Saga By Small Things - Update 07/16/2007

Though Liam is our narrator and main character, it is a sad, grieving, and torn Noela that we see in this fic. This is a very rough time in her life. Qui-Gon, her friend and confidant, is dead. One of her twin children is Force sensitive and a decision must be made about whether or not to hand him over to the Jedi. Yes, I know this is recap, but it struck me in this post how emotionally drained she must be from her friend's death and then to have to worry about giving up a child would be a trmendous strain.

This post was interesting in that the inquest was show that made Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon look bad. With that as a background, the Senoe family faces a very well played mystery cliffhanger. You built the tension very well and had me chomping at the bit for what is happening with the kids and how the Chancellor is involved.

I'm on the edge of my seat! What could it possibly be that wouls affect all of the kids? Does this have something to do with Liam's Force vision?

 

I hope to keep the direction more focused this time!

What?re you talking about? I thought you were very focused.

Anyway, another great update, hon!

?Lady Senoe!? A deep sonorous voice gained our attention, and I saw Master Mace Windu and Master Yoda making their way to where we stood. Master Dooku made a another clipped bow and exited to the hearing room.

?Thank you for coming we do, Lady Senoe." Noela welcomed the tiny, but powerful Master

?The council would like you to know that we do understand the great loss this was for you as well Lady Senoe. You knew Qui-Gon Jinn as well as anyone ? Mace again bowed. I was surprised, knowing that her relationship with Qui-Gon had always been a source of contention within their ranks.

My wife acknowledged what comfort she would ever receive officially from the council, and then asked, ?What do you think, was this random? Was it someone only stylizing as a Sith as the Chancellor contends??

The two Jedi looked at each other, considering what to say and what to keep to themselves. They seemed to realize that she would research until she had her answers, so finally Yoda just admitted, ?There is always more than one.?

Mace explained, ?Qui-Gon felt it was Sith. It is the council?s belief that he was correct.?

"I wish you would have believed him before he paid that price." Noela murmured.

I really enjoyed this little moment! You really brought across the quiet tension that was built into every word. Nicely done!


Can't wait for the next update!

 

Author replies:

RK_Striker_jk_5: Yes that would be hard for Noela to see! Glad you liked Dooku. Thanks for all the off board support too1

Valairy_Scot: People that are in mourning don't always think in terms of what is best, or smartest or even fairest to say . The timing of Noela making that comment would be just that, as what isn't seen is how much Qui-Gon confides in her of his sparring with them as always. If I were her, I would be more than a little angry they sent them both out there with little to no support, after a strong headed Queen.

I am glad you thought the other was in character for Noela/Obi-Wan. Their relationship went from his first older woman crush to dear friend.

And she would be there with a bit of a clue just how deeply Obi-Wan would have felt any of this.

I do appreciate your support. You are a wonderful writer!


Araxie: Yes, I ripped that off of Ish. I loved that line in Same Time Next Year. Thanks for reading sis!

brodiew: I know you have been busy, and it is for a very wonderful reason, so you are excused. Whatever time you need for that. As to Noela's feelings for Palpatine, when I first saw TPM, I was with an aunt and while I loved everything, I just couldn't stand that one "oily" fellow, and then of course like a dork I caught on that was Palpatine. I just figured if I could see it, then she could too. I know. I can be a dork!

I am sure the guy had a huge talent "working a room", long before we see him in the movies.

Thanks so much for the insights!


BrentusofGath: Yes that Sith Lord would have his choice for all force-sensitive, Jedi or not. Serve him or die as a possible threat to his power. Of course he is all over the fact the Senoe's have just had one more possible tool for his arsenol!

ObsessedwithSW: Thank you and I agree that Liam showed impeccable timing. I am a little worried about the kiddies too!

brodiew: I think that were Palpatine just to come in and try to take out the Jedi without sowing the seeds of doubt in people's mind using all things at his disposal, much like the Media in our world, shaping news rather than reporting it, it would not have worked. He had to have torn at the from inside and out. Suggestions that the tragedy was the fault of Jedi is just a start.

Souderwan: Thank you for reading and the support. That was a rather interesting set to write, because everyone would still be reeling from the deaths. It wouldn't be a good time for anyone nor would it be the best of moments for strong minded people to have to deal with.

 

We arrived at Matin's offices to find a flurry of activity on the part of his staff.

They looked up in curiosity as we were escorted to his private office, and I could see the whispers back and forth. We were accompanied by Tic, Noela's protocol droid, and Nore, in case we needed help with the babies. They were good little boys, but as with any tiny ones, they preferred home.

Matin came forward to shake my hand and made sure that Noela was comfortable. He positioned himself to sit on the front of his desk. The man looked exhausted, as if he had been up all night.

"It was good of you to come. As you know we have been monitoring this through the night. As you also know Liam we long ago registered that if there were questions of a legal nature, the paperwork was to be sent to this office. Early this morning an inquiry of the most serious nature regarding all of your children was lodged."

I was confused. I could see no reason that all of the children could be affected by our concerns of Maron. Neither of the other two were near the line that there would be question of their abilities, although for force-blind they had levels that indicated their natural instincts and sensitivity. Noela was as confused as I was.

"Noela, what do you know of Master Jinn's will?"

She shrugged, "I knew that he had one. It was something the Temple kept updated. We would laugh about it because he had so little, and most of that would go to Obi-Wan."

Matin seemed to think about that for a moment. "This doesn't concern his personal property so much as provision he made for issue upon his death."

That was definitely a strange word, and I looked with confusion to my wife, who understood its use too well, from the shock on her face.

"And the current rumors are in a frenzy supposing who those possible children are, without wondering if any actually exist." Noela guessed.

Matin shook his head sadly. "As far as I know they have no real idea of what the will contains. He did not name an executor, and if you hadn't noticed, in the last few weeks there have been many kinds of legislation that have been tagged onto other emergency provisions, because of the change in administrations. In the event a Jedi did not name one, even just weeks ago, the Jedi Temple would assign one. Now Master Jinn is being represented by the Republic."

I finally found a voice, "that doesn't explain what it has to do with our children."

Noela's hand found mine, "I agree with my husband. If it isn't rumors that are behind this, what is?"

Matin's lips pressed as if he were unwilling to give up his secret. He took a datapad and a document from behind him off the desk.

"A blood test that confirms that Emarli, Owyn and Maron Senoe are not the children of Liam Senoe, but Master Qui-Gon Jinn."

I couldn't see for a minute, and I was only aware that my wife was gasping beside me.

"That is not possible!" she exclaimed.

I hated myself, because in the moment, I went back over the years of our marriage, and the swirl of darkness was around me. Had I been lied to? Then slowly, sweetly the light began shine in my dark place. Noela said there was no way. They were my children. I felt her hand squeeze mine tentatively and I looked up into her blue eyes, where there were tears that no one should have been able to cause for something as ugly as this, but someone had.

In that moment I knew the thing the Jedi had feared, the black of choosing the wrong thing for our love and attachments. I wanted to hurt the person that was doing this to us. It seemed a cruel joke, and one we had not earned.

My voice was hoarse as I agreed with my wife aloud, a sigh coming from her as I spoke, "she is right. There is no possible way."

The air in the room cleared. Matin was smiling at us, "I can't tell you what a relief this is. I know it isn't a wise thing to believe the pair of you without question, but so far trusting either of you hasn't been wrong. So, let's see what we can do to find our way through this mess before we get to the Chancellor's office."

~~~

 

Reading before I go off for the night...

Ooh, that rotten piece of slime!!!!!!!! Genetic information tampered with, the courier probably dead... Palps is a master chess player, here. Poor Noela and Liam... *Hugs both* And the children are picking up on it, too...
No problem on the outside support, Noelie. You deserve it for such great writing.

 

*melllllllllllllllllt* and *forcelightningtheChancellor*. Darn him darn him to heck! Well, at least for the weekend! Go Liam! Go Qui looking after your j'm! Go Matin!

 

"Well Liam, there is no other choice. Either you are not children's father, or someone has managed to corrupt every medical file your family has."

Hehe, I know someone who could 'corrupt' things.

Apparently he didn't do enough research though, cause he missed the Alderaan sadness.

Very good!

 

Wow! Some new ideas and plot points not written before. I love how you are using past plots and ideas to help work in this story. They are all starting to weave together so well.

Great update sis.

 

PAlpy pulled out all the stops this time. I hope the Alderaan records werent tampered with.

Great twist!

 

You have lived up to the hype in this latest post. That someone would want to fabricate evidence that Maron was Qiu-Gon's is rediculous and insidious. The way in which you wrote this was so striking because we get to see the pain and outrage of the Senoes in wake of such outright lies. You made their outrage real and at the same time retained the amazing grace that this family has. Excellent.

I guess Palpatine wants as many Jedi in one spot as possible for Order 66.

 

Are we getting more?

 

RK_Striker_jk_5: Yes he IS a rotten piece of slime. I picture Palpatine going through several "dress rehersals" for any given stunt he finally pulled permanently. Think of the Senoe's as a small dress rehersal for several events. Thanks for reading!

DarthIshtar: As I said you will never permanently hate Palpy. You save that task for me! And yes.. those wonderful stouthearted men in Noela's life!

BrentusofGath: Yup, he can. Most of it is all just the testing of his particular set of chess moves till he gets everyone situated on this board until everything is in place for his ultimate checkmate. And yes.. there is more! Thanks for letting me chat your ear off!


Araxie: Yup, a few things have changed to clarify more. I am sure if I did it yet some more, that would happen even again! lol Thanks sis!


obsessedwithSW: you are about to see! I hope it meets with your approval! Thanks for the reading! I know it takes time out of a busy life.


brodiew:I am glad I lived up to something! The Senoe's were a little older, a little more experienced when they married, so I felt that poise, at least 'grace' as you put it would be a defining characteristic. I am glad that comes across. I like drama.. I just dont' want to go to far into Melodrama, and I do worry that might be an end result. Thanks for your comments in reading. They are much appreciated.

~~~~~

"Esteemed Chancellor, Jedi Council, allow me to be brief. There has been a serious misunderstanding. We agree that the father of Noela Senoe's children is one man, but that man is Liam Senoe. This is not a case of paternal discrepancy; the Senoe's know their children."

I glanced from Matin to the Chancellor, who was wearing such a kind and genial expression, but there was something there I had never liked when in reference to myself. The pity on his face angered me. He knew nothing, obviously not my Noela, and not Qui-Gon Jinn. The Jedi Council on the other hand was far harder to read, listening without the need to make comment on the proceedings.

"I am quite sure that Mr. Senoe loves the children, but surely he understood the result. They are clear. Because of the discrepancy noted from the lab as to the blood and the declared father, our office was alerted. What is it that you are claiming? Surely you can't think that this is a case of fraud so large it isn't possible."

Matin's expression was hard, his tone harsh, "It is possible. We have access to a record that proves it, and I have an expected witness for the Senoe's to explain other problems with the findings."

Matin handed the copies he had made to the council and the Chancellor.

"As some of you may know, there is one older child of Liam and Noela Senoe. Meredith Sedonia Senoe was born too early on Alderaan, and lived less than a day. Her records are clear that Liam Senoe is her father."

I continued to watch the Chancellor. This was a man of consummate skill in presentation. I couldn't help but think what an actor he would have made, but upon Matin's challenge, if I were to name his mood, I would have to say it was guarded. That didn't make sense to me, but then none of this did. I knew no reason that he should have a vested interested in Maron's future.

Chancellor Palpatine glanced at the report, "We are willing to concede that perhaps Liam and Noela had a child together. It doesn't affect the other results."

Matin grinned, reminding me of a hungry lion, "Well perhaps you would care to explain why the testing for the father is identical to the other children."

"The earlier record has been tampered with, perhaps by you," broken in a young Aide. The Chancellor made a motion of his hand for silence.

Matin threw another file on the table between him and the Chancellor. "Alderaan is willing to also confirm that nothing of the sort happened. But there is more to both tests that this body should be aware of. May we ask Tani Claren to come in?"

Reluctantly, the Aide that had been corrected, moved t

 

I confess. My eyes bugged out just a bit at that ending. Gah! You do know how to torment me. First you make me glower at my Palpy, then you make me have warm fuzzies before bedtime because of Tani and now you kill off a character!

 

Nice to see that little bit settled. Although Qui-Gon not having a high-enough midi count? Bah! That shows how short-sighted and arrogant the Jedi are. I've got a bad feeling about this... *Prays for Maron and the Senoes*

 

Ohh! ! wanted to slap that slimy snake Palpatine, how quickly

he can change postions to avoid suspcion and act all supporting.

I don't have details, but she did say that someone is still trying to get to young Maron, by any means."

We were appalled. That sounded ominous.

"Hasn't she explained any details?"

"She didn't have time before someone else got to her." Matin explained somberly."She's dead."

It has gone from bad to worse. I wonder where this story ends. I am sure it will be good.

 

However, he was kind and considerate in his farewells, first to Tani, and then Matin, Nore and ourselves.

Nobody does it better than Palpy.


"I don't have details, but she did say that someone is still trying to get to young Maron, by any means."

That would be the man. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Poor dead girl, she got too close to the man and paid the ultimate price.

 

I think you have me speechless. This story gets better and better all the time, and I pity everyone that is missing out on this.
Bravo, for the twisting and turning of plots, and your good use of genetics! Then to end it with a death, you are following in Ish's footsteps quite well. I don't think she has anything to complain about.

 

Wow...slimy Palpy is right. Great update...trying to catch up after another vacation so a really short review.

I am waiting to see where you take this.

 

Your writing, Noelie, as ever, is evocative and gripping and, in this case, suspensful. It seems as though, the Senoes are out fo they frying pan and into the fire. Who is so intent on ggetting to Maron that they would murder. Why is the Chancellor so intent on this one boy? Was Palpatine actually outwitted by Matin? Interesting quesions, I'd say.

Looking forward to the answers.

 

Another great pair of updates, Noelie! Your characterizations are awesome and I love how you can go so smoothly from sweet to diabolical and back again. I'm really curious about what is going on with everyone and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Great work!

 

I'm hoping for an update sometime soon. This is such an exquisite story.

 

Because of some personal issue, which have direct ties to this fiction, I will continue it, but will only be sending the other chapters by PM.

If you are interested at all please let me know!

 

A/N: Sorry again everyone. Plans have changed, and even though the reason for locking and thinking I would so this by PM continues, my sister Araxie has convinced me this is still how this story should be posted.

I am sorry if that is making you all crazy. Thank you for your patience.

Author Replies will be done tomorrow.

~~~~~

Through the voyage home, I tried to make sense of what had happened to my family.

My feeling was that whoever was behind the attempts to gain control of Marin, had nothing personal in particular against us. It was simply the strange set of circumstances that made Noela and me a little more visible than the average person in the galaxy who might have had a child with the talents of my son, and therefore the perfect targets.

That thought didn't rest comfortably with me. When it first happened, it was too easy to give into the feeling that the Jedi were behind the events, frustrated that once again Qui-Gon had gone behind their collective backs and arranged something he felt was decreed by the Living Force. The message from Matin did completely away with that myth.

I also could not fathom why the state would involve themselves in something where the evidence was so poor. To smear the good name of a senator of Alderaan was unbelievable, and yet we were living this truth.

Whoever did this didn't know, or simply didn't care, that if Noela and Qui-Gon had ever had such a relationship, the pair would have just done it openly and honestly, facing all consequences from their actions as they came. They chose not to. It occurred to me every now and again to wonder at Qui-Gon's fortitude, but since I benefitted by being able to love and marry my Noela I wasn't about to question too deeply why.

I just knew I was glad to set foot on Alderaan again. If I had my way I would never leave our home again.

~~~~

We settled in, and I continued to brood.

Noela and Nore kept the children busy, while I pretended to work. I was the head of a household, a father and husband that loved those that looked to me for guidance and protection, and yet I felt helpless. I wished, like I had never wished before, that I were Jedi. I felt that Qui-Gon would have been far more able to discern where the danger was coming from. All I could do was to follow through with the plans I had started to make during our flight home and they felt inadequate.

Someone wanted my son. That person was willing to use incredible resources to falsify records, and harm the reputation of my wife, and even of myself.

I could hear little Emarli asking when her Uncle Keej would come and see us again. The question made my heart hurt, and I simply couldn't stand much more.

I left the house for the refuge of the old tree that the Ovorp sisters used in the past for moments they wished to be alone. I sat just trying to remember the happy man I had been just weeks before.

"So what are you protecting me from?" The question came softly, almost in harmony with the leaves as they danced along the breezed coming off the distant water. I glanced up to see Noe, a basket in hand, telling me that I hadn't been able to leave unnoticed as I hoped to do, so I could consider what the past few weeks events meant. I didn't want to worry her over nothing.

I held out a hand inviting her to come sit by me on the blanket I had brought. I realized in that moment I knew that she would come to find me. It was a relief just to have her sitting with me as I considered what that terrifying message might mean. Still, with everything she had been through in the last month, I felt strongly that I should try to keep this trouble to myself.

"It really isn't much sweetheart. We have just had a lot of changes, and I don't think that fact is going to be any different anytime in the near future. I do think I won't be doing many parts anymore away from Alderaan. I don't want to be away from you and the children."

"Mmm, I do like that idea,"she gave a contented sigh that reminded me of the soft purring a cat,"although I

 

Well, nice to see this unlocked and updated! Noela and Liam were quite cute there under the tree. And poor guy, too. Got a lot on his plate...

 

I do have to admit right now I wouldn't mind being a Jedi so I could take care of all of you."

She shook her head, "You do take care of all of us, and if you were a Jedi there wouldn't have been an us. I think I prefer the 'us' part of our equation."

She had a point, one I took advantage of for a few minutes, making sure I had kissed her enough for me to feel at home once more.

Aw....

I'm glad to see an update on this great story and can't wait to see where it leads.

By the way, with the Saga awards - you've qualified for three (so far) - close to 100% of those categories you were nommed for. Best of luck, my dear.