Saga The Calm Before - repost of SW Ep2 (Insert Pretentious Title Here) updated 3/6

Going with what seems to be a trend in reposting new and (hopefully improved) versions of old fics on here, I have decided to put this one up again. I am hoping that it will give me the inspiration I need to get off my duff and finally buckle down on its sequel (I know, Tim, I still owe you an outline!)

*grumble, grumble, insert usual disclaimers here* This stuff belongs to the Flanneled One. I'm just playing in his sandbox for a while.

And a special thanks to my betas, princess-sari, JadeSaber, and Darth_Tim. You guys are awesome.

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Chapter 1


The stars snapped into focus as the large dark space cruiser dropped out of hyperspace near a nondescript bluegreen planet. On the bridge, the cruiser?s captain slowly released a breath that he had been unaware he had been holding. Although he expected no resistance from the planet, one could never be too careful. Especially when mission failure meant certain death.

The captain addressed the communications officer. "Have the fighters check in."

"Yes, sir." The communications officer moved his hand across his comm board, only to have it slammed down against the panel by an unseen force.

"There is no need to break communications silence, Captain," a deep voice said. The captain looked over his shoulder at the dark cloaked figure standing in front of the bridge viewport. The dark figure spoke without turning around. "Our escorts have already arrived. Besides, there is nothing out here but the Sessone colony itself."

"You will need less protection from what is out there," the figure intoned, "than you will need from me if you give us away."

The invisible grip on the communication officer?s arm suddenly lifted and he jerked it back close to his body, looking at it as if it were an alien thing.

The captain swallowed hard, summoning his courage. "But how do you know--" He broke off when several fighters streaked across the viewport and descended toward the planet.

The dark figure whirled around, and the hood of the dark cloak fell back, revealing a young man with spiky white hair and feral golden eyes. "Do not question me, Captain," Darth Nemesis said, jabbing a finger in front of the captain?s face. "Everything is on schedule." He strode toward the bridge door. "Send the transports to the surface at once."

The captain bowed stiffly. "Immediately, My Lord!" He sighed in relief when the bridge doors closed behind the departing Sith.

---------------

Hunkered down in the brush, a boy clutched his hunting blaster to his chest and peered between the branches out across the meadow. A small creek ran along the far side of the meadow. The delks would have to cross the large open area to get to it. He grinned as he pictured himself bringing yet another kill into the village. His family would eat fresh meat while everyone else waited on the next supply ship from Alderaan.

Despite his tender age, Numen Brulo was a skilled hunter. The older boys and young men of his village called it luck, but Numen knew better. Most of them were not willing to walk this far away from the settlement, especially at night. He had been out here since dusk, settling on this position because of its proximity to the creek, but more importantly because of its open field of fire. Despite their bulky, placid appearances, delks were light on their feet, and their multifacted eyes gave them an exceptional range of vision. Numen knew that if he hoped to bring one home, he would have to be quick, silent, and accurate. Maybe I can get a male this time, with branched horns. That'll show Timar?

A roaring sound and a sudden gust of hot wind jerked him from his reverie. He saw a dark, boxy transport craft settling into the meadow. Numen squinted through the wind at the unfamiliar ship. Other than the Alderaanian resupply ships, visitors to Sessone were rare, and they usually landed in the fields next to the settlement. Curiosity overcoming his apprehension, Numen stood to get a better

 

OK - I see more sleep deprivation ahead. Damn it, Jae - I do NOT have time for this - but you know I can't resist. Exactly how much did you change?

And is the rewrite complete - or do we have to wait for updates?

Excellent, even the second time around.

CYN

 

Cool, Jae!

Glad to see you're reposting this - it's one of my favorites. Hope it helps with your sequel, too.

 

Wohoo!! Repost!!

And now DotF has some serious competition, I see...LOL

-Tim

 

*sneaks in the back of the thread*

Yeah, yeah, I'm responsible for this rewrite in a way... *ducks projectiles*

Hey, looking good, Jae. Keep it up!

Mel

 

Alright, Jae! You're reposting! You know how much I've loved this story...I'm glad to see it up again.

 

You reposted JJ! Great! I have been checking the fanfic archives the past nine months searching for this fic, it is one of my most loved fics.

Also I'm glad your alive.

So when are you going to write some more A/A
it would do wonders for my mood which has been rather low these past few days.

I reposted my very first fanfic too.

 

This looks good. I'm bookmarking it right now.

 

If watching Conan and the Beastmaster has taught me anything, then I figure this kid'll grow up to be angry, dangerous and very well muscled. Looking forward to the next post!

 

Ooh! You started the repost! Cool!

And a special thanks to my betas, princess-sari, JadeSaber, and Darth_Tim. You guys are awesome.

Awwww.... thanks, Jae!

 

Re-post it and they will come... I hope!

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. I don't anticipate that there will be major changes to the story itself, hopefully just changes to tighten up the narrative and improve the characterizations. Though if I get an off-the-wall idea for the sequel that require a major change here, I will certainly include it.

But now I must ponder what gifts to give out to loyal readers. Ish was easy - sharp words and insults were all that she needed, but that might not work on everyone. Suggestions?

 

Chapter 2


Removed from the bustle and urban sprawl, the Jedi Temple stood alone in its section of the planet-wide city. The architecture of the surrounding area had been deliberately designed at a smaller scale, as a sign of the respect that the original architects had felt for the Jedi Order.

At the top of the one of the spires, the Jedi Council chamber afforded its occupants a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Coruscant. At the moment, however, Obi-Wan Kenobi was not enjoying the view - he was attempting to answer questions from the Council. Questions about his apprentice.

Again.

"It was just a fistfight, Master." Obi-Wan addressed the dark-skinned human seated in front of him. "And it was over almost as quickly as it began."

"Resulting in one Padawan at the healers' with a broken nose and another with a split lip." Jedi Master Mace Windu?s eyes bored into him. "And I understand that Anakin has a black eye."

"The outcome matters not," said Yoda. "His first altercation, this is not. Too quick to anger is he. Control. He must learn control." He rapped his gimmer stick against the floor for emphasis.

"What prompted this latest outburst?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked. The other Council members leaned forward. They were all interested in the progress of Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan tucked his hands into the sleeves of his cloak. "As you know, Masters, over the last several years, there have been a number of slave emancipation missions to outlying worlds. Anakin is frustrated because he doesn?t understand why there has not yet been such a mission to Tatooine."

"The Senate and the Supreme Chancellor?s office set the priorities for emancipation missions." Master Windu shook his head. "The personal concerns of one Jedi Padawan are irrelevant."

"I am aware of that, Master," Obi-Wan replied. "Explaining it to my headstrong apprentice is another matter entirely."

"I am sure it is." Master Adi Gallia regarded Obi-Wan with humor and sympathy. "Please continue."

"Two Padawans that just returned from the recent mission to Bespin were taunting Anakin about his background and the fact that his mother is still a slave." Obi-Wan kept his opinion of the offending Padawans to himself. Anakin wasn't the only one in need of self-control. "They hinted that there would never be a mission to the Tatooine because, quote: "there's nothing out there worth saving." He paused. ?That?s when Anakin attacked them."

"Where is Anakin now, Obi-Wan?" Mace asked.

"In the gardens, Master," replied Obi-Wan. "I sent him there to calm down."

"Go to him, then," ordered Yoda. He leaned forward in his chair, his blue eyes intense. "Gain control, he must, Obi-Wan! A powerful Jedi, he will be, but dangerous if he does not learn!"

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan bowed and left.

---------------

Obi-Wan strode toward the gardens, his thoughts in turmoil. Anakin was the most talented Padawan in the Temple; that was obvious to everyone. Although Obi-Wan harbored few doubts about his ability to train the boy, he occasionally wished for Qui-Gon?s wisdom to guide him. This was one of those times. Anakin?s situation was so unusual that no one had much to offer in the way of advice. Even Master Yoda just said, "Trust your instincts, you should."

Most potential Jedi were brought to the Temple before they were a year old. Anakin was nine when he arrived; practically an ancient. No one that old had ever been accepted for training, but within a year of his arrival, he had caught up with and surpassed all of the other pupils his age. The Force swirled about him like a storm, and his potential seemed unlimited.

In the eyes of the other students, Anakin had not paid his dues. He had come into the Temple already apprenticed to a Jedi. He never had to struggle through training every day, hoping to be noticed by a Master and selected as a Padawan. Obi-Wan knew that Anakin could feel their jealousy and resentment, and that he responded by being aloof and indifferent. To mak

 

Up?

 

Great post, Jae. I like the interaction between Anakin and Obi-Wan. I think Obi-Wan shows just the right mix of patience and exasperation with Anakin, especially since Anakin seems to have the ability to find your last nerve and tap-dance on it. I find Anakin's political views a bit chilling, though.

 

Yes, yes, I'm morally obligated to reply...

Excellent post - I think this scene is very revealing with Anakin's character, which is something that's rare but necessary this early in the story. So many hints that can go to the light or dark at this point, which is precisely what a good prequel story needs.

Lovely work, as usual.

Mel

 

I always think it interesting when PT writers explore how politics affect (or is percieved to affect) the actions of the Jedi Order. I always pictured Anakin as a "screw it, we're fixing the problem NOW" type of person and you do a great job portraying it, and his frustrations at being unable to do anything about it...

-Tim

 

Anakin's lack of patience with everything is definitely one of his worst faults, and leads to his downfall. Not that his lack of patience with bureaucracy wasn't understandable, but it didn't do anyone any good.

Great post, Jae.

 

I love your characterization of Anakin, Jae. It is super! His emotions range so much from moment to moment, and you've captured that tendancy brilliantly!

You've also done a great job with Obi. Just when he seems to be on his last ounce of patience, he reaches down and finds more...

 

*Sigh* I love this story. I'm so glad you're reposting it, Jae! It's one of my favorites, and I never get tired of reading it!

 

WOOHOO! MORE COOL STORY!

 

Mely: Glad I could appeal to your sense of decency. When honey doesn't work, strong-arm tactics will.

Tim: I think I may be saying GMTA to you a lot.

Tracy: Bureaucracy drives everyone nuts. And you've never met bureaucracy until you've been in the service. Unless you've been to the NC DMV.

Jade: Strong praise coming from the boards' toughest beta.

sari, you're back! Now where is the next post for "More Than Shadows?"

sabercrazy: How about right now?


-----------------------

Anakin?s long legs carried him toward the healers wing as he mulled over his conversation with Obi-Wan. His master did not seem overly concerned about his vision. Maybe it is not as urgent as it seems, he thought. But it seems so real. And it hurts so much.

Lost in thought, he rounded a corner and plowed over someone coming from the opposite direction.

He looked down at the surprised face of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Oh, no? "I am so sorry, Your Excellency," he exclaimed as he helped the man to his feet. He bowed. "It was completely my fault ? I was not paying attention to where I was going."

"It?s quite all right, young Skywalker. I am fine," Palpatine said. Looking critically at Anakin?s swollen left eye, he added, "However, I?m not sure I can say the same for you. What happened to your eye?"

Embarrassed, Anakin covered his eye with his hand. "A minor disagreement with a couple of fellow Padawans, Supreme Chancellor. Nothing to be concerned about."

"Hmm, I?m not so sure," said Palpatine, putting his hand on Anakin?s back in a fatherly manner. "Swollen eye or not, wouldn?t you normally have sensed someone around the corner?"

Anakin sighed. "Yes, sir," he said. "I have been distracted a bit of late."

"May I be of assistance?" Palpatine asked. "After all, I am still in your debt for your heroism at Naboo."

Anakin hesitated. The Chancellor had the power to help him. But was it right to ask? Why not? The Council won?t help! "Sir, is there any chance of an emancipation mission to Tatooine any time soon?"

?Tatooine?? The Supreme Chancellor looked puzzled for a moment. "Ah, yes, your homeworld! I thought there had already been a mission." He frowned when Anakin shook his head. "But certainly the homeworld of one of our esteemed Jedi apprentices would be high on the list for emancipation - especially one as gifted and accomplished as you. Why hasn?t there been one?"

Now it was Anakin?s turn to look puzzled. "Sir, I was under the impression that your office set the priorities for emancipation missions."

Palpatine shook his head. "A special Senate committee drew up a list of worlds that met the criteria. Tatooine was on it. The list was submitted to the Jedi Council ? it is they who set the priorities for missions." Seeing Anakin?s face cloud with confusion and anger, he hastily added. "I am on my way to see the Council now about another matter. I will see what I can do."

Moved that the Chancellor would do such a thing for him, Anakin bowed. "Thank you, Your Excellency. You have no idea what this means to me."

Palpatine smiled and patted the boy on the shoulder. "Give it no more thought, son. Now run along and get your eye looked after."

Blue eyes shining in gratitude, Anakin bowed again and rushed off toward the clinic.

---------------

Late that afternoon, Obi-Wan stood in the corner of one the Temple?s training rooms. Anakin was in the center of the room, kneeling with his back to his master. With a flick of his wrist, Obi-Wan sent four remotes careening in Anakin?s direction. Almost before they got into position, Anakin was on his feet with his lightsaber activated. He swiftly deflected the tiny blaster bolts, moving almost too fast for the eye to follow. Three of the remotes went down, burned out by deflected hits from their own weapons.

Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and took control of the fourth remote before his apprentice could destroy it. He jinked it around t

 

Good post, Jenn. Poor Ani. Mace...grrr...

Bureaucracy in the service, huh? If it's worse than the school system, I guess I should be glad I turned down that Army commission I was offered.

 

*thwacks Palpatine with very large, very hard, and very pointy stick*

Great post...

-Tim

 

Tracy, if you've ever read Catch-22, the Army is like that...only about 10 times worse.

Records officer: "Fill out this form."

Jae: "That's not the one I need."

P.O.: "You have to fill this out to get that one."

Jae: "So I'm filling out this form so I can get another form to make a request to see my own personnel file?"

P.O.: "Yes."

Jae: *censored due to extreme violence and offensive language*


Tim: I thought that thwacking stick wasn't allowed out of the chat room...

 

Records officer: "Fill out this form."

Jae: "That's not the one I need."

P.O.: "You have to fill this out to get that one."

Jae: "So I'm filling out this form so I can get another form to make a request to see my own personnel file?"

P.O.: "Yes."

Jae: *censored due to extreme violence and offensive language* >>

Ahh, so that explains the later scene when Obi is ticked off about filling out paperwork, I see...

Hehehe.

-Tim