying desperately to register something else besides the aching hole in her mind where the twin bond had been. She noticed, dully, that the Professor must be able to see in the dark as the green light from Luke’s lightsaber didn’t extend past him. However, this moment of curiosity was short lived. The world was empty without her brother in it – there was nothing more to it than that. The halls twisted and turned. They came to stairs upon stairs, always descending. Time crept by slowly, but it seemed to go on forever. At last, the Professor opened a small door and it retracted into the ceiling to reveal a large, cavern-like chamber. There were no windows and it was dimly lit. In the centre stood a dais-like platform with a large, metal pillar rising from it, reaching towards the ceiling. Beside it was a black, throne-like chair, elegantly designed. They filed into the room silently. Jaina wandered away from the others, sitting down next to the dais. She shivered, even though she wasn’t cold – for some strange reason, her skin was tingling. She glanced up at the pillar. There were strange markings engraved in its dulled surface. For a split second, her vision wobbled and a dark, swirling mass appeared in the place of the gigantic pillar. She blinked and it went back to normal. “Don’t go near there!” a harsh voice rang through the room. Jaina looked over her shoulder; the Professor was pointing an accusing finger in her direction. Confused, she stood up and stepped away from the dais. “What is it?” “You will know in due course,” the Professor told her. He walked slowly towards the black throne and sat down. Jaina looked towards where her parents were standing. Han was carefully placing the body of his son on the ground. Jacen’s face had relaxed into a tranquil expression. Han knelt beside the body, his hand on his forehead. Leia stood beside him, her hands gripping Han’s shoulders. Jaina swallowed hard and sat back down. Both her parents looked older than they ever had before. The death of another family member was taking its toll. She reached up with a hand to wipe away tears that she thought were forming, only to find that her eyes were dry. The numbness that filled her would not let her cry anymore. She sat down on the floor and closed her eyes, brushing a lock of loose hair behind an ear. “All right, what is this all about?!” Jaina winced at the sound of her aunt’s ferocious voice and opened her eyes. Mara was standing several feet away from the Professor’s throne, her face and tone livid. “You pull us down here under the pretence that something important just happened and that the Galaxy is in danger,” she snapped. “But you haven’t given us specific information. So talk!” Professor Augustine raised his pale hands. “All in good time, Mara Jade.” There was a long pause. “How do you know my name?” Mara asked. The man chuckled softly. “Never mind how I know. What is important is what you know, what you have seen and how you can fix it.” He raised his head and, though she could not see his eyes, Jaina had the impression that he was surveying all of them. “Fix what?” Kyp’s voice growled. Professor Augustine folded his hands on his lap. “Let me tell you a story, Master Durron,” he said softly. “A long time ago, a man named Palpatine became the Senator of Naboo and, eventually, the Chancellor of the Old Republic. Sometime in his mysterious past that is known only to him, he became a Sith Lord’s apprentice. He learned all he could from this Sith Lord and his power grew. Then he killed his Master. He hid the fact that he was a Sith Lord from all until the day that a young Jedi Knight by the name of Anakin Skywalker –” “My father?” Luke interrupted, his voice – though quiet – betraying his surprise. A small, soft laugh came from the hood that covered Augustine’s face. “Ah, yes. Your father. He was a brilliantly talented Jedi. But he was deceived by a lie that Palpatine told him and he fell to the dark side. The Galaxy suffered greatly under the oppression of the new Empire that was formed by none other than Palpatine himself. Then the day came when you, Master Skywalker, defeated both Darth Vader and Palpatine.” Jaina frowned. Why was this man reciting history to them? She neither cared to hear it or know about it – all she wanted was a way to find her brother’s killer and destroy him. “Very pleasant story, Professor,” she said sarcastically, “but what has this got to do with us?” There was another laugh. Jaina wished fervently that she could see the Professor’s face. “It has everything to do with you, Jaina Solo,” Augustine said. “Because Palpatine survived Darth Vader’s attempt to kill him –” “By jumping into time,” Mara supplied. “He told us.” “And you have met him,” Augustine continued as if Mara had not interrupted him. “He killed one of you – Jacen Solo, I believe?” The aching wound in her mind where the twin bond had once been threatened to overtake Jaina once more with excruciating pain as her brother’s name was mentioned. She glanced away from the group, trying to force herself to forget. “I’m sorry, Professor, but I don’t understand where this is going,” Corran said. His voice seemed to come from a long way off, even though Jaina knew he was standing just a few feet away from her. There was a long pause before Augustine answered him. “Palpatine survived by ‘jumping into time,’” he said, his voice hardly more than a whisper. “Time.” He spoke the word almost reverently. “It is such a delicate and mysterious thing. But it possesses an inner strength that no one but those most attuned to the Force can understand. That strength is wild, uncontrollable. Wormholes through time do exist and can be opened, when desired, by using supreme knowledge of the Force. Once the Force and time recognize your Force-signature, you can go anywhere. At this point, to travel in space and time is the same thing. It is possible – but dangerous.” A feeling of irritability was rising rapidly inside Jaina. Here they were, calmly discussing the possibility of traveling through time with a complete stranger who had never even considered the fact that her brother… “Don’t be stupid,” she snapped suddenly, “time travel doesn’t exist. I don’t care what Palpatine said. It’s not true.” A soft chuckle issued from Augustine’s hood. “How do you know that time travel doesn’t exist, Jaina Solo?” “It’s impossible,” she hissed through gritted teeth. “And how do you know that something is impossible?” Augustine countered. “Did the human species not once think that travel through space was impossible?” The retort that she had been preparing abruptly vanished – the Professor had just made a valid statement. Jaina hesitated, trying to think of a plausible answer. “We’ve never had any records of time travel!” she said quickly. “Ah,” Augustine replied, “but records can’t prove anything. Time travel is such a delicate thing. There are rules that one must follow.” “Like what?” Jaina snapped. “Besides,” she added, trying to continue her argument, “we’d know if time had been changed, wouldn’t we?” Another laugh. Jaina gritted her teeth; the Professor was beginning to irritate her. It seemed to her that he was treating them like children, answering statements with counter-statements and questions with more questions. He was toying with them. “You would never know if someone went back in time,” Augustine said. “Anyone who goes back in time is manipulating the entire Galaxy. A person could go back in time and interfere with a great event. By doing so, he or she would then change the course of his or her future… and everything would be different. The Galaxy is lucky that very few people have discovered time travel. It is a rare thing… a rare and terrible thing.” Jaina felt herself tense as she heard those words. She was barely aware that her hands were clenched so tightly that her fingernails were digging into the palms of her hands. If someone could change the course of his or her future by going back in time, then that meant… “Do you mean that I could have been living a different life if someone hadn’t gone back in time?” she demanded. “And I wouldn’t even know?” “Yes.” Jaina shivered, feeling both cold fear and hot anger at the same time. She glanced across the room at her companions; they had various looks of amazement on their faces. She caught Kyp’s eye and was hardly surprised to see a smouldering, angry expression etched across his face. Just like herself, Kyp was indignant at how easily the lives of every single being in the Galaxy could be manipulated – if what Augustine said was true. She tried to say something, but her throat seemed to be incapable of working properly. “How can the entire Galaxy be changed in such a cruel way?” Leia demanded frigidly, speaking for the first time since they had entered the room. Jaina tried to ignore the fact that her mother’s voice had trembled when she spoke. “The person who traveled back in time could easily have the power of a God,” Mara remarked grimly, folding her arms across her chest. “The whole idea is about as plausible as a Colo claw fish living on Tatooine,” Han said angrily. “There’s no such thing as time travel. We’re finished here.” “You may leave if you so desire, Han Solo,” Professor Augustine said coolly, “but you will not be welcomed back to hear me finish and what I have to say may have great worth for you – if you value your life.” Han’s nostrils flared. “Then tell us how time travel is possible,” he retorted furiously. “Or even better – tell me how its scientifically possible.” A high, cold laugh emitted from Augustine’s hood. His tall frame doubled slightly as he cackled loudly. Jaina watched in amazement, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Though she felt that Augustine meant them no harm, that laugh was unnerving. It reminded her too much of Palpatine. “Han Solo,” Augustine said, “I believe you once called the Force a ‘hokey religion’, am I correct?” He paused, giving Han time to answer, but he did not. “You are a living, breathing irony,” the Professor continued. “Once upon a time, you did not believe in the Force. Yet now you do, as you have been much – too much – living proof that the Force does exist. You cannot feel it, yet you would not deny that it exists. However, as soon as you meet something – shall I use the term ‘implausible?’ – you deny, fervently, that it is possible. Time travel is very much real, through the Force. A machine cannot transport you through time, but the Force can – in the same way that a machine cannot help you jump fifteen feet into the air or…” He hesitated for a brief moment, “…shoot lightning from your fingertips.” “Like Palpatine,” Jaina growled. “Indeed,” Augustine replied. “But,” Jaina continued, “that still doesn’t prove anything. I used the Force, but I still don’t believe that time travel exists. You haven’t done anything to prove it.” Augustine inclined his head in her direction. “True – I dare not, lest I cause a disaster. But I notice that you don’t believe what Palpatine told you. He disappeared right in front of your eyes, after all.” “That’s because he’s a liar!” Jaina retorted furiously. “Once a liar, always a liar.” “That is true,” Augustine said quietly. “Professor Augustine!” Luke interrupted loudly. “I believe you invited us here to tell us something of importance. Jaina,” he turned to her, “please stop arguing with the Professor. We cannot waste anymore time. If Palpatine is out there, we must stop him.” As Luke paused for breath, Jaina noticed that her uncle’s face was drawn and weary, but she felt that it was from something else besides the battle that had taken place earlier. He looked like he was drained of all energy and he wasn’t about to waste what he had left on waiting for hours to hear what they had come for. “Luke Skywalker,” Augustine said slowly, “what I have to say does influence Palpatine. In fact, it influences him greatly. Now that he is loose, there is only one way of stopping him. I am the only one in the entire Galaxy with the knowledge to help the Jedi Order stop Darth Sidious from destroying all they have worked for.” “What is it?” Luke asked, a sliver of impatience in his voice. There was a long pause before Augustine spoke. “It is your duty to stop Palpatine,” he said, his voice louder and clearer than it had ever been throughout the entire conversation. “One of you must travel into time and fix the one momentous event that has shaped the world you know into what it is: the fall of Anakin Skywalker.” It was as if a little jolt of electricity had passed through her body; Jaina jumped in surprise at the mention of her grandfather’s name. Several things clicked in her mind at once… fixing her grandfather’s fall meant that he would never have gone to the dark side… “What?” Luke’s voice was little more than a hoarse whisper. “Is that possible?” Leia asked. “How can that be?” Mara exclaimed. “Oh, really!” Han grumbled. “How can we save Anakin Skywalker?” Corran demanded. “It’s ridiculous!” “I don’t see how that changes anything,” Kyp added hotly. Amidst the uproar from her family and friends that echoed around the large chamber, Jaina’s mind was carefully putting all of what Professor Augustine had said together. He said that it was the momentous event that formed everything we know, she thought. That means that Darth Vader must have had something to do with the actual formation of the Empire. If there’s no Darth Vader, then who would Palpatine send to kill all the Jedi and destroy the Rebellion? If time travel was genuinely possible and one of them was sent back in time to stop Anakin Skywalker from falling to the dark side, then that meant that the most powerful Jedi Knight would be able to help protect the Galaxy from its most evil nemesis. If that were true, then Anakin Skywalker would be able to stop Palpatine even before now… “I don’t see how Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the dark side affects anything!” Kyp was saying loudly. “He did turn back to the light, didn’t he? He killed Palpatine… but Palpatine escaped. I don’t see how saving him will change anything.” Augustine stood up suddenly from his chair. “No! It changes everything!” he roared, his voice filling the chamber. Jaina winced from the noise and another chill that went down her spine. “He’s right, Kyp,” she said quietly. “It does change everything.” She glanced at her Luke. There was understanding in his face. Of course – he was the only person who could truly know what saving Anakin Skywalker meant. “Uncle Luke?” “Yes, Jaina,” he said, nodding. “If my father never went to the dark side, then the Galaxy would be a completely new world. The impact he had on the Old Republic… the impact Darth Vader had on the Empire…” “You see, don’t you,” Augustine said, his voice growing rapidly more agitated. He moved slowly towards them as he continued speaking. “You must change it. For the sake of the Galaxy, you must change it for there is another reason that you have not heard of yet. In this world, right here, right now, Anakin Skywalker is dead. He was the Chosen One, the only person in the entire history of the Galaxy who was able to bring balance to the Force by killing Palpatine and defeating the Sith. He failed – all because Palpatine did not die on the Death Star. Now there is no one – absolutely no one – who can save the Galaxy from Darth Sidious’ hands. He will destroy everything you know and love. If you want to save the Galaxy from certain oppression and death, then you must go back and change Anakin before it is too late.” There was a long silence. Jaina folded her hands, twisting and untwisting her fingers. It’s the only way, she thought. Someone has to go back… it’s the only way Palpatine will ever die. For all we know, he might even be able to escape old age. This will be the only way we will ever get justice for what he’s done… A vivid image of Jacen’s face appeared in her mind. Jaina’s hands untwisted and curled into fists, slamming onto the floor she was sitting on. The resulting thud sounded loudly throughout the room. Six faces glanced at her briefly before turning back to Augustine, who had returned to sit on his black throne. “I’ll go,” Luke said softly. “But Master Skywalker,” Kyp began, “you—” “This matter rests with me,” Luke interrupted. “It was my father who turned to the dark side and it rests with me to put things right.” “You won’t be alone, Luke,” Leia said quietly, stepping up beside him. “He was my father, too. It is as much my responsibility as it is yours.” “Wait, wait, wait,” Han said, holding up his hands. “If you think you’re heading off through time without me, you’re wrong.” Jaina smiled briefly – one could never separate her parents. Mara’s eyes were narrowed as she observed Luke with a calculating expression. “Don’t think you’re going anywhere without me, Skywalker.” It seemed that this was turning into a Skywalker-Solo family task. “And no doubt you will require help on this mission,” Corran added. “I’ll go, too.” “The more the merrier,” Han commented. “In that case, I’ll come as well,” Kyp said. “And I’m going,” Jaina said finally, standing up. “I want to make sure justice is brought to Palpatine as fast as possible.” She watched, her stomach turning into a hard knot, as her parents exchanged looks. “No,” Leia said. “Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous, even for you. I don’t want to risk your life as well.” Jaina opened her mouth to retort, but her father interrupted her. “Jaina,” Han said quickly, “you have no idea what it’ll be like. I was a kid during the fall of the Old Republic. I know how it was, you don’t. It’s too dangerous.” Jaina’s eyes narrowed. “And I am perfectly capable of looking after myself!” she answered hotly. “And everyone here knows that! I’m not going to allow you two to forbid me to go on this mission; I have just as much right as you do!” “You can’t,” Augustine’s penetrating voice interrupted. Jaina angrily turned to him in astonishment. “What do you mean, I can’t?” she demanded. “I was not speaking to you, Jaina Solo.” The cloaked man leaned back in his throne. “It is your parents, your uncle, your aunt and even your friend Corran who cannot go.” “What do you mean?” Luke asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “Time travel – like many things – has complications,” the Professor said. “The year you must be sent back to borders on the time of your birth, Master Skywalker. General Solo himself was already alive. It is very dangerous to send you back to a time where another… you… could be alive – especially if you are a Force-sensitive. The bonds of time would weaken and the Force would grow in power. As a consequence, there would be much more… Force-power, let us say… than the amount needed to keep everything in balance and alive. Strange things would begin to occur, such as people disappearing there and reappearing here. Some people might even be incapable of dying. A weak point in the Galaxy’s material would form. If you somehow came into contact with your past-self and touched them, you would create a paradox. That would be enough to form a break in the bond and the entire Galaxy, if not the universe, would be torn apart.” “Emperor’s Black Bones!” Jaina swore. “Yes,” Augustine said slowly, “an incomprehensible thought, isn’t it? The Force would then try to patch the wound; pieces of the galaxy could end up all over the place and life would be forced to restart… or even be wiped out completely. You see that time travel isn’t easy. One wrong step can do so much damage that every person who ever existed in all of time could be killed in a split second or an entire world could be destroyed. There are certain rules that we must abide to, or else everything would end in chaos.” He paused for breath and gestured at Jaina as he continued. “You have to cause the death of the most powerful Sith Lord ever to live. This changes the course of history to the extremes. Furthermore, only one man can do that – even Master Yoda was not capable. You must rescue Anakin Skywalker and help him destroy Emperor Palpatine.” Augustine’s hands gripped his chairs arm-rests; he continued speaking, but his voice was becoming increasingly more rapid. “You must have him killed in such a way that it is complete and he can never return as a ghost, clone, time traveler or otherwise. In doing so, your purpose will be complete. When you return to this time, Palpatine’s sway will never have been held over the post-Empire galaxy. Everything will have been changed. The world you have left will be gone forever.” He pointed a pale finger at Jaina. “This is the task I lay on you. The person who can help turn the Chosen One back to the Light must be of his line, but at the same time cannot create a paradox. This leaves you as the only choice. Jaina Solo, are you ready?” She felt as though the bottom of her stomach had dropped out. Yes, she had wanted to go on this mission, but alone? Her father was right, she knew nothing about the Old Republic, she could quite easily make a mistake that could potentially get her killed… “It’s too great a task for one so young, isn’t it?” Augustine said softly. “You have a right to be frightened Jaina Solo.” “I’m not frightened,” she said firmly. The Professor chuckled. “You hide your fear well. You have seen so much that is wrong, that is alien, that is wicked. But you have never time traveled. That thought alone frightens you more than anything you have ever seen or heard in your entire life. You would be a fool if you weren’t scared.” “Jaina?” Leia’s voice echoed softly in the air. Jaina chose to ignore it. She frowned, a deep furrow across her brow. “It just seems impossible, Professor. Dad was right when he said I don’t know anything of that world –” “Nothing is impossible, Jaina Solo,” Augustine replied. “Tell me… would you like to see your brothers alive again?” Jaina felt her heart beat increase rapidly. See Jacen again… “Is that possible?” she demanded. “What do you think, Jaina Solo?” Augustine asked. “After all you have witnessed about Palpatine’s power, what conclusions can you make?” Her heart seemed to be racing out of control. “If he was destroyed when he was supposed to be,” she said quickly, “the error would never have happened and Palpatine wouldn’t have ever been here to kill… Jacen would still be alive!” “Wait,” Leia called. “Didn’t you say ‘brothers?’” Jaina spun to look at Augustine, wishing fervently that she could see his face so she could read his expressions. Hope was flooding through her… if he had said brothers then that meant… Anakin. Anakin would still be alive. No longer would she be haunted by her memories, however deeply buried, of his last moments on Myrkr. He wouldn’t die horribly, his body bursting with an aura before he drew his last breath, fighting the Yuuzhan Vong to the bitter end. If she went back in time, not only did she save the Galaxy, she saved her family and her brothers. Then, when she returned, everything would be as it was before Anakin’s death. But… how to make it possible for Anakin to survive when she wasn’t influencing events that directly linked with him, as it did for Jacen? “I did indeed say ‘brothers.’” Augustine’s voice confirmed, jolting Jaina out of her thoughts. “How is it possible that Anakin will survive?” Jaina demanded at once. Augustine chuckled. “One of the species the Sith Lord controlled when he jumped through time was the Yuuzhan Vong,” Augustine explained. “If your mission is successful, then they will never have attacked the Galaxy. Your brother will survive.” Jaina closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. She had this one chance to change everything… she could stop the Empire, stop the Vong, save hundreds of lives – and the lives of her brothers. “I’ll do it.” Silence fell over the chamber for a long moment. “No.” Han’s voice was firm but edged with anger. “She’s not going.” Jaina shot a dangerous look at her father, annoyed. “Dad –” “Jaina, it’s too dangerous!” he shouted. “Both my sons have already died, I’m not about to lose my last child! We’ll have no method of contacting you, we’ll have no idea if you live or not!” “Han,” Luke said calmly, “Jaina’s not a child. She has to make her own decisions. She’s the only one who can go.” “No, she isn’t,” Han retorted. “There are plenty of other Jedi her own age.” “Han,” Mara interrupted, her green eyes flashing dangerously, “think about this. We don’t have time to find someone else. Right here, right now, the only person who can manage this task is Jaina.” Han opened his mouth to argue, but Jaina spoke quickly before her father had a chance to argue. “They’re right, Dad,” she said firmly. “I have to make my own decisions. I’m going. This is my choice. If I can save the Galaxy, if I can save Jacen and Anakin, I’ll do it – no matter what.” Han shook his head. “No.” Jaina rolled her eyes. Why did he always have to be so stubborn? “Dad –” “Absolutely not!” Han shouted. “Leia, tell her!” Leia sighed. “No, Han. I can’t do that. If Jaina can save my father, and the Galaxy, I’m not going to stop her. We’ve seen enough war; it’s time this was finished for good.” “Well,” Han growled, “if she goes, she’s not going alone.” Jaina exhaled slowly, feeling irritated. He was still being so difficult… “Dad, there’s no one else who can—” “I’ll go,” Kyp said suddenly. Jaina spun around, astonished. “You?” Kyp grinned. “Sure. Why not? I won’t be creating any paradoxes.” “Yes, but…” Jaina’s voice trailed off. She wasn’t sure why she was defending her decision to go alone; after all, it was an extraordinary mission that she was setting out on and she would need help. But Kyp? Yes, they had shared adventures and battles during the Yuuzhan Vong war, but that had been two years ago. She had worked with him, argued with him, learned from him – but she had never been able to fully trust him. How could she run off into the unknown with a man she could call a friend but never trust? “Do you agree, Master Skywalker?” Kyp asked, turning to Luke. Jaina opened her mouth to argue, but found that she had nothing to say. “Yes,” Luke said, nodding. “I think it would be a good idea if you joined Jaina.” “But--!” Jaina began, but fell short. In truth, she couldn’t find any reasonable arguments against Kyp. “Very well, then,” Augustine said. “But…” “Yes, Jaina?” Kyp asked, raising an eyebrow. She looked away. “Oh, never mind,” she said, defeated. “You shall go now,” Augustine said, standing up. “Follow me.” “Wait one moment,” Jaina said quickly. “Please.” She turned and ran to her father. “I’ll see you soon, Dad,” she whispered as she hugged him. Han smiled slightly. “Yeah, I guess. But I won’t know when you get back.” Jaina stepped away. “It’ll be all right,” she said. “I promise.” She turned to Leia and hugged her as well. “Mom…” “Be safe, Jaina,” Leia said softly, hugging her tightly. “I’ll try,” Jaina replied. A short smile flashed across Leia’s face. “Try harder than you usually do,” she said. “She’s getting emotional,” Kyp commented to Corran. Jaina released her mother and threw a dangerous look over her shoulder at Kyp. “Shut up,” she ordered. “You can stop that right now or I’ll forbid you to come with me.” “Jaina,” Luke said. Jaina walked towards him and hugged him as well. “I guess the Sword of the Jedi isn’t doing a very good job of protecting the Jedi of the present,” she said. Luke chuckled. “The Sword of the Jedi will do her best to save the Galaxy,” he told her. “And I’m sure you will succeed,” Mara added, smiling. “Thank you, Aunt Mara,” Jaina said. “Say goodbye to Ben for me.” “Best of luck,” Mara said. Jaina nodded and turned towards Corran. “Thanks for everything, I guess,” she told him. Corran shrugged. “Do your best, Jaina.” “Come!” Augustine’s voice ordered sharply. “You must go now. Up on the dais.” Jaina nodded and walked quickly towards the dais, Kyp following her. “How come Palpatine never detected you here?” Kyp asked suddenly, addressing Augustine. The Professor hesitated. “I have ways to conceal myself. Now, stand by the pillar. Quickly!” Jaina and Kyp climbed up on to the dais, approaching the massive pillar that stood in the centre. Jaina gasped in amazement; a surge in the Force flowed over her, making her skin tingle. Her senses were suddenly heightened – she could smell the overwhelming scent of the dark dampness that filled the chamber; she could taste the unpleasant stagnant air in the room; though they were standing behind her, she could almost see Han, Leia, Luke, Mara and Corran; she could feel the movement of air around the room as easily as one felt a breeze; and she could hear the rapid beating of her own heart, and the individual hearts of those around her. She frowned as she listened – from where Augustine was standing, she could almost hear a triple heartbeat. Kyp’s eyes were wide with astonishment as he looked around the room. “The Force is alive around here!” he said softly, amazed. “You can feel it.” Jaina nodded. “It’s… I don’t know…” Kyp grinned. “Exactly.” “Jaina Solo!” Augustine called sharply. Jaina turned around. The Professor was standing in front of them, right at the edge of the dais. “Please,” he said sternly, “we do not have time to speak of unimportant things. Listen to me very carefully. You will be pulled through the wormhole by your own Force-sensitivity. However, it is almost impossible to tell where you will come out. It may be this very planet, it may be Coruscant, it may be somewhere else. This will be your first time through a wormhole, so there will be side-effects that you are not used to. Luckily, it will be easier the next time you go through.” Jaina nodded, glancing at her parents and the others. They were watching anxiously. “How do we get back?” Kyp asked. “You may feel sick or weakened once you are on the other side, but –” “Professor!” Kyp called loudly. “How do we get back?” “We do not have time, you must leave now,” Augustine replied shortly. “You will be able to find a second wormhole that will bring you back. Now, quickly! Concentrate on the time-period and face the pillar. It will act as a catalyst to help you through the wormhole. Think of the Clone wars. Think of Anakin’s fall. It will bring you to the right time.” “Isn’t that just a little random?” Jaina exclaimed, her voice rising. “Face the pillar!” Augustine commanded. “Jaina, Kyp!” Luke yelled. “Good luck! May the Force be with you!” “Listen to me!” Augustine called; there was a strange anxiety in his voice. “It is crucial that you succeed! You must succeed or else everything will be destroyed! Now go!” Jaina caught sight of Augustine, standing right at the edge of the dais, raising his pale hands. The Force grew stronger and she felt it pulling at her, like a wind did on a very windy day. She turned around, facing the pillar as Augustine had commanded. The pillar seemed to wobble, and it was if the image of it had been torn in two. A deep, black abyss replaced it, dark blue bands and streaks of light swirling in the darkness. Jaina trembled; staring into that endless chasm frightened her. She felt as though her stomach had twisted itself up into a tight knot; her heart was beating rapidly out of control as she fought the panic that was rising in her. She tried to think of everything she knew about the Clone wars, everything she knew about her grandfather, but she couldn’t manage it. The only thing that crossed her mind was how terrible and mighty the dark abyss before her was. Jaina squeezed her eyes shut as the Force continued to pull at her body. Suddenly, she felt as though she had been jerked off her feet. A dull pain grew in the pit of her stomach, making her feel like she was about to throw up. Wind tore at her body; she felt herself being tossed around as if she was no more than a child’s doll. Her eyes opened slowly and were met with the sight of a whirlwind of colour that made her dizzy. Jaina shut her eyes again, not daring to watch the hurricane around her. She heard faint voices and noises, but soon they were all swallowed up by a soundless nothingness. Suddenly, she slammed into something solid – solid and hard. Winded, with every part of her body aching, Jaina lay still as sound slowly came back to her. All the while, she kept her eyes tightly shut. I'm leaving on a canoe trip tomorrow, so there won't be another update until sometime later next week. I hope this post leaves enough for you to chew on while I'm gone. -----signature----- Nat is my new Muse. Yes, you may have one of those flowy Greek-robe things you say you can't spell. This Time Around: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2 DarthIshtar's Padawan
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CrazyAni Registered: Feb '06	Date Posted: 7/12/07 9:45am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	I like Professor Augustine--he's mysterious and a nice add-up to the SW universe. I do wonder however who exactly he is and how he knows all the stuff about time-travel and the sinister paradoxes and side-effects. Palpatine is absolutely unstoppable in this universe. Oh yeah, they need Anakin! Loved the chemistry between the Skywalker and Solo family. They all are so enjoyable together. Wonderful update once again, Idrelle! Have fun on your trip, and I'd love to read the next chapter before HP7 comes out. CrazyAni -----signature----- Currently chased away from the boards by the Writers' Block Cage of Lies - post RotS A/P - Padme is presumed to be dead http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25632570/p1/ HELP!!!Where is my muse?
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jedikatie26 Registered: Nov '05	Date Posted: 7/12/07 10:55am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	it is a great story so far
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piratedreamer Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 7/12/07 11:43am Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine - Date Edited: 7/12/07 11:43am (1 edits total) Edited By: piratedreamer
	Thanks for the PM! I loved this chapter, and I definately liked the mysterious Augustine. It's such a horrible cliffie to leave us with, though! I want to know what they find!! Great job and have fun on your trip! -----signature----- ~On permanent hiatus~ Proud e-sis to justicejedi! Want to know some great fanfics/fanfic authors you ought to be reading? check out my profile! Ex-padawan of the fantabulous MsLanna!
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ratna Registered: Mar '07	Date Posted: 7/12/07 12:07pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	wooooooooo! the guardian of forever, on mustafar. and the grandfather paradox and pandora's box! very very cool -----signature----- “What we measure affects what we do. If we have the wrong metrics, we will strive for the wrong things.” Joseph E. Stiglitz
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Darth-Semians Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 7/12/07 1:16pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	You know, I still don't quite understand why he (Augustine) was calm while explaining the mission, why did he all of a sudden become anxious and nervous when Jiana and Kyp were about go leave? Have fun on your trip. Darth-Semians -----signature----- Peace, Love, and Prosparity everyone. :-) GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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AP4EVER Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 7/12/07 2:23pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	This is rather refreshing reading it from the very start. I keep looking out for little bits that were modified or added. Nothing has stood out to me yet, though I could've overlooked. Can't wait to see what happens when/if they meet Grievous. -----signature----- "And so sitting around and guarding me is not your idea of fun." Padme "We could be doing better and more exciting things." Anakin AotC Novel (Salvatore) Noodle (1988-2006) Life will never be the same without you
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Ultima_1 Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 7/12/07 3:35pm Subject: RE: This Time Around [AU, time travel; Jaina, Kyp, A/P, Obi-Wan] Updated 12/7: Professor Augustine
	Great story so far. Could you add me to the PM list? -----signature----- Fanfic Padawan of NYCitygurl Legacy of the Force: Endgame http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28169084/p1/?1
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