Beyond - Legends Rising Hope, Rising Darkness (Completed 5/27)

For those of you who haven't already started reading this one in the classic forum, head over there.

I hope that this will draw in some new folks, and here's a taste of what to come, with the last post from the classic forum.



"You never did explain how you managed to avoid Vader for all those years," Leia said. This was a discussion that Leia had intended to have with her mother for months now, but circumstances had prevented it. "After all, I'm sure that he looked for you on Naboo."

"He did. In fact, Anakin's first step after his duel with Obi-Wan was to attempt to seek me out. He thought that Obi-Wan had turned against him, and, at least according to Pooja, wanted to protect me from Obi-Wan."

"But he didn't find you there."

"No. Obi-Wan, in addition to seeing that my children were kept hidden and safe from Anakin, also thought that I should hide myself. Anakin was in a rage when he didn't find me, and I heard rumors that he considered destroying the planet," Padme said, and regretted it when she saw Leia wince, probably, she thought, at the thought of Alderaan, destroyed as a demonstration of the Death Star's destructive power.

"It sounds like Obi-Wan planned this in advance."

"I think he could see where Anakin was going, and wanted to have a plan in case he was unable to bring Ani back from the path he was beginning to tread."

"So where did you hide?"

"I originally headed for the planet Kamino, where the clones had come from. I later joined Obi-Wan on Tatooine, though keeping my distance to avoid jeopardizing both his safety and that of Luke. Then, when reports began to surface of my death," she paused, "I returned to Naboo, living with my sister."

"And probably keeping a low profile," Leia said. "Since I'm sure that Vader..."

"Anakin," Padme corrected.

"Mother, I may have accepted who he was, but I grew up seeing him as Vader, and hating him as Vader. I wasn't there to see the face behind the mask when he died aboard the second Death Star."

"And I never knew him as Vader. I hear the name, and can't help but see the little boy I met on Tatooine, or the young man who stole my heart ten years later. And that," she said, a fire appearing in her eyes that Leia knew had to be in her own when she had made up her mind about something, "is the image I would prefer to keep."

"I'm sorry," Leia said, realizing that her mom wouldn't want to be reminded of what her husband had become. "So, did you help raise your nieces?"

"Yes. I guess I believed that helping with them would soothe the ache of not being able to raise my own children. I once considered visiting you on Alderaan, but Obi-Wan and Bail felt that it would be too much of a risk."

"I take it you tried to keep some knowledge of what we were doing then," Leia said.

"I wouldn't be much of a mother if I didn't."

++++++++++++


That's it for now, more to come tomorrow, hopefully.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

This looks great Tych.

 

Nice update. The conflict between Leia's hatred of Vader and Padmes Love for Anakin was well written.

I had thought that you completely forgot about Padme being found.

Can't wait for more.

 

I'm back and better than ever. OK...Kun's dead...Ulic Qel-Droma's been redeemed, as has Vader...Palpy bit the dust with Empatoyajos Brand on Ossus...I guess that leaves old man Bane talking with Eclepsa.

PADMÉ!!!! She's still with us?! Lovely surprise.

I hope you understand if I've been skipping over the Jacen/TK content.

 

That was really well written. You got Padmé and Leia spot on. Hope there's more soon!

 

I'm back, Tych- great post and all, and nice new thread!

 

Sara: Glad you liked it.

bat21: You thought I forgot about Padme? Now why would I do that?

Seb: Nice summary of where the Dark Jedi are, but I'm going to keep the secret of who's talking to Eclepsa my own for a little longer. As for Padme, if you recall, she turned up at the end of "Out of the Past." I understand your skipping over Jacen/TK, but you might want to keep an eye on the trial, even if TK is involved.

lightsaber_wielder: That's what I try for, though I know I'm not always successful. More will be coming, don't you worry.

Saber: Glad to see you made it over here.

And now, who's ready for more? *looks around, sees that people are waiting.* Okay, then here goes!


"Star Destroyer moving to intercept us," Kell said, suddenly realizing just how vulnerable they were. "Sticks, Headhunter, keep your eyes open, but do, not, repeat, do not, move to engage." A pair of comm clicks indicated the acknowledgement from the pair of X-Wings. Kell turned to Dia. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'm going to be."

"Sunblade, this is the Serpent's Smile," Tavira's voice said over the comm. Kell immediately began attempting to check the ID. It didn't take long for the program, supplied by Republic Crypt Chief Ghent, to reveal that it was, in fact, Invidious. "Please state your reason for being in the system."

"Greetings, Admiral," Dia replied, hoping her voice sounded as composed as she hoped it did, because she felt anything but composed. "This is Captain Seku of the Hawk-bats. I believe you had a proposal to make?"

"I thought we would be speaking with General Kargin," Tavira said.

"The General, unfortunately, was slightly wounded in a recent raid on the Tinta line. If we could come aboard, I can explain in more detail."

"Of course. Bay Alpha Two is clear for your use," Tavira said, planning things so that she could space the lot of them if this somehow turned out to be a deception. "I look forward to meeting you."

"The pleasure is mine. Seku out."

"Looks like we have got our audience," Ashein said.

"Now, let's see what damage we can arrange to do," Kell said. "Sticks, Headhunter, on us."

"Roger that," came Kyp's reply. Dia brought the shuttle to a smooth landing in the smaller hanger bay, the X-Wings touching down on either side of the Narra, codenamed Sunblade for the operation. She powered down the engines, and lowered the ramp, leading the others down.

"Admiral Tavira," Dia said, extending a hand to the woman with who she hoped to "gain employment."

"Captain Seku. May I present Captains Niquip," she indicated the human man standing behind her to the right, "and Odnalro." The human nodded, but the Barabel didn't move.

"A pleasure to meet you. This is Commander Norad, and Major Fraust," she said, indicating Kell and Bhindi, respectively. "Also, Lieutenants Resir, and Breish," she motioned to Jag Fel and Ashein. "And these are tow of our best pilots, Arlah and Zeeth," she said, as Jaina and Kyp joined the rest of the crew.

Jaina had put in contacts that made her normally brown eyes a sulfurous yellow, and a streak of red now ran through the middle of her brown hair. Kyp had opted for an eyepatch, and shaved a section of hair in a straight line from the patch, creating an impression of dead skin. Jag had dyed his black hair golden, and had falsely tattooed a delta wedge across his left cheek. Dia had to admit, without close scrutiny, she would never have guessed that three of the most prominent figures from the war with the Yuuzhan Vong stood with her.

?Now, perhaps you will join me for a drink while we discuss terms,? Tavira said, leading the group from the hanger.

++++++++++++


That's it for now. More might be coming tomorrow, but I've got company coming in the evening, and work during the day. So if not tomorrow, Tuesday for sure.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

Well, here's a bit more, though it's more TK and Jacen than anything else.



Tenel Ka returned from the trial to find her husband engaged in a trial of his own. Jacen was, at the moment she entered, attempting to change the diaper of a squirming Teneniel, while she giggled and simply squirmed more. Tenel Ka couldn't help but smile as Jacen finally managed to complete the process, only to hear Anakana, begin to cry. Jacen rolled his eyes as he carried Teneniel back to the crib, a slight grin appearing as he caught sight of his apparently amused wife.

*They've been like this all day,* he sent through the Force. *I think that I may finally get a break, and then the other one starts in.*

Tenel Ka joined him, and scooped Anakana, the younger of the twins, even if it only by a matter of a minute, into her arm. The crying baby immediately quieted. "Apparently," Tenel Ka said, "there are some things that just come naturally to a mother." She began to rock the child, as Jacen headed to the refresher, presumably to wash his hands. When he emerged five minutes later, it became apparent that he had also ducked his head under.

"So how did things go today?"

"Isala made a strong opening argument, clearing the way for the case that she intends to present." Jacen had switched on the holovid unit, which was apparently left on a news network.

"You will see, before this trial is over, that the prosecution has no hard evidence against my client," said Luap Namyeh, the lawyer representing Fyor Rodan. "They will present evidence of my client's dislike for the Queen Mother's consort, and the fact that an attack did take place, but they have no hard evidence that my client ordered the attack. And with that burden of proof not fulfilled, you must release..." Jacen never heard the end, and Tenel Ka used the Force to flip the unit off.

"She does know that her case is hopeless, doesn't he?" Jacen asked.

"From her point of view, she'll never be completely without options. She'll try and divert the attention of the judges. Good as she is, I don't think that she'll be able to convince those three that Fyor wasn't at least indirectly responsible. Especially when Isala's armed with that juicy bit of recorded evidence."

"Plus the fact that the Queen Mother knows the truth of the matter?" Jacen asked.

"We know what we saw," Tenel Ka said, as she strode slowly back to the crib, Anakana asleep, one thumb in her mouth, in her mother's arm.

++++++++++++


Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

Icky icky goo. As regards the previous post, I liked the way you described the usual suspects--wonder what Wedge, Han, et al. would say if they saw their young ones in get-ups like those. Not very happy, methinks.

 

Nice posts.

 

Seb: I'd agree about the "icky-icky poo". Regarding the other post, I have a feeling that Wedge and Han wouldn't be thrilled, but they'd understand that these things needed to be done. And Wedge will get to see them, seeing that he's the only one who would possibly be willing to fly as an Ewok.

yoda: Thanks.

And now, how about we return to Coruscant and the committee looking into the events surrounding Lumiya's downfall?


"Wedge had told me of some of his suspicions, which I felt were borne out when Fyor Rodan and his faction attempted to oust General Bel Iblis. Such a maneuver would have weakened the Republic military at a time when such an act could have caused irrevocable damage."

"Why do you say this, General?" Releqy asked. "Just for the record."

"Shortly after the attack that was blamed on Booster, er, Captain Terrik, there was a second attack, this one taking place on Ryloth and causing the deaths of numerous Twi-leks. I'm sure this committee can bring up the totals without my aid."

"And you concurred with General Antilles about the necessity of keeping the Senate unaware of your actions?" Ta'laam asked.

"I thought I made that clear," Han said, then mentally kicked himself for the remark. "Though I think that this body is better at keeping out spies than the previous Senate, one of the things I've learned through life is that the more people who know about your actions, the more chance there is for somebody to leak the secret. So yes, I felt it better if the politicians didn't know everything."

"You didn't want to tip your hand, which I can certainly understand," Bremen said. "But you have to admit that you took a pretty big risk."

"Did you tell your son?" Ta'laam asked.

"No, I didn't even tell Jacen everything that was going on. As I've tried to make clear, I didn't have time to discuss this in a committee. I think that when it came to the military aspects, the only ones who knew everything were Wedge, Admiral Gilad Pellaeon, and myself."

"You didn't inform General Bel Iblis?"

"I didn't have the opportunity. I was actually one my way to discuss the situation with Garm when a group of pirates got the drop on me and kidnapped me, hauling me to the Dark Lady. I hope you'll understand if I don't want to talk about that experience."

++++++++++++


That's all for now. I'll try and get some more written tomorrow, on my day off.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

Ah, the good ol' saying about loose lips. There was an awful lot of that business going on in WWII, as I recall. Perfect way for Han to stick it to Pwoe and Rodan's cronies.

 

Seb: Yes, the curse of the loose lips. Just think how quickly Han might have gotten nabbed if Pwoe and Rodan had heard about Wedge's ideas.

And now, a lot more!


"The Hapan Cluster?" Dia questioned, acting the shocked part of Captain Seku, even though Intelligence seemed to think that the Hapans would probably be Tavira's target. After all, the Hapans were the ones who saw Rodan arrested. "If you don't mind my saying so, Admiral, that's crazy!"

"It actually makes a great deal of sense if you look at it correctly. Our forces can strike at any time, forcing the Hapans to keep moving forces around," Tavira replied, ignoring the implied insult.

"The attention of the witch will also be on the trial of Senator Rodan," said the aristocratic woman that Tavira had, for some reason, avoided introducing. "If her attention is elsewhere, she will not be able to adequately place her forces in order to stop you."

"I presume you refer to the Queen Mother," Kyp said, almost as though he were testing for a reaction.

"She does not deserve the position. She makes a mockery of Hapan culture, bringing the whole Cluster under the rule of a man. She should have been ousted long ago, but with the Jedi standing by her side, nobody has the guts to challenge her."

"And those who do probably find their lives considerably shortened," Jaina said, continuing on the trail that Kyp had begun.

"What Djo does or does not do is of no concern now," said Ashein. "What is of concern is what the Hawk-bats will get out of this deal. I can see how our joining with you benefits the Invidious, Admiral. But what reason do we have to join you?"

"You would gain the protection of a Star Destroyer on certain raids. And the worlds of Hapes would lie open to you to plunder on your own, while the Hapans are dealing with another strike from my forces."

"I see," Dia said. "Your proposal is extremely enticing, but I will have to confirm things with General Kargin before I can give you our word."

"The offer will remain open for another three days. Respond within that time, or else the Hawk-bats will be treated as my enemies."

"Which means," Odnalro said, "You will be hunted down, and exterminated. And this one suggests that you recall that Barabels are renowned for our skills as hunters."

"You shall have our answer within the allotted time," Dia said.

"Commander," Tavira ordered, "accompany our guests back to their shuttle."

"Yes, ma'am," the stormtrooper commander said, as he escorted the Hawk-bats from the room. They boarded the shuttle, and lifted off, Kell having scanned the surface for mines, while Kyp and Jaina checked the interior. Normally, such precautions might seem odd, but Jaina recalled her father's story about the Defel that had planted a tracking device inside the Lady Luck at one point.

"Opinions?" Dia asked, once they were sure that the shuttle was not compromised in any way.

"I think they're on the level. I just don't like the idea of having to attack the Hapans on our own at some point," Jaina said.

"The Barabel is suspicious," Ashein said. "However, it is in their nature. What of the woman? The one who was not introduced?"

"She seems to have a real grudge against Tenel Ka," Jag said. "I suppose it's too much of a coincidence that she complains about Tenel Ka's behavior?"

"You're referring to the challenge she defeated?" Jaina asked, recalling that the challenger had been exiled from Hapes following the confrontation.

"You think that she's the one who lost?" Bhindi asked.

"It's not outside the realm of possibility. It would also give Tavira another reason to go after the Hapans," Kyp said. "Either way, I think that Tavira's too big a threat to ignore."

"I'll contact Cracken and get him to send Face as soon as possible," Dia said. "Seeing as this whole mission relies on the presence of "General Kargin of the Hawk-bats" if it's going to work."

"I'll see about getting through to my uncle," Jag said.

++++++++++++


Force be with y

 

Whoops, guess I forgot to update the title line of the thread.

Anyhow, here's a bit more.

The second day of Fyor Rodan's trial dawned foggy, gray, and cold, almost as though Hapes itself was condemning the former senator. "The prosecution calls Admiral Orugas." The admiral took the stand, glancing briefly at Rodan as she entered the chamber. "Please state your name and rank for the court."

"Idad Orugas, Admiral, Hapan Navy."

"You were present at the engagement that took place over Hapes in which the Song of War was attacked, were you not?"

"I was."

"Would you please describe the events as you recall them?"

"Song of War was bringing Queen Mother Djo back from Coruscant, after dropping off Jedi Solo."

"As the Queen Mother's consort, what was Jacen Solo doing on Coruscant?"

"At the time, Jedi Solo was representing Hapes in the Republic Senate."

"The assault on the Song of War was planned and executed quite well, wouldn't you say?"

"Objection," Luap Namyeh said. "The prosecution is calling for an opinion."

"Your Honors, I am asking Admiral Orugas for her opinion as a professional soldier."

"The objection is overruled," Pooja said. "The witness will answer the question."

"From a military standpoint, it was extremely well planned. They knew just when to hit us."

"Is this information that would be available to the general public?"

"A military officer might know the weaknesses of our forces, and perhaps some politicians would be able to access such reports, but I would say that most people probably wouldn't know."

"Who knew of the Queen Mother's return?"

"Objection, hearsay."

"Sustained."

"The prosecution has no further questions at this time, but reserves the right to recall this witness."

++++++++++++


Hope that might get some discussion going. I should be able to get something more up tomorrow.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

*munchs on popcorn and drinks pepsi*

DIE RODAN DIE!

 

yoda: Rodan's trial will continue to proceed.

And now, should we check in on the Hawk-bats?

"We have to let Tenel Ka know what's going on," Jaina argued. "To do anything less would be to risk losing the Hapans as our allies."

"Jaina, much as I agree that it's less than honorable to allow Tavira's actions to go unhampered, we can't let the Hapans know. If the Hapans know that Tavira's coming, they'll have their forces ready to obliterate her. That would make our whole mission worthless."

"Is it worthless to prevent bloodshed?" Jaina asked. "You're talking about lives here!"

"He's right, Jaina," Kyp said.

"Like you should talk," Jaina said. "You've never placed other people's lives ahead of your own goals."

"Think, Colonel," Dia said, attempting to smooth things out. "Intelligence put this together because they think there's something more to this than meets the eye. Something, or someone, is organizing this charade. Perhaps it is the Hapan woman we encountered on Invidious. Perhaps not. Either way, we need to find out. And if there is someone with an ulterior motive, don't we owe it to the Republic to learn just who it is?"

Jaina realized that Dia was speaking the truth. "I still think we ought to let Tenel Ka know. Even if it's just a warning of what's to come. If we send it the right way, we can keep her from overreacting and doing more harm than good."

"Jacen?" Kyp asked.

"Of course," Jaina replied. "Who knows her better? Jacen will know how to phrase the warning so that Tenel Ka's aware of the coming storm, but isn't going to act in such a way that she ruins things. And Jacen will also know how to suggest that she not commit her forces too strongly to engagements that we're..."

"No. The part about warning the Queen Mother is good," Wedge Antilles said, joining the "Hawk-Bats". "Doing so, however, will send warnings to Tavira as well. She needs to think that we're being attacked with the same force that the Hapans are using against her. Otherwise, she'll begin to suspect that we are working against her."

"The voice of experience," Kyp said.

"Quite right, Durron. You've all had enough downtime since your visit with Tavira. It's time that we get some training in."

"Training?" Kyp asked. "Pardon me, General, but do we really need that? Most of us have seen combat against the Yuuzhan Vong."

Wedge tossed a look in Dia's direction. "They don't know much about Wraith Squadron, do they?"

"I'd say not, Comm- General," Dia said, almost reverting to calling Wedge by his former rank. "A little pirating practice might be a good thing for them."

++++++++++++


That's it for now. More to come soon.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

If we send it the right way, we can keep her from overreacting and doing more harm than good.

Bwaha, I love it. Keep 'em coming.

 

Glad you're enjoying it, Sebby. I don't think that line was intended to be funny, but then, who am I to judge the sense of humor of others?

And here's some more, as requested.


"You mentioned a surprise for Admiral Tavira," Maaizeh said, sounding a little irritated. "Yet all that we've been doing is making sure that some of Corellia's politicians aren't going to get in the way of Republic forces."

"Look below the surface," Corran counseled. "What you've just described is what we hope the politicians see. What we're really doing here is something all together different."

"You're setting Corellia up as a base, aren't you?" Sebrona asked. "The politicians you've been talking to all have connections with either the military or the Public Safety Service. That suggests that you're worried they might try and stop something slightly illegal."

"Exactly. Certain parties in Republic Intelligence contacted me..."

"Due to your background in Corellian Security," Maaizeh said.

"...and suggested that my connections on Corellia might make it the perfect place for a phony pirate organization to set up shop. Tavira has made contact with the group,"

"And they're en route," said Garik "Face" Loran. "After all, Tavira's eventually going to want to meet with General Kargin."

"You're not going to try and use the same tactic that you used against Zsinj, I hope," Maaizeh said. "Considering that I doubt even Tavira's dumb enough to risk falling for an old trick."

"She wants to believe that the involvement of the Hawk-bats in Zsinj's demise was a case of bad luck. I doubt the possibility of betrayal by pirates will even cross her mind, since she grew used to having pirate commanders fawn over her during the Invid raids," Face said.

"More than that," Corran added. "She'll be looking for trouble within the pirate groups, rather than outside. After all, they're pirates. What would they have to gain by betraying her? Especially since very few pirate groups would be able to withstand an all-out assault by an Imperial Star Destroyer."

"And those that do," Sebrona added, "have no reason to link up with Tavira."

"Exactly."

"So they Hawk-bats are going to re-emerge in the Corellian Sector," Maaizeh said, "while we wait to bring Tavira down?"

"We'll probably have to do some minor damage control," Corran said, "but we will be available to help take Tavira down, if need be."

++++++++++++


Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

very nice posts. I wonder what Eclipsa is up to?

By the way i made a new fic. If you wouldn't mind checking it out its. The Hope for the Future its in this forum.

 

"You mentioned a surprise for Admiral Lumiya,"

I thought Lumiya was dead already? Do you mean Tavira? Speak of the devil, I also was going to ask what Eclepsa's been up to lately. Oh, what a tangled web Corran weaves.

 

yoda: Eclepsa will be showing up again shortly, but she's only a minor character in this fic.

Seb: Whoops! I made a slight little error, which has now been corrected. And as for Corran, it's all part of the greater plan.


And to quote Sebby, speak of the devil!


"Your anger is like a flame" the voice said, soft and enticing. The voice had become a central part of Eclepsa's life, to the point that she woke up hoping to hear it. "But it isn't developed; it isn't refined."

"I can feel my anger, and use it to my advantage."

"But have you learned to control your anger? Can you wield it like a master swordsman wields a blade? No, right now, your anger is like a wave, crashing over and destroying everything in its path."

"Which is all I need to deal with Skywalker."

"That is what your master thought, and it led her to her doom. I can teach you to control your anger. You must feel it around you. You must learn to harness it for some actions, and to let it loose for others. Simply using your anger won't allow you to achieve your goals, because there are always some who will be able to withstand the power of your anger."

"Then teach me to control it! Teach how to refine it, so that I can face Skywalker and bring about the end of the order."

"After you have done that, what will you do? You wish to kill Luke Skywalker, and bring about what you see as your destiny, is that it?"

"Killing Skywalker is my destiny."

"You do not yet see clearly."

"And I suppose you do?"

"What I see before me is an apprentice, deprived of her master before she was prepared. The path you tread now is one that you must blaze on your own, but it will lead the Sith to a greater future."

++++++++++++


That's all for now, more will be coming some time tomorrow, either before or after work.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

who is the voice? i must know...soon.

 

I think that question is the Bane of your existence, yodaminch.

 

yoda: Patience, my friend. In time, the answer will come.

Sebby: It does seem to act as a Bane to him, doesn't it?


And now, onto a bit more!


"You were not in command of Song of War during the attack, were you?" Luap Namyeh asked Admiral Orugas.

"No. I was commanding one of our other Battle Dragons, preparing to escort the Queen Mother down to the surface."

"So you cannot say what occurred aboard Queen Mother Djo's ship."

"That is correct."

"In fact, you have nothing linking my client to the attack at all, do you, Admiral? I remind you that you are under oath."

"Counselor, I am simply a military officer. Gathering intelligence on the enemy is something that I leave to others. But speaking as an officer of the military, I believe that the attack was indeed aimed at the Queen Mother."

"Your honors, I request that the witness' last statement be stricken," Luap said.

"Your Honors, counsel for the defense opened the door to the response. She asked a question which required an opinion," Isala said, rising to her feet.

"The court will consider the last response of the witness, but only," Rolyata Krikles said, looking directly at Luap, "as an opinion, not as a guaranteed fact." Luap looked as though she was going to argue the matter, and then appeared to consider otherwise.

"I have no further questions for the admiral," Luap said.

"Admiral, you may step down," Rolyata said.

"The prosecution calls on Asarta."

++++++++++++


That's it for tonight, but I should be able to get some more up tomorrow.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel

 

Where did everybody go? *Wonders if self should continue posting in the classic forum. Thinks, decides to continue here*


Luke Skywalker stared out the window, looking out at the silhouette of the Manari mountains, off in the distance. Even after all that this planet has been through, they have remained constant. Indeed, the mountains had watched as the Old Republic fell to the Empire, which in turn fell to the New Republic. They had seen the Yuuzhan Vong conquer the planet, and even shift it from its original orbit into the new orbit, just slightly closer to the system's sun. And now, he thought, they have seen yet another galactic government form. Will this, I wonder, seem to last as long as the mountains themselves? Will they see the Jedi continue to expand and grow, or will they see us fall again to some unforeseen cataclysm?

Luke was so caught up in his reverie that he didn't hear Mara enter the room, accompanied by Leia and Padme. "He's been doing this a lot lately," Mara said to Leia. "Beginning to think, and then losing all track of what's going on around him. One might begin to wonder if something's wrong, and then he suddenly snaps out of it."

"I've told you before," Luke said, rising with an unintended groan. He guessed that he had been sitting for far longer than he thought. "Jedi Masters just tend to get a little eccentric. After all, most of the people on Tatooine considered Obi-Wan to be 'just a crazy old man.'"

"I don't think anybody would have said that about him when he was younger," Padme replied.

"I look back, and I think it was probably due to the fact that he secluded himself from the rest of the planet. Mostly, I think he did it to avoid detection by the Empire, or to protect me."

"Obi-Wan always tended to be a little on the conservative and careful side. I remember him saying that accepting responsibility for training Anakin was the most impulsive thing he had ever done."

"And it took another Skywalker to draw him off Tatooine," Mara said, throwing a look at Leia. "A fact for which I am eternally grateful." She turned her attention back towards Luke. "So what exactly were you thinking about this time, farmboy?"

"I was thinking about the mountains, actually."

"The mountains?"

"They've seen so much. They're probably the one thing on the whole planet that went untouched by the Yuuzhan Vong. They've survived the Empire and the Rebellion. And they will be here, enduring, when we have long since become dust. And then I wonder if the new order of Jedi will have swelled to the numbers of the Order in the days of the Old Republic."

++++++++++++


That's it for now. More to come tomorrow.

Force be with you,

Tych_sel