Jedi Council Forums - Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Epilogue - 10/19/09

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Author	Topic: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Epilogue - 10/19/09 - COMPLETE!
Jedi_Emeritus Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 1/18 9:24pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	walker-of-minds posted: WOW can't wait for more loved the intensity and the honesty shared-can't wait for more and oh boy time to face the emp and destiny with mara included this time yeh. Coming very soon, I promise. Should be a fun ride. JEDIFLYSWATTER posted: I still think that Mara will be Luke's Ace and Palpatine's Joker. I bet old daddy Vader let them have that time alone to work things out between them. Maybe he told the pilots to fly casually. Can not wait to see this confrontation between old Palpy and the somewhat new team. Right now they might not be on the same page, but they seem to all want the same thing. The Skywalker family link. Great job and thanks. Again, don't want to give away too much. The Skywalker link, though, is a great way to describe it. -----signature----- "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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TorontoJediMaster Registered: Oct '01	Date Posted: 1/19 12:54am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	I loved the last chapter. I was surprised at how shocked Luke was to learn Mara's true position. I thought he would have suspected something of that nature was up with her. I also greatly enjoyed Luke's conversation with Vader. I loved how Luke declares he'll help in taking down Palpatine, but not at the cost of joining the Sith. I too think that Vader sees some benefit in Luke and Mara's connection with each other. It's definitely reawakening his memories of him and Padme. (Nice to see, though, that Luke uses better lines than Anakin did at that age. LOL) Can't wait for the next chapter.
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Jedi_Emeritus Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 1/21 9:16am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	A/N: My apologies everyone, the next chapter is taking a little longer than I had hoped, due to a sudden burst of busy at work - I'm doing a pretty good impression of a headless chicken right now! Thank you for your patience - it is still my goal to have it out by this weekend. TorontoJediMaster posted: I loved the last chapter. I was surprised at how shocked Luke was to learn Mara's true position. I thought he would have suspected something of that nature was up with her. I also greatly enjoyed Luke's conversation with Vader. I loved how Luke declares he'll help in taking down Palpatine, but not at the cost of joining the Sith. I too think that Vader sees some benefit in Luke and Mara's connection with each other. It's definitely reawakening his memories of him and Padme. (Nice to see, though, that Luke uses better lines than Anakin did at that age. LOL) Can't wait for the next chapter. Thanks for the response and I am glad you are liking it. For Luke's response - I am trying to balance his 'head in the clouds' idealism, which is still very much a part of his character, with the new, more experienced Luke. He definitely knew something was up, but he still wished it was not true and although he knew she was involved with the Emperor in some way, he definitely didn't think she was right in the thick of things with him. And Luke is somewhat different in my version, I think a little stronger, but now with another vulnerability. It will definitely change the final confrontation. You will certainly see parts of it that are familiar, but much of it will be changed. -----signature----- "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 1/21 2:29pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	Ahhhhh....torture! This is amazing, like chasing a movie or something. The images are quite vivid and imaginative! Love the interaction between Mara and Luke! keep it comin! ~nabooqueen~
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Jedi_Emeritus Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 1/28 9:53am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	Reply: nabooqueen2008 posted: Ahhhhh....torture! This is amazing, like chasing a movie or something. The images are quite vivid and imaginative! Love the interaction between Mara and Luke! keep it comin! Thank you for the review. Next chapter coming up! -----signature----- "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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Jedi_Emeritus Registered: Dec '05	Date Posted: 1/28 10:25am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 13 - 01/06/09
	A/N: Thanks once again to all the reviewers of this story. We are quickly approaching a close to the action and I wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate the comments and support throughout this process. Also, a special thanks to Deja Vu for her kindness in assisting in the beta reading of this chapter and making it all that much better! Chapter 14 Mara Jade watched as the form of Luke Skywalker retreated down the ramp of the shuttle and away from her, deathly afraid it was the last she would ever see of him. She could not imagine him ever accepting the Emperor’s plan and joining him willingly, which would mean nothing more than his death when her master determined the young Jedi was of no more use to him. She sat down heavily on the bench; the tears flowed freely down her cheeks, her chest heaving with the weight of her sobs. The wretchedness she felt over what was happening to him was nothing compared with the ache she already felt at her separation from him and the desolation engendered at the thought of never seeing him again. How did it come to this? Just when I felt I could love him… Mara’s breath caught in her throat and she felt her heart constrict at the thought. Was that what this feeling, this change in her heart and in her perceptions, was? Mara had no experience with emotions of this type – no true understanding of what it meant to love and be loved in return. All she had ever felt for the Emperor was a healthy dose of fear for what he could do to her – what he had done to her in the past. There was no one else to whom she had been even remotely close, so never before had feelings such as these invaded her solitary and wary existence. But the more the feeling welled up from deep down in her heart, the more she became aware of it, the more she understood it, the more she began to accept it. Luke had told her he loved her, and in her heart and mind, she knew she returned his love without reservation. Small consolation, now that it was too late. Why didn’t he listen? Why didn’t I tell him before? We could have completed the mission, ensured the Emperor’s reign of terror ended from a distance… But even as she thought it, she knew she was mistaken. He had been set on this path for a while, likely from the time they had spent on Dagobah – or perhaps even before. There had been no talking him out of his course of action, and as Mara thought about it more, she knew his actions were not without reason; Luke Skywalker knew, as she should have, that in order to guarantee the Emperor would not escape the destruction they hoped would be wrought upon the Death Star, he would have to take an active hand. He had to either ensure the Emperor was on the station when it was destroyed, and thus be destroyed himself, or kill the puppet master before it was destroyed and escape himself. Of course, his stupid, short-sighted and apparently baseless faith in his father to turn against his master and become the man he had once been was the sign of an idealist who still had much to learn. It was his naiveté, his absolute faith in others and inherent belief in the ability of good to prevail which attracted Mara to him. He was so different from herself; his optimism so opposite her cynicism, allowed her to hope his opinions and belief in others would balance her own lack of faith. And now it was too late. Why does it have to be this way? Why can’t I throw off the chains that monster binds me with? She could not put her finger on it, but she knew it was not the simple fear of what would be done to her. Mara knew herself to be courageous, sometimes to the point of being foolhardy – there had been times in her mission she knew she had acted in a reckless and impulsive manner, throwing herself in the way of harm in order to complete a mission. A part of her whispered that she had known even then that death was preferable to continuing to serve that monster. No, it was not simple fear which stayed her hand, but if not, then what was it? Why could she not show the same manner of courage and defy her master, stand up for what she now knew to be right? Mara was not certain, but she knew one thing – the thought of defying her master to his face caused her to freeze, her limbs to seize up and become wooden – caused her to lose her will to act. There was nothing she could do but wait and allow the events to unfold in whatever manner they would. Hand! Her master’s sharp statement rang through Mara’s consciousness, nearly causing her to sway in shock. You will join us in the throne room immediately! Although Mara would have liked nothing more than to ignore the command, she found she could do nothing more than to accept. Yes, my master, was her meek reply. It was apparent that she would be forced to the ultimate indignity of watching the man she loved put to death before her very own eyes. Mara had never felt so lost. The walls of the Death Star were stark and severe, just as Luke had remembered from his time aboard the original station. It was a station of destruction, after all – Luke hardly expected the Emperor to decorate it in Alderaanian Fire Lilies and Dantooine landscapes. The picture of the wicked old man, surrounded by soothing paintings and floral arrangements brought a grim smile to Luke’s face, testament of the ability to see humor in even the worst situations. Maybe Han was rubbing off on him a little too much. “This is a cheery sort of place, isn’t it?” Luke asked, his voice conversational, if a little mocking. Vader turned his head and regarded Luke. “Son, the Emperor will not give you much leeway in your defiance of his demands, nor will he appreciate your attempts at levity.” “Shocking,” Luke murmured, just loud enough for his father to hear. The mask prevented his father’s reaction from being betrayed, but his continued stare served to indicate his displeasure. “I suggest you do not waste this opportunity, my son – you will not be given a second.” Luke glanced up at his father’s mask, all flippancy forgotten as his mouth once more set in a grim line. He could sense his father’s conflict even now, but the knowledge of how to convince him to return to the man he had once been was as elusive and unfathomable as ever. Perhaps there was no way to reach him and this had all been nothing more than a young man’s wish to actually have a father. Perhaps it did not matter any longer. But Luke refused to believe it. There was a way – he just had not found it yet. “Discussion is pointless, father – you know my feelings on this matter, and I will not be swayed. I will do as I was meant to do, as I was born to do. I recommend you discover your loyalties and act accordingly.” Feeling the spike of anger in his father’s sense, more from his insinuation that Vader did not know his own mind and loyalties rather than from his restated recalcitrance, Luke merely stared at him impassively, willing his father to see he was not bluffing. The older man kept his attention on Luke for the barest of moments longer before turning back with a swirl of his cape. Free from the unwanted attention of his sire, Luke began to prepare himself mentally for the upcoming confrontation, recalling words, bits of advice from both Ben and Yoda, burying his thoughts deep down in the deepest recesses of his mind. There were so many things he needed to keep to himself and away from his enemies: the imminent attack of the rebel fleet, his new-found familial relationship with Leia, his feelings for Mara… Luke blanched at the thought of the flame-haired woman, forcing the memory of their last discussion and the feelings he had revealed to her down deep within his psyche and safe behind his shields. It would not do to keep her in his mind during the coming confrontation. He sensed her distress and her intense desire to break away from the Emperor, but for whatever reason she was unable to do so, and Luke knew if his feelings were made known, they would be used against him. Of course, his father obviously suspected his feelings for Mara, if his not-so-subtle comment about her were to be taken as any indication, but Luke suspected his father would keep that from the Emperor at all costs. His offer to join together and betray the Emperor on Bespin was evidence of his desire to throw off the Emperor’s chains, but Luke was not so blind as to miss the obvious consequence of having his father’s chains to the Emperor replaced by the same binds, tying him to his father. Still, Luke was certain Vader’s plans for himself and Mara were very much his own, and he was convinced Vader would not easily betray that confidence to his master. No, he was certain knowledge of how their relationship had progressed would not reach the Emperor through Vader – it was up to Luke to keep his emotions in check and his thoughts well hidden. As they reached the end of the corridor, a set of large doors slid open and the area widened into a vast room with vaulted ceilings. Before them lay a wide set of stairs leading up to a raised dais in front of a massive window which looked out over the vastness of space. In the distance, Luke could see the moon of Endor glittering like an Emerald below, its brilliant green forests and glowing blue seas a stark contrast to the sparse and severe grays and blacks of the room. To either side of the door stood a trooper, clad from head to toe in blood-red robes, each one holding a force pike at attention. Vader entered the room and motioned his son to follow, up the wide staircase to the top of the dais, where, in the very center was situated a large, black throne-like chair. As they arrived at the top of the stairs, the throne began to swing around, bringing the occupant face to face with the Jedi. “Welcome, young Skywalker, I have been waiting for you.” For years, the Emperor had allowed no holos of him, and live footage on the holonet had been similarly forbidden. His first impression of the ruler of the largest political system in the galaxy was one of utter repulsion. The malice, hatred and single-minded lust for power were evident on his face and in his Force presence, and Luke, having experienced nothing worse than his father’s presence – which although black, was not overwhelmingly so – was nauseated at the evil and caprice so blatantly on display to his senses. The man himself was old and wizened, his physical presence bent over and shrunken with his now great age. His face was pallid and hideously deformed – folds of skin stood out along his cheeks and forehead, giving him the impression of madness or perhaps a fierce Firaxan shark waiting in the shadows for its next prey. He was dressed in a robe of the deepest black, the hood pulled up over his head, and the only thing other than his face which was visible was his hands sticking out of the sleeves, gnarled and distorted as they clutched the arms of his throne. But all of this was nothing compared to his eyes, which burned with a hideous orange light, shining with a malevolent intelligence and barely suppressed glee. If any doubts remained as to the author of the strife and destruction now rampant in the ever oppressed galaxy, the mere sight of this misshapen caricature of a man would have dispelled them, without even considering what his presence did to Luke’s Force sense. Instinctively, Luke knew the Emperor was well aware of the effect his appearance had on those about him and used it to his advantage. Knowing he could be defeated before he even started simply by giving into the perceived inevitability of the Emperor’s might and superiority the Emperor’s aura and appearance created, Luke steeled himself, determined to see the reign of the madman ended. For a long moment nothing was said. Luke gazed at the Emperor, who sized him up appraisingly in response, determined nothing would show of his nervousness or anxiety, determined to show no weakness before the predator. In the back of his mind, thousands of scenarios were running endlessly, plans within plans, thoughts and feelings, all with the goal of removing the Emperor from the power he so brutally seized, so hungrily craved. “Good… good,” the Emperor finally broke the silence with a disturbing cackle. “You have mastered your fear. I would not have a coward serving me.” Luke said nothing in response, sensing the words would be as lost on the Emperor as they had been on his father. He allowed his conviction and sense of right to shine through, defying his captor without saying a word. The Emperor seemed to greet his defiance with an almost unholy glee. He gestured in a nonchalant manner with one hand and the manacles which bound Luke’s wrists fell away to clatter on the floor. “You no longer need those,” he said, his voice offhand and disinterested. Luke was confused. Why had the Emperor released his hands? Not that he could not have done so on his own, but it would have taken him a moment’s time, an instant which may have proved deadly in any sort of confrontation. What was his game? For the first time, Luke considered what method the Emperor might employ to turn him and wondered in what manner he had effected his father’s own fall. He had never been given the details, but he knew that at one time Vader had been an exemplary Jedi and a hero of the Clone Wars. Would the Emperor try to turn him in the same way, or did he have some other nefarious scheme in mind? To this point, Luke had always assumed he would be goaded into anger or tortured into turning. Of course, the fact that his feelings for Mara could be used against him was certainly a possibility… “We will be joined shortly by a… guest. Perhaps we should have a little talk in the meantime – become acquainted.” Startled, Luke searched the Emperor’s face, uncomfortably realizing that unless one of his companions had been captured, the ‘guest’ was undoubtedly Mara. “Tell me, young Skywalker, to whom did you turn for training?” Luke remained silent, determined to reveal nothing. It was likely, due to Mara’s ability to make contact with him, that he already knew with whom Luke had trained and knew this was merely an attempt to discomfit him and cause him to doubt. He would give the Emperor no such satisfaction. “Come now,” the Emperor continued, his tone reasonable and straining toward the pleasant, innocuous conversation between friends. “It makes little difference whether I know, considering your present circumstances. I know Obi-Wan gave you your initial training – indeed his skill with training apprentices is well known to me.” The significant glance he directed in Vader’s direction was not lost on Luke. “But you have come far since Obi-Wan’s death on the first Death Star, have you not? Surely you could not have achieved such progress on your own. Who was it?” Again Luke stayed silent, his shields strained to the maximum – unwavering in his resolve to give nothing to the Emperor he did not take. The old man studied him for several moments, his lips curled in a most distasteful and disturbing smirk. “There was one we never accounted for – he fled after being roundly defeated in a confrontation with me… his name was Yoda.” While the revelation of Yoda’s involvement was of no concern to Luke, the confirmation that Mara had indeed informed her master was unsettling – until he realized it could have been accomplished at any point in time after their arrival on Dagobah. “Ah, Yoda, it was. I suppose it is of no concern that Yoda survived after fleeing from our confrontation like the whipped kath hound he was. After all, he is dead now, is he not?” After a short pause and an unpleasant laugh, he continued. “This will be your first lesson, young Skywalker; there is nothing you can hide from me. I see you; I see your deepest desires and the furthest reaches of your soul. You would do well to remember this in our future dealings.” “Come now, Your Majesty,” Luke finally responded, “I know of your connection to Mara Jade. It’s not due to any great insight on your part that you actually know of my training with Master Yoda and his death. Give me some credit.” The Emperor cackled with glee. “Ah, so you know of her duplicity, do you now? I suppose it must have been quite the blow to know you are all alone the galaxy.” “I have the Force.” “And precious good it will do you! I’m certain your training has proceeded with great effect.” The sarcasm evident in his tone filled Luke with a sudden spike of anger which he mercilessly suppressed. But even as he did so, Luke felt his anger provoke something in the Emperor’s countenance and he saw something he had not suspected in the Emperor – fear. He was afraid of Luke’s ability, afraid it might be turned against him, afraid of the possibility of his being overthrown and sent to his fate. He also glimpsed another bit of the Emperor, the part that had always been afraid of Luke’s father and the power he possessed. He knew with a certainty the Emperor had been eminently satisfied when his father had ended up in the suit he had been trapped in for the past two decades, as it had allowed him to control Vader, whereas he would have had difficulty doing so if he had been whole. The Emperor, he sensed, was accomplished and masterful in his use of the Force, but in terms of raw strength, he and his father stood above the master. The knowledge was a boon to his confidence, but still the fact remained that if it came down to mere strength, he was still outnumbered and outclassed in experience and training. “Yes, I sense you are powerful and filled with righteous anger. I will look forward to completing your training and the time you call me Master.” “You’re gravely mistaken. I think you will find me far more difficult to convert than you did my father. I will not be moved.” “No, young Skywalker, it is you who are mistaken… about a great many things.” Vader moved from Luke’s side and approached the throne, handing his lightsaber to the Emperor’s outstretched hand. “His lightsaber, my Master.” “Ah, yes, the weapon of a Jedi – much like your father’s” The Emperor made a great show of inspecting the weapon, turning it over in his hands while gazing up at his captive. “A most impressive weapon. I look forward to the time it is used in my service.” This time, Luke did not even bother to refute the statement – the war of words was not one he was looking to win. The other battle, he could not afford to lose. The distinct sound of a door opening caught Luke’s attention, and although he did not glance behind him, the mere presence of the woman in the room was enough confirmation, if the Emperor’s sudden gleeful leer in her direction had not. “Ah, Mara Jade, so good of you to join us. Please step forward.” Listening to her light footfalls as she made her way to the dais, Luke considered what she had told him of the Emperor’s never addressing her by her name. His casual welcoming of her so familiarly seemed calculated by the Emperor to isolate him and show solidarity between the three with whom he shared the room. He could only hope the Emperor had not discovered Mara’s true feelings. Luke glanced at her fleetingly, taking in the calm and composed front she presented to her master, a front he sensed, due to the close ties they had formed during their acquaintance, she was only maintaining with difficulty. He wanted to comfort and encourage her, but he knew any movement by himself might betray his feelings. He forced himself to remain impassive. “I see you are familiar with my Hand. Efficient, is she not? Kept you guessing right until the end, it appears. Perhaps you are not as perceptive as I had originally thought.” “Well done, my Hand,” the Emperor continued, turning his attention back to Mara. “How well did you come to know her, young Skywalker? Has she told you what a great help to me she has been? Has she told you some of her… exploits… her conquests in the service of the Empire? She has indeed been most helpful, her talents most useful and so accomplished. She will do anything, you know, in order to complete her orders. Why, she has fooled more suspicious men than you, Skywalker – her wiles and cunning are indeed a boon to me.” Luke stiffened at the blatant innuendo in his words, wondering if he thought she had actually carried through with his command to sleep with him and was attempting to use that against him. If he thought that, he was sadly mistaken. “I am well aware of Mara’s talents and abilities,” Skywalker responded. “Are you now? That is good to hear, young Skywalker, as I am very pleased with the result of her most recent mission. After all, you are here, are you not?” “To what purpose are you bringing this up? I have told you I know all about her role in all of this. Know this – I would have ended up here anyway, with or without Mara’s help. It’s always been my destiny to stop your reign of terror.” The smile on the Emperor’s face seemed to grow in intensity and unpleasantness. “Yet another mistakenly held belief, my young friend. It appears you have much to learn about destiny.” “Or perhaps you do,” was Skywalker’s riposte. “I can see your overconfidence is your greatest weakness.” “And your sad devotion to the ancient and heretical teachings of a defunct order is your own. Or maybe you have many weaknesses.” His eyes flicked to Mara and one of his eyebrows rose in a knowing fashion. “Perhaps I should consider giving young Mara a reward based on her success in a most difficult and important mission.” The Emperor stopped and seemed to consider his proposal, all the while watching Luke from the corner of his eye. Luke, seeing this, was content to merely return the Emperor’s stare, allowing all the distaste he felt for this reprehensible being to show itself in his manner. Of course, this did not faze the Emperor one bit. “Yes, I think I shall. Hand, come here.” Luke felt – rather than saw – Mara’s hesitation, sensing also a sudden spike of fear fro mher. Nevertheless, she stepped forward and approached the Emperor, who stood and regarded her with delight. “Well, young Mara, what kind of reward do you think you deserve for this… outcome?” Mara shook her head. “No reward is necessary, my Master. I serve—” “Yes, yes, you serve me and require no reward. But I think this special occasion deserves some special merit, don’t you? What do you think, Lord Vader?” “Young Jade was instrumental in bringing my son to us, my Master.” “Yes, she was,” the Emperor responded, his tone thoughtful and reflective. Suddenly, his face lit up with an unpleasant grin and he leered at her. “This shall be your reward – the reward reserved for all traitors.” His hand shot out with lightning quick speed and connected with her cheek with a resounding smack. She tumbled to the floor, holding her hand to her face, her gaze glaring back at her master in barely disguised anger and contempt. The Emperor turned back to Luke, who had taken an involuntary step forward, his fists clenched in rage. “This is what happens to all who betray me, young Skywalker. I know of her duplicity to me, her attempt to circumvent my orders and the manner in which she believed herself to be in love with you.” His lips curled in distaste. “Love!” he spat. “A singularly weak and disgusting emotion! Yes, I know of her pathetic feelings for you and that you return them. You thought you had all the answers, but now you must see the futility of everything those Jedi taught you; they were weak and if you persist in these false delusions they fed to you, you will remain weak. You will die weak!” Luke fought back a fresh wave of revulsion for the Emperor, as well as a wave of fear as his most intimate feelings were now laid bare before his enemy’s gaze. He had referred directly to the conversation they had had on the shuttle on the way to the Death Star. Did the Emperor have so close a connection to Mara’s mind that she could not hide anything from him, or was there some other explanation for his knowledge of what they had discussed? It did not matter, Luke decided. His hand was being forced and he knew the confrontation was looming. He had nothing left but to face it with courage and conviction in the rightness of his cause. “Leave her alone – she has nothing to do with this.” “Oh, but she has everything to do with it,” the Emperor responded. “She was involved from the moment you tried to contaminate her with the infection of your dogmatic Jedi teachings.” He glanced back at Mara, who was still lying on the floor, her face a mass of bitterness, revulsion and fear. The Emperor took in her countenance and seemed to be pleased with the way she regarded him. “Get up, Hand,” he ordered, waving her to her feet. “There will be time for you to grovel before me later.” Slowly and stiffly, Mara regained her feet, the livid imprint of the Emperor’s hand now staining her cheek. She stood straight and defiant before her master, the glint of distaste blooming in her brilliant eyes. “Yes, I shall have to attend young Mara’s re-education once I am done with you. I only hope I will not have to turn her into a walking automaton due to your interference, as her usefulness to me at that point will decrease immensely. It may even be I will have no use for her any longer.” Luke could not stand it any longer. “You evil bastard—” “Yes, good…” the Emperor interrupted, a look of satisfaction appearing on his disgusting features. “I can feel the anger swelling in you. Your feelings for her, your compassion for your father and your friends – these will be your undoing.” Knowing this was exactly what the Emperor wanted, Luke forced his anger down, his visage turning stoic as he stood watching the scene. At his side, he could feel his father tensed as if ready for action. He would obviously move to defend his master if Luke should move against him. “I will never serve you.” “It is inevitable. Every passing moment, you make yourself more my servant.” The Emperor turned back to regard Mara yet again, his face infused with a smug and unpleasant smile. “Your continued resistance is admirable, young Skywalker. But it will be all for naught, as I have foreseen. Your antics with my Hand here are most diverting. You thought you could turn her from me, that you could take my Hand away from me and use her against me. I have taken steps to ensure her loyalty – believe me, you never had any chance to turn her.” Shocked at the Emperor’s assertions, Luke was nevertheless given no time to think further on the audacious statement. “And as for your father, you must now know he can never be turned from the dark side. So it will be with you.” “You think you know everything,” Luke rasped, his throat feeling like the sands of Tatooine. “There is so much happening of which you have no knowledge. Know this, Your Majesty, your time in this galaxy is coming to a close and the judgment awaits you.” “Perhaps you refer to the attack of your Rebel fleet?” The Emperor smiled. “Oh, yes, young Skywalker, I know all about it, know all about your friends on the moon. Who do you think allowed the Alliance to know of the location of the Death Star?” Luke laughed. “So, I am to believe you knew about this all along – rather than guessing it from my presence in the system or from your informant?” Luke gestured in Mara’s direction. “I am not so easily fooled. You could not have planned for all this.” The Emperor waved dismissively. “I care not what you believe. Step over to the window, young Skywalker, and witness for yourself.” Almost against his will, Luke stepped around the Emperor’s throne, stopping to press his palm against Mara’s cheek in a gesture of concern and affection. She gazed up at him, unshed tears and the heartfelt glimmering of an apology evident in the depths of her eyes. Knowing the Emperor could very well lash out at her for his concern, Luke only allowed himself a moment, the barest of an understanding to flash between them, as he stopped to comfort her. It may have been a mistake to show such emotion, but Luke rationalized the secret was already exposed – it was more important to show her of his care for her than to keep up a pretense which was now less than meaningless. In the vastness of space outside the window, the moon and the giant it orbited hung suspended in the distance. In the foreground, Luke could see the tiny figures of the Imperial fleet, their numbers far greater than they had been led to believe. Smaller, angry gnats appeared to be swarming around the hulking monsters, and he saw the bulk of lesser ships which suffered from smaller numbers and less organization. All at once, Luke noticed the flashes of red and green – it appeared the battle had been joined. “From here, young Skywalker, you shall witness the final destruction of your pitiful Rebellion.” “You forget the shield generator on the moon, which will soon be destroyed,” Luke shot back. “They should be commencing their attack on the Death Star any moment now. Soon you will be dead, Your Majesty.” The Emperor’s crowing laughter once again filled the room. “Ah yes, your freedom fighters on the moon. They will never succeed – a legion of my best troops awaits them.” “Tell me, Your Majesty, did it take you years to develop your insane overconfidence, or did it come naturally?” “Come now, Skywalker, such sarcasm is beneath you. It is time you accept your destiny and understand the might and supremacy of the dark side. The rebellion will not survive the day. Your friends on the moon will fail, and your fleet will be crushed by my fleet’s superior firepower and numbers. There is nothing you can do but accept your fate.” Luke whirled angrily at the despot. “I will never lose faith!” An eyebrow raised and the Emperor’s smile became even more unpleasant, if that was even possible. “No? Then I shall deal the final blow to your misguided confidence. Now witness the full power of the fully armed and operational space station.” In horror, Luke realized what he was referring to and watched as the tyrant depressed a button on the arm of his throne. “Commander, you may fire when ready!” Luke could take it no more. “What is this all about?” “Don’t worry, young Skywalker, you will have the best possible seat to witness the ultimate destruction of the Rebel Alliance. Watch, my misguided young friend… watch and learn.” Gazing desperately at the despot, Luke caught sight of his lightsaber sitting on the arm of Palpatine’s throne, understanding instinctively what the Emperor was waiting for. He had no doubt now that if he were to seize the weapon and aim it at the heart of the insane ruler, his father would intervene. Could he do so and still resist the sibilant call of the dark side in the presence of its chief servant? It was quickly coming to the point where he would have little choice in the matter. Noticing the Emperor regarding him with a knowing look in his repulsive face, Luke turned away to watch out the window, biding his time until the last possible moment. The time to act would come. Suddenly, in confirmation of his worst fears, Luke witnessed the sight he most wished he would never have to see. From eight points in the Death Star’s conical dish, the concentrated energy from its massive lasers emanated, the energy converging to a point several kilometers from the station before screaming away to strike one of the ships in the distance. Although Luke could not see what had been hit, the immense explosion of the ship was easily discernable, its light briefly illuminating all in its close proximity until the gases from the ship burned themselves out. Luke remained at the window momentarily, knowing the time of the confrontation had finally arrived. With the Death Star operational, he now had no choice but to attempt to destroy the Emperor and his servant himself. The bitterness of the truth washed over him in waves, but he steeled himself and turned back toward the despot grinning at him from his throne. “Join us or die.” His eyes flickered to Mara, and he witnessed all the pain and sorrow in the luminous depths of her eyes. Be well, Mara; I love you, he sent to her, not caring whether Palpatine could hear. “I grow tired of this, young Jedi. Make your choice.” “I choose neither,” Luke forced out between clenched teeth. In an instant, his lightsaber leapt off the arm of the throne and into his waiting hand, and ignited in an instant, his downward stroke was begun before the lightsaber was fully functional, cleaving down at the Emperor’s unprotected head – only to be intersected by the blood red blade of his father. Anticipating this, Luke brought his hand up and hit his father with a massive blast from the Force, catching his sire unawares and sending him sprawling across the floor to tumble down the stairs. Then he swung his lightsaber in a blinding arc, back at his original target. And cleaved through the back of the Emperor’s throne. The Emperor, sensing his intent, had moved with almost inhuman speed, ducking down below the heavy stroke, to land on the dais, some meters away. Gripping his lightsaber tightly, Luke swiftly sidestepped the sparking throne, advancing on the apparently unprotected Emperor. He was completely unprepared for the burst of blue energy which erupted from the Emperor’s outstretched fingers, barely managing to catch the energy on his lightsaber and turn it aside. The Emperor kept up his assault, cackling insanely the entire time, as Luke grimaced and pressed forward, intending to end the confrontation once and for all. A sudden warning through the Force caused him to break off his assault and he dove to one side, moving away from the swinging lightsaber of his father. Incensed at his failure to remove the threat of the Emperor, Luke attacked his father, swinging his lightsaber in large arcs, seeking to put his father out of the fight quickly. All the while, he could hear the Emperor laughing in the background. But for some reason, he chose not to intervene, seeming content with just watching the struggle between father and son. The battle had been joined. Mara watched as the man she loved battled his father, her cheeks stained with tears which even now flowed freely down her cheeks. No, not this. Anything but this. She watched as the two combatants raged back and forth across the expanse of the throne room, watched as Luke pressed his father relentlessly. She could tell they were for the most part evenly matched, the dark lord’s experience and obvious skill counter balanced by Luke’s youth and ability, not to mention the limitations placed on Vader by the biomechanical suit he was forced to wear. What she sensed from Luke was hopeful yet unsettling at the same time. She could tell he was for the most part controlled and yet, in the background she could sense the barely suppressed anger and a cold resolve, the likes of which she had never sensed from the usually good-humored and open young man. This is what she feared – the possibility her vision in the cave would come true and he would turn into another Palpatine. If he was successful in striking down the dark lord, would he be able to resist the temptation to continue down that path? She could bear anything, even death, if only he would be spared from that fate. It was unbearable. A movement at her side startled her and she turned to see her master standing beside her, an intense look of concentration on his face. “Yes, yes… he is powerful and aggressive. He’ll make a proper replacement.” Mara was aware her master was musing to himself, and although she was curious at his choice of words, she was determined not to call attention to herself. She turned back and observed the course of the battle. Unfortunately, her regard had not escaped her perceptive master. “You have done well, Hand, even if it was not your intention.” Hoping he would be silent, Mara continued to watch the battle. “It is a great pity you allowed yourself to be affected by his Jedi dogma. Once Skywalker is my apprentice, you will learn to regret your lack of loyalty.” Later, Mara would not be able to say from where she had gotten her courage, but the knowledge she had gained during the mission and the new perspective she had gained not only from Luke’s teachings, but more importantly from her knowledge of her love for him, told her she could not go on serving her master. She wanted to do more – wanted to rush into the battle and help him – but she found she could not. It was though some unseen force had gripped her in its jaws, held her in place, not to let go. Whatever it was, moving against her master was at present beyond her power; but that did not stop her tongue. And regardless of her prior misgivings and fears, she found a quiet strength and faith in the young Jedi. The Emperor was wrong. “Luke will never turn.” The Emperor turned and regarded her, a feral gleam lighting up his eyes. “Your lack of vision is astounding, Hand. I would have thought your training would have given you more resistance to these weak and unworthy feelings.” “Perhaps I always knew you were a monster.” “A monster!” he said with a laugh, shaking his head. “A pity you never learned. The only thing of any substance in this universe is power, my weak and insipid servant. Of course, one such as you would never be able to grasp such. Your lover is not so foolish – he is well on his way to understanding.” “Luke will never turn,” Mara repeated with fervor. “I know him.” The Emperor chuckled and shook his head. “You know nothing. He was lost the moment his lightsaber touched his hand. Once he has become my servant, I will make him personally responsible for your re-training. And if you cannot be reclaimed, then he will oversee your punishment and execution, and believe me – you will not be allowed to die quickly. Perhaps he will even satisfy his lusts on you before you are gone…” Although Mara knew the image provoked by her master’s words, coupled with the vision of Skywalker she had seen in the tree, should disturb her immensely, somehow, it did not. As she considered the picture he painted, she found that thoughts of Skywalker, the man she knew him to be, intruded and crowded out her master’s words. She remembered the young man who had poured out his soul to her in his childhood home, the way he had dealt with his friends on Tatooine, the way he had kissed her. She thought of his kindness and competence, his easy manner of instructing her, his faith in the power of redemption for his father and the way he gazed at her and told her he loved her. This was the Luke she knew and all of the Emperor’s machinations and certainties would be as nothing before Luke’s integrity, sense of right and willpower. She could not say how she knew, but somehow she did. She trusted him. “We will see,” she breathed, completely ignoring the being at her side. Yes, she trusted him. It was enough. The crash and hum of lightsabers rang throughout the Emperor’s audience hall as Luke strove against his father. The situation had changed; before on Bespin, his early sense of accomplishment and confidence had been brutally ripped from him when Vader had fully exerted himself in the duel. This time, there were no pretenses – they fought, the two striving utterly against one another, nothing held back, nothing left to chance. And this time, Luke knew he was meeting his father stroke for stroke, skill for skill. This time, Luke knew he was his father’s equal. And yet, though his focus was on the duel, leaving little thought for other concerns, his connection with Mara had become of such strength that every little nuance and change in her emotions was broadcast to his psyche as clearly as though the emotions had been his own. He knew of her worry for him as the battle was joined, well aware of the source and the reasons behind her feelings, but the means to respond and allay her concerns were completely beyond his faculties, so intense was his concentration on his father. It wasn’t until he sensed Mara’s trepidation and anger, followed by her feeling of intense faith and love, that his mind was able to be distracted away from his father, and it was at that instant he realized that he could sense Palpatine standing next to his beloved. His sense of the Emperor’s malevolence was unabated, and his close proximity to Mara and the feelings he felt rolling off her caused him to fear, not irrationally, for her safety. Knowing he was potentially putting himself at risk for counter-attack and further machinations on the part of his adversaries, Luke forced his father back with renewed ferocity and then executed a back flip several meters away and turned to regard Mara, with the Emperor standing close behind her. Don’t worry about me Skywalker, protect yourself from your father. Her words were confident and reassuring, but the malicious gleam in the Emperor’s eyes did nothing to reassure him as to what Mara could shortly be facing. A moment was all he had, as Vader was upon him again in an instant and he was forced to defend himself. The dark lord’s strokes were heavy and urgent, and Luke knew his father was holding nothing back, although he was certain his father had no intention of killing him – at least not yet. “Why do you continue to struggle, my son?” his father’s voice penetrated the fog of the battle. “Your destiny is by my side. Why can you not accept it?” Redoubling his efforts, Luke pressed his father back grimly, seeking to put him out of the fight, yet paradoxically not wanting to hurt him. “I told you my conditions for joining you, father. I will not join you in evil; I will not become like you.” “You are already more like me than you want to believe.” “I’m having a difficult time believing we share anything more than a biological connection.” “Oh, there’s so much more than that, my son,” Vader replied. Luke caught a vicious slash on his blade and kicked out, catching Vader in the chest and sending him stumbling several paces away. The mechanical voice of his respirator, however, did not slow, and within moments, Luke once again found himself engaged with his father. “I see so much in you that I was myself. You can be so much more than you are now – you can be everything you want to be, if you will only let go.” “I will not follow you down your evil path, father.” “Why must you consider it evil, my son? It is not an evil path, merely a path of power. Think on it: we can touch the Force, manipulate it to our desire, see and understand so much more than those around us. We were born to rule, born to create order from chaos. Join with me, and we can right the wrongs in this galaxy and bring balance and order to the empire.” Shaking his head, Luke countered and drove his father back some steps. “You can put a bantha skin over a dewback, father, but that doesn’t make it any less a dewback. No matter how you try to rationalize it or rephrase it, it doesn’t change the truth. You may as well kill me now, father – I will never join you.” “Enough, Lord Vader!” the Emperor’s words rang out over the clashing of lightsabers, and Vader disengaged from him, leaving a breathless Luke to wonder what the evil old man now had up his sleeve. He did not have long to wait. “Perhaps you need a form of alternative persuasion.” Luke caught the almost imperceptible flickering of Palpatine’s eyes and knew instantly that Mara had caught the inference in her master’s words as well. He could feel her fear of what the Emperor would do, but at the same time felt her steel herself, accept what was to come. She was, after all, nothing more than a pawn in his grand plan to dominate the galaxy – she had to know this. The Emperor’s hands lifted, and the blue energy once again leapt from his fingertips to strike Mara in the back, sending her to the deck writhing in agony. It stopped as abruptly as it had begun, but the effects lingered, the electricity coursed around her until it finally flickered out, leaving a slightly acrid smell in the air. The sound of the Emperor’s taunting laughter filled Luke’s mind, causing anger to course through his veins, feeding the mounting fires of his fury and desire to make this reprehensible being pay for all he had done. As another blast of the Sith’s damned energy burst forward to engulf Mara, he took a step forward, his anger and implacable will combining to form an almost physical desire to kill the cause of his beloved’s distress. Luke, don’t. He stopped short, his eyes widening at the sign of Mara’s pain-filled orbs boring into his, pleading with him to remember himself. Breaking his gaze away from the young woman, Luke peered at the Emperor, who was now regarding him with undisguised glee. Mara, I won’t let him harm you, Luke finally responded, feeling the anger bleed out of him. The development did not go unnoticed by the Emperor. “How chivalrous, young Jedi,” he mocked, “you would allow your beloved to be tortured in order to hold to your precious ideals. True love rears its ugly head yet again.” Luke, you came here willing to die yourself, didn’t you? He nodded his head, not trusting himself to do any more. Then let me go, let me die if need be. This is too important, Luke – I would rather die than have you become like them. Such a simple statement, delivered with a strength and conviction he had rarely seen in the young woman. And yet, Luke knew he was seeing the real woman, the one she would have been if not for the Emperor’s interference and manipulation. This Mara knew right from wrong, knew the importance of steadfastness and sacrifice; she was willing to do whatever it took to overthrow the rule of the one she had called master for as long as she could remember. Could he do any less? Feeling his head clear and his anger abate, Luke was filled with an intense love for this woman, far greater than what he had felt previously. This woman was a complement to him in every way; if a future remained for them to experience, he knew it was one to be faced with her by his side. She had saved him – saved him from a life of misery and bitterness, saved him from his father’s fate… saved him from himself. Thank you, Mara, for helping me to remember myself. Luke turned his attention back to the Emperor, who was regarding him with ever increasing dismay and anger. Mara had been his trump card, his means of pushing Luke over the edge. Now that the temptation had been overcome, by the loving guidance of his erstwhile servant no less, the Emperor was left with nothing with which to tempt him. I will fight to the end, Mara. This must end and I will give my life to see it end if I must. Do what you were meant to do, my love. “You have failed, Your Highness,” Luke said aloud, forcing his attention from the woman who was attempting to gain her feet. “I am a Jedi, as my father was before me. I will never turn.” The Emperor was silent; his eyes seemed to penetrate through to Luke’s very soul and his rage was evident in his eyes. A quick look around revealed his father. Vader gazed at him, his whole being filled with disbelief and doubt. Luke sardonically flipped his father a mocking salute before turning his attention back to the Emperor. “I call you to account, Palpatine. You have raped and enslaved the entire galaxy, killing with impunity, glorying in your own evil. I will stop you; I must stop you. Everything depends on it.” “You stupid young fool! You think you can best me?” “With the Force as my ally.” The Emperor was almost literally shaking with rage. “You know nothing of the Force! You have ensured your own death and that of this whore you claim to love. You will pay for your lack of vision!” “I defy you, Palpatine, and I will end your reign of terror.” “Such bravado. I was killing Jedi before you were born, young whelp.” The Emperor’s eyes darted once again to Mara, who was just gaining her feet, and a gleeful smile lit up his features. “You will die, young Skywalker, but not before you feel the hopelessness of having your lover destroyed before your very eyes.” Before the Emperor even had his hands raised, Luke was across the floor, moving to engage Palpatine and protect Mara from his wrath. The Emperor was stunned by the speed and ferocity of his attack and stumbled back, lightning spewing from his fingers in a desperate attempt to keep his attacker away. Luke caught the deadly energy on his blade, forcing it away from him, all the while advancing on him, intent on ending his life. “Vader, kill this young upstart,” the Emperor commanded as Luke advanced on him. But Luke paid his words no attention and continued his assault, forcing the Emperor to retreat, all the while approaching his goal of ridding the galaxy of the man who had enslaved it. He could feel the mounting fear of the Emperor, the rage and dismay the tyrant felt over his crumbling plans and could only feel the satisfaction of being so near to his purpose. Suddenly, Luke felt his father behind him, his rage a match for the Emperor’s. Luke immediately disengaged from the Emperor’s lightning and dove to the side, narrowly avoiding Vader’s descending blade. Luke stood to survey the situation, but was immediately engaged as his father, incensed at his son’s intractability, pushed forward his attack with more ferocity than Luke had ever felt from him. Grim with concentration, Luke matched Vader’s strokes with an intense determination, all the while sensing Palpatine recover from his assault and move to join the battle. It was as he had feared: they were now united against him. The end was near. Painfully regaining her feet, Mara watched as Luke fought first the Emperor, then his father, before finally having to contend with both of his enemies at once. His movements were graceful and beautiful in their intricacy – she could sense his desperation to put one of them out of the battle, but they were too crafty, always attacking him together, never leaving themselves open for him to deal with alone. As his situation became more and more hopeless, Mara’s thoughts spiraled down and she was enveloped in a fear she had never before felt. She ached to go to him, to help him or at least die with him, but she stood as if rooted to the floor. She willed her recalcitrant limbs to move, but they would not obey her. What was wrong with her? A burst of energy slipped past Luke’s guard and in an instant he was enveloped by the deadly blue lightning rippling out from the Emperor’s hands. Mara knew the debilitating effects of the Emperor’s lightning, knew it was now over. She watched as his lightsaber slipped from his grasp, fell to the floor to clatter at his side as he lay on the deck writhing in pain. She felt a tear slip from her eye. “Do you understand now, young Skywalker?” the Emperor rasped. “A pity such understanding will only come with your death.” In that instant, Mara felt a powerful feeling well up in her. It was a powerful love and devotion for the man who lay on the floor at his enemy’s feet, a well of emotion so deep and profound Mara was almost frightened at its sudden intensity. But it was pure and unaffected by the life she had lived, the lies she had been told, the evil she had done in the service of her master. It was salvation. The emotion was so powerful it overcame all rational thought, filling her entire being and obliterating everything in its path. Deep within her psyche, she could feel something within her stretch, a block which bent, frayed and ultimately snapped, the sensation so overpowering and tangible, she was almost surprised no one else in the room could hear it. And with the breaking deep within her, Mara felt her emotions rush into her, joining and mingling with her love of Skywalker. She felt whole for the first time in her life, and understanding flooded into her; understanding of her life, her servitude to the Emperor, what he had done to her to keep her in his thrall. For the first time, she was free of it. And with freedom came responsibility. “Now, young Skywalker, you will die.” From the depths of her soul, a single thought, emotion… a single word escaped in all its intensity. “NO!” -----signature----- "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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p_stotts Registered: Jan '01	Date Posted: 1/28 11:29am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	OMG! I can't believe... Okay, maybe I can believe that you'd stop there. I absolutely love the way you've changed that scene. I even think it reads better than Lucas' version. Well done! Now the question is, will Vader move to help his son? Or will Mara? Or both? Please don't wait long to post again. I'm on the edge of my seat. -----signature----- How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand. - Larry the Cable Guy Proud master to Gkilkenny! Stories in my bio.
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EGKenobi Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 1/28 11:51am Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	Wow./....turns in to gibbering mess.... That.... was.... AWESOME!!! waves hand you WILL update soon.... -----signature----- The Shifting Future: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=24571153&brd=10476&start=25321338 Event Horizon: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24429782/p1/?4 Proud master to CrystalSaber_1 and GeneralKenobi7
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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 1/28 12:52pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	Beautiful post!... but a cliffhanger for certain. I like the AU twist on this. I was very pleased to see the PM that this had posted.
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JediXManSerenaKenobi Registered: Jul '07	Date Posted: 1/28 1:02pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	WOW!!! That was superb! The dialogue was excellent, especially between the Emperor and Luke. Loved this quote in particular: “Tell me, Your Majesty, did it take you years to develop your insane overconfidence, or did it come naturally?” Luke, you're my hero. Just awesomeness - please update soon!!! - Serena -----signature----- Crucified, laid behind a stone, You lived to die, rejected and alone, Like a Rose, trampled on the ground, You took the Fall and thought of me... Above All. - Jesus is Love. Proud Artist and member of the Talon Family! T-Squad 4ever!
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MiralukaJedi Registered: May '08	Date Posted: 1/28 1:55pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	Very nice. Evil cliffhanger though. -----signature----- I'm amusing, if only to myself ~ a twisted sense of humour can do that to a person :; Call and Answer~ http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28668422/p1/?3 I, Exile~ http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29148129/p13
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Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 1/28 2:47pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	Magnificent! Beautiful and heartstopping. -----signature----- "There was love all around, But I never heard it singing. No I never heard it at all, Till there was you."--Beatles Of & for my angel sweeties--Spock/Nyota, of course E-sib to Mira_Jade, aka Mira_Pilot Cheesecake Squggles!
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Jedi_Liz Title: Former CR Lincoln NE, USA Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 1/28 2:48pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	And of course you stop it there.......just as it was getting interesting You know the drill: Update again ASAP! -----signature----- Current Fic: Lightswords of Fury: Special Edition - L/M Romance http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/24270936/ Chapter 19 posted on 7/21/08 Coming SOON: Mara Jade of Chandrila Grove Coming SOON to SAGA Fanfic
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walker-of-minds Registered: Oct '06	Date Posted: 1/28 5:35pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	did you have to cliffy us there-of course you did. This is a remarkable rewrite please post soon the suspense is killing me already thanks for the pm
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nabooqueen2008 Registered: Jan '08	Date Posted: 1/28 6:56pm Subject: RE: Take My Hand (L/M, canon characters) Chapter 14 - 01/28/09
	Oh my goodness! I sense SACRIFICE! wow...major cliff hanger there! Hurry hurry hurry! Dying for the next post! ~nabooqueen~
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